TTC Light Cloud V2 vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Light Cloud V2 and Huano Strawberry Latte present two impressive options, each catering to a distinct typing experience. The TTC Light Cloud V2 is celebrated for its silent performance and lightweight design, making it an exceptional choice for users who prefer a delicate and nuanced feel while typing. Its mild and feathery characteristics provide a smooth, responsive feel that suits both casual typing and intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a supremely smooth operation with a balanced sound profile, appealing to those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback without being overly noisy. This switch utilizes the latest molds from Huano to deliver a consistent and engaging experience. While both switches share a linear design, their unique attributes cater to different preferences—whether you value quietness and a gentle touch or a more audible yet smooth keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Huano Strawberry Latte, we find notable differences in their top housings. The Light Cloud V2 utilizes nylon, a classic choice known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely because nylon's relatively soft nature allows it to absorb sound waves, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features POK (polyketone) as its top housing material, which offers a slightly higher coefficient of friction and enhances the smoothness of the switch's operation. While POK contributes to a more clacky and durable performance due to its superior shock resistance, it does not absorb sound as effectively as nylon, resulting in a crisper auditory feedback. Thus, these distinct materials shape the overall tactile and acoustic experiences provided by each switch.
Examining the bottom housings, both the Light Cloud V2 and the Strawberry Latte utilize nylon, creating a similarity that influences the overall sound profile of both switches significantly. Since nylon is effective at sound absorption, both switches exhibit the same characteristic of delivering a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out. This uniformity provides a sense of continuity in the sound profile between the two models, even though their top housings differ significantly. Therefore, regardless of the differences in top housing materials, users can expect to experience a similar auditory outcome when it comes to the bottoming out function of both switches, as the commonality of nylon dampens the sound effectively.
In conclusion, while the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Huano Strawberry Latte diverge in their top housing materials, they converge in their uses of nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in shared qualities that dictate the sound experience. The Light Cloud V2’s nylon top provides a softer, warmer sound, whereas the Strawberry Latte’s POK top delivers smoothness and durability with a more pronounced clack. However, the nylon bottom housing across both switches ensures that the depth and fullness of the sound are preserved, illustrating how the combination of different materials can produce nuanced yet complementary results in tactile feedback and acoustics. Users of both models can therefore enjoy unique sound profiles and experiences while appreciating the consistent auditory foundation provided by the nylon bottom.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch with the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Light Cloud V2 features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option overall. This means that typists who prefer a softer touch or those who engage in prolonged typing sessions may find the Strawberry Latte more comfortable. Conversely, the heavier Light Cloud V2 may appeal to users who enjoy a firmer typing feel, providing a more substantial push sensation. Thus, while both switches serve distinct preferences, they differ clearly in their actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Light Cloud V2 is the heavier switch, whereas the Huano Strawberry Latte is the lighter choice.
Travel distance
The TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Light Cloud V2 is the shorter option, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who appreciate the quicker actuation associated with shorter switches. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more substantial feel for those who prefer greater key depth and feedback. While both switches provide a similar experience in terms of linear action, the marginal difference in travel distance could lead to distinct tactile sensations, influencing user preference based on responsiveness or typing comfort.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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
The TTC Light Cloud V2 switch possesses a neutral sound profile, striking a balance that makes it versatile for different environments, such as home and office settings alike. It is neither too quiet nor overly resonant, making it suitable for various users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte has a balanced sound as well, characterized as not overly quiet yet not very resonant, implying that it also caters to a broader audience without disturbing others nearby. Both switches seem to suggest compatibility with varied settings, providing users flexibility in their typing spaces.
When it comes to feel, the Light Cloud V2 offers a mild typing experience, described as gentle and approachable. This quality is further enhanced by its easy-to-press nature, which demands minimal force during key presses, thus promoting comfort and reducing finger fatigue, making it a joy for prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, its feathery lightness further contributes to an effortless experience. Meanwhile, details regarding the feel of the Huano Strawberry Latte are not provided; thus, it’s unknown how it compares in this aspect. Regardless, the smoothness of the Strawberry Lattes suggests they might also provide a comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, both switches present unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Light Cloud V2 shines with its refined typing feel and versatile sound profile, making it an excellent option for users seeking comfort and adaptability. The Huano Strawberry Latte, while less detailed in its feel description, is noted for its smooth action and balanced sound, indicating it could provide an enjoyable experience as well. Selecting between these switches ultimately depends on which qualities resonate more with your personal typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you are someone who values a balanced sound profile along with a gentle yet responsive typing experience, the Light Cloud V2 could be your ideal choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams strikes a balance that is approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists, making it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter switch that requires minimal force and offers a super smooth keystroke, the Strawberry Latte may be more suited to your style. With a bottom-out force of only 45 grams and an easy-to-press design, this switch is particularly advantageous for extended typing or gaming sessions, helping to reduce finger fatigue. In the end, your decision should reflect what you prioritize more—whether it’s the broad usability and mild feel of the Light Cloud V2 or the effortless, feathery action of the Strawberry Latte.
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