Outemu Lime (V3) vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Lime and Huano Strawberry Latte offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Outemu Lime is a tactile switch renowned for its lightweight feel and subtle tactility, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a feather-light typing experience with a hint of tactile feedback. These switches are particularly appealing to tactile fans seeking a muted yet responsive feel that enhances typing comfort. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte is a linear switch celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes and balanced sound profile—neither too quiet nor overly resonant—making it ideal for users who prefer uninterrupted keystrokes without the tactile bump. While both switches cater to different typing styles and preferences, they each hold unique advantages that may resonate with various users. 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

Outemu Lime (V3) Tactile

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.40 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the Outemu Lime and the Huano Strawberry Latte, we find distinct differences in their top housing materials. The Lime features a nylon top housing, a classic choice that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature. This softness allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte uses POK (polyketone) for its top housing, a material known for its exceptional smoothness and durability. With a slightly higher coefficient of friction, POK aids in providing a clacky sound while being significantly more wear-resistant than both nylon and POM. Consequently, the acoustic and tactile feedback during keypresses will differ, with the Lime offering a more muted sound versus the sharper tones created by the Strawberry Latte.

Turning to the bottom housings of both switches, we find that the Outemu Lime and the Huano Strawberry Latte share the same nylon material. This consistent choice results in similar acoustic properties, allowing for a deeper and fuller sound profile during key presses and releases. Both switches benefit from the softer qualities of nylon, enhancing sound absorption and creating that characteristic duller tone. The uniformity in bottom housing material suggests that, regardless of differing top housings, the overall sound experience from bottoming out the keys will align closely between the two products, emphasizing a robust acoustic signature.

Ultimately, the interplay of different materials in the housings of the Outemu Lime and Huano Strawberry Latte showcases their respective characteristics. While the Lime's nylon top housing lends itself to a more subdued sound profile, the POK material of the Strawberry Latte introduces a sharper auditory experience during key releases. However, with both switches embracing nylon for their bottom housings, they exhibit similar acoustic properties during key bottoming. Whether you're drawn to the fuller, muted tones of the Lime or the smooth clackiness of the Strawberry Latte, the choice in top housing material plays a crucial role in defining the overall typing sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, both have a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a consistent experience in terms of depth of engagement when bottoming out. However, their actuation forces differ slightly, with the Lime requiring only 35 grams to register a keystroke, while the Strawberry Latte necessitates 40 grams. This makes the Outemu Lime the lighter option, ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, particularly beneficial during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte, being slightly heavier at the actuation stage, may appeal to users seeking a more substantial push feel and a tactile response that comes with increased resistance. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize lighter keys for extended use or a firmer touch for a more deliberate typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, it's evident that there is a distinction between the two. The Outemu Lime features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Lime switch offers a shorter travel distance, catering to users who prefer quicker response times, which is often favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte's longer travel distance may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced feel with deeper key presses, potentially avoiding the abruptness some experience with shorter switches. In conclusion, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Outemu Lime would be your go-to choice, while the Huano Strawberry Latte provides a deeper and more substantial typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Lime switches strike a balance with their neutral and muted qualities. Their sound profile is designed to be versatile enough for various environments, making them suitable for both casual typing and professional settings. The muted nature of the Lime switches results in a softer and quieter operation, minimizing the typical clack associated with mechanical keyboards. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switches provide a balanced sound profile. While they are not described as muted, they also avoid being overly resonant, offering a sound that is neither invasive nor lackluster. However, specific descriptors for their sound qualities are not provided, leaving room for interpretation.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Lime switches offer a mild, feathery, and subtle typing experience. Their mild characteristics make them approachable for users who may be new to mechanical keyboards, while the feathery actuation ensures minimal exertion from your fingers, reducing fatigue during long typing sessions. This tactile feedback is kept gentle, making the Limes a comfortable choice for extended use. On the other hand, no specific descriptions are provided for the feel of the Huano Strawberry Latte switches, leaving uncertainty about how they compare in terms of actuation force and tactility.

In summary, both the Outemu Lime and Huano Strawberry Latte switches cater to specific preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Lime switches excel in providing a muted, mild typing experience that is easy on the fingers, making them ideal for tactile fans looking for a softer touch. Meanwhile, the Strawberry Latte switches offer a smooth typing experience with a balanced sound profile, although their tactile characteristics remain unclear. Ultimately, personal preference will guide your choice, with each switch delivering a unique typing experience suited to different needs and environments.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you find yourself drawn to a lighter, more tactile experience that is perfect for long typing sessions, the Lime switch might be the ideal choice for you. Its feathery light feel, subtle tactility, and muted sound profile make it exceptionally comfortable for extensive use in shared environments or during focused work, while still providing enough feedback for those who enjoy a tactile sensation without excessive noise. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, linear typing experience that excels in speed and fluidity, the Strawberry Latte is an excellent option. Its balanced sound profile and polished feel can enhance your typing speed and precision, making it appealing for fast-paced gaming or typing tasks where uninterrupted motion is key. Ultimately, both switches are designed to cater to different preferences; you should select the one that aligns with your specific typing habits and the environment in which you’ll be using them.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Lime (V3) Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more