KTT Lightning vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the KTT Lightning and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When navigating the world of mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switch can significantly enhance your typing and gaming experience, especially when comparing options like the KTT Lightning and the Huano Strawberry Latte, both of which are linear switches. The KTT Lightning is renowned for its speed and responsiveness, making it an ideal choice for gamers who rely on quick reactions to gain a competitive edge. Its clacky and high-pitched sound profile provides an engaging auditory feedback that many users appreciate, while its slick typing feel allows for effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte shines with its ultra-smooth operation, taking advantage of Huano's latest molds to deliver a balanced sound profile that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant, perfect for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on your needs—whether you prioritize speed and tactile feedback or smoothness and balanced acoustics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
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 Lightning and the Huano Strawberry Latte, it becomes evident that while both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, they differ in their top housing materials. The KTT Lightning utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for delivering a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffness of the polycarbonate not only enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound but also allows for a visually appealing translucent effect, particularly effective when RGB lighting is implemented. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte features a top housing made from polyketone (POK), which, although different in composition, excels in durability and smoothness. While POK provides a slightly different sound character compared to polycarbonate, its performance is tailored for a smooth and clacky typing experience, which can be equally engaging for users who prioritize a soft touch.
Both switches embody nylon as their bottom housing material, which is instrumental in providing a rich sound profile. Depending on the design and fit of the switch, the nylon typically contributes to a deeper and fuller acoustic experience. This shared material ensures that both the KTT Lightning and the Huano Strawberry Latte have a foundational sound signature characterized by a softer and lower-pitched resonance during key presses. Consequently, users will notice that despite the differences in top housing materials, the nylon bottom housing contributes significantly to the overall aural experience during typing, creating harmony between durability and sound.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housings alongside an identical bottom housing ensures that while the KTT Lightning and Huano Strawberry Latte switches might produce slightly different auditory experiences from the top, the foundation of sound and feel remains similar due to the nylon bottoms. The contrasting qualities of polycarbonate and POK in the top housings may influence aspects like noise and responsiveness during key release, but the inherent dampening properties of nylon give both switches a comforting, muffled depth. Thus, while there are distinct characteristics to each switch, users can expect a comparable performance profile rooted in the common nylon base, allowing them to enjoy desirable sound qualities from both designs.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, though the Strawberry Latte is the lighter of the two. The Lightning switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte has an even lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Strawberry Latte more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. While both switches provide a smooth typing experience, those who favor a heavier push feel might lean towards the Lightning switch, which offers a greater resistance in both actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, users looking for a lighter experience will find the Huano Strawberry Latte more appealing, while the KTT Lightning provides a bit more substance.
Travel distance
When comparing the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, a notable difference in travel distance emerges. The KTT Lightning has a travel distance of 3 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Huano Strawberry Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is longer. This difference is significant for users, particularly gamers, who may favor the KTT Lightning for its quicker response time due to the shallower travel distance. Conversely, those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke might prefer the Huano Strawberry Latte, as its longer travel distance offers a more substantial feel when pressing down on the key. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference regarding the balance between responsiveness and keystroke depth.
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 Lightning comes in at $3.41 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Lightning linear switch offers a distinctly clacky profile, characterized by crisp, bright acoustics that can sound both sharp and percussive with each keystroke. This high-pitched, chirpy quality gives it a lively auditory presence, which can be appealing to those who enjoy a more animated typing experience. On the contrary, the Huano Strawberry Latte presents a balanced sound profile that is neither excessively quiet nor overly resonant, creating a more neutral acoustic environment. This makes it suitable for users who prefer less distraction from their typing sounds, but specific descriptors of its sound characteristics are not provided.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Lightning switches are noted for their subtle resistance, which provides a light typing experience that is not too feathery. This gentle feedback, combined with a polished quality, ensures a smooth and refined keystroke. Users can expect reduced friction during key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the feel of the Strawberry Latte switches is less detailed in this context, leaving their tactile response and smoothness undisclosed. Users may find the Lightning switches to be more defined in terms of tactile sensation due to their described qualities.
In conclusion, while both the KTT Lightning and Huano Strawberry Latte switches are designed for linear performance, their sound and feel differ significantly. The Lightning offers a more vivid sound and a defined tactile experience, suitable for those who enjoy a lively typing environment. The Strawberry Latte, while providing a more neutral auditory presence, lacks specific details about its tactile quality, making it difficult to assess its suitability compared to the Lightning. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference for sound dynamics and tactile feedback, but if you seek a vibrant typing experience, the Lightning clearly stands out.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, your choice should largely depend on your typing style and sound preferences. If you’re looking for a swift, agile typing experience that can enhance your gaming performance, the KTT Lightning is an excellent option. Its light 50-gram bottom-out force, combined with a slick feel and clacky sound profile, makes it ideal for fast-paced applications where you need to react quickly. This switch's high-pitched, chirpy sound signature may appeal to those who enjoy a lively acoustic element while typing. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth, balanced typing experience with a slightly lower actuation force of 45 grams, the Huano Strawberry Latte may be your best bet. Its refined craftsmanship offers a polished feel, ensuring minimal friction and a pleasing auditory experience without being overly loud or resonant. Ultimately, consider whether you value the speed and acoustics of the Lightning or the smooth, controlled typing feel of the Strawberry Latte to find the switch that aligns with your personal preferences.
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