KTT Kang White vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the KTT Kang White and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence both typing experience and overall satisfaction. The KTT Kang White and the Huano Strawberry Latte are two prominent linear switches that cater to different preferences. The Kang White is celebrated for its poppy sound profile, providing a dazzling auditory experience that enhances typing enjoyment, all while maintaining an unparalleled smoothness thanks to its self-lubricating material. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte is known for its super smooth action, utilizing the latest molds from Huano to deliver a balanced sound profile that strikes a harmonious middle ground—not too quiet, yet not overly resonant. Both switches offer their unique charms, with the Kang White leaning towards those who appreciate a livelier sound and feel, while the Strawberry Latte appeals to those seeking a more mellow yet smooth typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Kang White and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches, a clear distinction arises in the top housings used. The Kang White features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and clarity, which translates to a sharper, higher-pitched audio profile. This quality makes it particularly favorable for RGB lighting applications, as the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for effective light diffusion. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte employs a POK (polyketone) top housing, praised for its smoothness and durability. While both materials contribute to distinct auditory experiences, the Kang White leans towards a crisper sound due to the inherent properties of polycarbonate, while the POK material in the Strawberry Latte emphasizes a more rounded, yet still impactful auditory presence.
Despite their differences in top housing materials, both the KTT Kang White and the Huano Strawberry Latte share nylon as their bottom housing component. This shared material plays a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience, as nylon is known for its sound-absorbing qualities that result in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The fact that both switches rely on nylon for their bottom housings means that users can expect a similar sound signature when bottoming out, where the impact of the switch is felt most. This similarity in bottom housing material underscores a commonality that can potentially equalize their acoustic performances during certain aspects of use.
Ultimately, while the KTT Kang White and Huano Strawberry Latte switches feature different top housing materials, they converge in their nylon bottom housing, allowing for some overlap in sound characteristics. The Kang White’s polycarbonate top contributes to a brighter, resonant quality when releasing keys, whereas the Strawberry Latte's POK top provides its unique smoothness. However, during key presses, both switches will deliver a similar auditory experience due to the nylon's sound-dampening effect. This combination suggests that even though the overall acoustic profiles may vary, users can achieve satisfactory sound and feel from either switch, particularly when a preference for sound is guided more by their bottom housing material.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Kang White linear switch to the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Kang White features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it a medium-weight option. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that typists who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions will find the Strawberry Latte to be more comfortable, while those who appreciate a stronger push feel may prefer the Kang White for its more substantial resistance. Thus, the Kang White is the heavier switch overall, while the Strawberry Latte caters to users looking for a lighter feel. Despite these differences, both switches ultimately provide distinct experiences based on user preference, affirming that the choice between them will depend on whether one values a softer touch or a firmer response.
Travel distance
The KTT Kang White linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm may seem subtle, but it can significantly impact the typing experience. The Kang White's longer travel distance can provide a more pronounced tactile feedback that some users appreciate, especially those who prefer a deeper feel when pressing keys. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, as it requires less effort to register a key press. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for depth versus responsiveness, with those opting for the White switch enjoying a more substantial key feel, while those choosing the Strawberry Latte benefit from a snappier action.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 per 10 switches.
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
When considering the sound profile of the KTT Kang White linear switch, it is characterized by a low-pitched and neutral tone. This results in a typing experience that is more bass-heavy and mellow, making it suitable for a variety of environments without being overly intrusive. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch boasts a balanced sound profile that strikes a harmonious middle ground—not too quiet and not overly resonant. The overall acoustic performance of both switches offers a pleasant typing experience, though the Kang White may lean towards a fuller, deeper sound while the Strawberry Latte appeals with its well-rounded tonal quality.
In terms of feel, the Kang White switch is renowned for its exceptional smoothness, attributed to its self-lubricating material. This feature enhances the tactile feedback while typing, providing a seamless experience that many enthusiasts seek. The Strawberry Latte switch also emphasizes a super smooth experience, thanks to the advanced manufacturing molds used by Huano. Both switches excel in delivering a fluid typing sensation, which is critical for those who spend extended periods typing. This smoothness in each switch makes them desirable choices for newcomers to mechanical keyboards looking for comfort and ease of use.
In conclusion, both the KTT Kang White and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches offer distinct yet complementary qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Kang White is known for its rich low-pitched sound and unparalleled smoothness, the Strawberry Latte excels with its balanced audio profile and smooth operation. Newcomers can expect a satisfying typing experience from either switch, with sound and feel being two aspects that are relatively strong in both, making them great candidates for any mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between KTT Kang White linear switches and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor a medium bottom-out force of 58 grams and appreciate a typing experience that’s both smooth and acoustically pleasing, the Kang White is likely the better option for you. Its low-pitched sound and self-lubricating material create a balanced tactile feedback, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a satisfying typing experience without overwhelming noise—ideal for both work environments and home use. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of only 45 grams and seek seamless performance with a moderately pleasant sound, then the Strawberry Latte is your go-to switch. Its super smooth action and more neutral sound profile make it well-suited for fast typists or gamers who prioritize speed and quick response times. In essence, if you lean towards a robust, more tactile feeling, go for the Kang White; but if you relish a feather-light, streamlined experience, the Strawberry Latte will suit you just fine.
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