Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Huano Strawberry Latte offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Ink Yellow is renowned for its shorter travel distance, making it an excellent choice for those who desire a typing experience that straddles the line between laptop keyboards and traditional mechanical switches. Its delightful smoothness paired with a pleasant clackiness provides an engaging tactile feedback, suitable for users who value both responsiveness and auditory enjoyment. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte distinguishes itself with its super smooth operation, derived from the latest molds, delivering a balanced sound profile that strikes a middle ground—not too quiet yet not overwhelmingly resonant. This makes it an appealing option for those who prioritize a refined and seamless typing experience without compromising on sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow switches and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches, distinct differences emerge that affect both their tactile feel and the auditory traits they produce. The Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend top housing that is notably designed to produce a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This aspect contributes to a clacky auditory feedback when typing, fostering an engaging experience that many users prize. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte’s top housing is made from POK material, known for its smoothness and relatively lower friction coefficient. While both materials contribute to a satisfying clacky sound, the key difference lies in their underlying composition and resultant textures, which can influence the overall typing experience.
The bottom housing of each switch also tells a tale of contrasting materials and their effects on sound and feel. The Ink Yellow utilizes an INK blend bottom housing, mirroring the qualities of its top housing, which further emphasizes the high-pitched sound profile. This consistency creates a seamless auditory experience between the press and release of the switch. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte employs a nylon bottom housing that is softer and more sound-absorbing, leading to a deeper, fuller sound profile. Consequently, users will notice that while the Ink Yellow maintains a higher-pitched and sharp auditory experience, the Strawberry Latte benefits from a rounder sound signature due to the natural dampening properties of the nylon.
Though the top and bottom housing materials are different for each switch type, their combined effects generate distinct yet enjoyable results. In the case of the Ink Yellow, the use of an INK blend throughout both the top and bottom allows for a uniform sound profile that resonates with users seeking a brighter auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte’s unique blend of POK and nylon produces a richer and more varied auditory profile, balancing the smoother upper register with a deeper resonance from the bottom. Overall, while the switches do offer different tactile sensations and sound experiences due to their varied materials, users can expect satisfying performance in either choice, showcasing how the interplay of materials can lead to a diverse range of keyboard experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Yellow switch has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a significantly lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a preferred choice for those who favor a less strenuous typing experience. Consequently, typists and gamers looking for a more relaxed feel during extended use might gravitate toward the lighter Strawberry Latte, while others who appreciate a firmer push should consider the Ink Yellow for its sturdier pressing sensation. Thus, the Ink Yellow is the heavier option, while the Strawberry Latte is characterized as the lighter switch, leading to distinctly different tactile experiences based on individual preferences and typing habits.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the Ink Yellow measures 3.5 mm, while the Strawberry Latte has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that, for users seeking a more responsive feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow offers a shorter actuation for quicker key presses, aligning well with the preferences of gamers who favor rapid response times. Conversely, for those who appreciate a more substantial tactile feedback with a deeper travel experience, the Huano Strawberry Latte might be the preferred choice due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, while both switches provide a satisfying linear feel, the Ink Yellow is the shorter option, and the Strawberry Latte delivers a slightly lengthier actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
The Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch presents a balanced auditory experience that can be characterized as both neutral and clacky. This means it produces a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various settings, complemented by a sharp and snappy tone when pressed, which delivers a crisp and percussive feedback that can enhance typing enjoyment. In contrast, while the Huano Strawberry Latte switch is touted for its super smooth operation, its sound profile is described as balanced, being neither quiet nor overly resonant. The specifics of its sound qualities, however, remain unspecified, leaving potential users to experience a pleasant, yet undefined auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is noted for providing a mild and polished typing experience. The mild nature makes it approachable for both beginners and advanced users, while the polished characteristic enhances smoothness and reduces friction during key travel, ensuring a refined touch that supports extended typing sessions. The tactile feedback is gentle yet satisfying, making it a versatile choice. Unfortunately, details about the feel of the Strawberry Latte switch are not available, leaving a gap in comparisons regarding how it may stack up against the smoother qualities of the Ink Yellow.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches offer unique experiences, particularly in sound and feel. While the Ink Yellow provides a clear auditory feedback with a polished and mild tactile sensation, the Strawberry Latte's properties remain partially unknown, particularly in the tactile category. Depending on individual preferences, both switches are likely to deliver satisfying results, especially for those who prioritize smoothness and a moderate sound profile in their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To summarize, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, your specific needs and preferences will guide you toward the right option. If you're seeking a typing experience that falls between a laptop keyboard and a conventional mechanical keyboard, the Ink Yellow is a solid choice. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams and clacky sound profile offer satisfying feedback, making it ideal for writers or gamers who appreciate a tactile response and a bit of auditory excitement during use. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch with a smooth and refined feel, the Strawberry Latte may be more suitable for you. With its light bottom-out force of 45 grams, this switch is great for long typing sessions or fast-paced gaming, where minimal resistance can enhance performance. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the sound you enjoy, and how much force you wish to exert when making your decision, as both switches cater to different types of preferences in the vast and exciting world of mechanical keyboards.
Mentioned in this article
