Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Huano Strawberry Latte each offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Jupiter Red is celebrated for its smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes, thanks to its single-stage spring and medium-heavy actuation. This switch is often favored by those who enjoy a polished and creamy typing experience, as it features high-precision molds and softer backlight effects that enhance both aesthetics and functionality. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte boasts a super smooth feel created by the latest molds from Huano, delivering a balanced sound profile that strikes a middle ground—not too quiet, yet not overly resonant. While both switches provide a linear feel ideal for gamers and typists alike, the Jupiter Red emphasizes a seamless typing experience, while the Strawberry Latte focuses on a harmonious auditory feedback. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$2.80 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Jupiter Red and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their top housings, which in turn influences their sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Jupiter Red features a polycarbonate top housing, a material renowned for its stiffness and crisp sound, resulting in a sharper and more resonant auditory experience. This transparency also enhances RGB lighting effects, allowing for a vibrant visual display when illuminated. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte utilizes a POK top housing, which, although it is praised for its smoothness and durability, contributes to a different sound profile. The POK material's slightly higher friction level, coupled with its outstanding wear and shock resistance, leads to a more subdued sound that is nonetheless still clacky, different from the brilliance that polycarbonate might provide.

In terms of bottom housing, both the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Huano Strawberry Latte employ nylon materials. This common choice results in a similar acoustic outcome; specifically, both switches create a deeper and fuller sound profile because nylon's softer texture absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Consequently, regardless of the differences in top housings, the nylon bottom ensures that both switches elicit a satisfying and harmonious auditory response, fostering a smoother typing experience. Therefore, even though the top housing materials differ significantly, the shared nylon bottom allows users to expect a comparable depth to their keystrokes.

Considering the overall impact of these housing materials, the interaction between the top and bottom housings becomes crucial to the overall typing experience. While the Jupiter Red's polycarbonate top enhances the resonance, the Strawberry Latte’s POK provides a contrasting smoothness, creating a distinct auditory character during the release of the key. However, with both switches having nylon bottoms, users can still achieve a cohesive sound experience that effectively balances the qualities each housing material brings. This means that while the feel and sound when typing may diverge due to the differing top materials, the underlying characteristics brought forth by the nylon bottom ensure a familiar and enjoyable sound profile when bottoming out.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Red features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium option. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter choice overall. This means that the Strawberry Latte is easier to press down, which can benefit users who prefer a more relaxed typing experience or lengthy gaming sessions without fatigue. Conversely, the Jupiter Red provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a heavier feel under their fingertips. Overall, if you're looking for a light touch, the Huano Strawberry Latte is the better option, while the Gateron Jupiter Red suits users who favor a medium resistance.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches, a clear distinction emerges. The Jupiter Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional choice that caters to users who appreciate a deeper keypress. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter and can provide a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers and those who prefer quicker actuation. The difference in travel distance reflects user preferences; the Jupiter Red offers a more pronounced typing experience, while the Strawberry Latte enables faster response times with its slightly shallower depth. Ultimately, if depth is your priority, the Jupiter Red will be the better fit, while the Strawberry Latte is ideal for those seeking a snappier feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch is best characterized by its neutral tonal quality. This means it strikes a balance between not being overly quiet while still avoiding excessive resonance, making it universally suitable for varied environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. In contrast, the sound profile of the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch remains unspecified. However, it's important to note that the overall acoustics of both switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard case and keycaps, which can further shape the auditory experience.

Regarding the feel, the Jupiter Red switches excel in delivering a polished and creamy typing experience, attributed to high-quality construction and likely factory lubrication. Users can expect a silky sensation accompanied by smooth key travel, culminating in an overall mild and approachable tactile experience that minimizes resistance. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte switches do not have a detailed description available for their feel, leaving users to speculate about how they might compare in terms of smoothness or tactile feedback.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch is well-regarded for its neutral sound profile and exceptional smoothness in feel, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch lacks detailed information on its auditory and tactile characteristics, making direct comparisons in those aspects difficult. Potential users may find similar smooth experiences with both switches, particularly if they prefer linear options. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, but the Jupiter Red’s known qualities suggest a consistently satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, consider your typing style and preferences. If you favor a medium-heavy actuation force and a polished, silky feel, the Jupiter Red is your go-to option. It delivers a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke that’s great for those who like a consistent typing experience, making it suitable for both home and office environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter keystroke with a slightly creamy sensation and a balanced sound profile, the Strawberry Latte is an excellent choice. Its lower actuation force of 45 grams allows for quicker key presses, which could enhance your gaming performance or typing speed. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you value a smooth and heavier typing experience or a lighter, more agile feel.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more