Gateron Luciola vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, the choice of switch can greatly influence the typing experience, and two standout options are the Gateron Luciola and the Huano Strawberry Latte, both of which are linear switches. The Gateron Luciola is not only visually compelling with its ability to glow in the dark, but it also offers a unique combination of a medium heft and a smooth, bouncy feel. Its distinct sound profile, reminiscent of a "can of spray paint being shaken," adds an element of playfulness to your typing sessions, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a lively auditory experience. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte excels in providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience, thanks to the latest mold technology employed by Huano. Its balanced sound profile strikes a sweet spot—not too quiet and not overly resonant—making it ideal for users who prefer a subtle yet satisfying feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Luciola for those who seek a vibrant aesthetic and a unique sound, while the Strawberry Latte appeals to users prioritizing smoothness and balance. 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Luciola and Huano Strawberry Latte switches showcase distinct characteristics in their housing materials that influence both sound and feel during typing. The Luciola utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top and bottom housing, which contributes to a pointed, high-pitched, and clacky sound profile. This sound is often regarded as satisfying, highlighting the INK blend's ability to provide a lively acoustic experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a POK top housing that is noted for its smoothness, partly attributed to its lower friction coefficient. While both switches aim for a clacky sound, the Luciola’s unique INK blend may produce a sharper auditory profile compared to the more rounded notes of the Strawberry Latte’s POK material.
Examining the bottom housing, Gateron continues with its proprietary INK blend for the Luciola, which promotes a similar high-frequency sound as its top housing. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, a material known for its ability to dampen sound due to its softer composition. This contrast leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thereby affecting the overall acoustic feedback when bottoming out. Consequently, while both switches aim for a clean and precise auditory experience, the different materials diverge in how they achieve that, with the nylon of the Strawberry Latte softening the impact compared to the sharper INK blend in the Luciola.
When considering the overall performance of these switches, it becomes clear that the interplay of top and bottom housing materials produces unique results. Although the Luciola benefits from the consistency of the INK blend across both housings, the divergence in materials for the Strawberry Latte results in a differentiated typing experience. The shared goal of achieving clackiness may not manifest the same way; the Luciola's design emphasizes a brighter and more pronounced sound, while the Strawberry Latte opts for a combination of smoothness and warmth. Overall, users may find that while the switches aim for similar auditory experiences, the varying housing materials lead to distinct tactile responses and sound characteristics unique to each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Luciola features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, positioning it as a medium-weight option that offers a firmer typing experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This difference in weight may appeal to different users; those who favor a lighter switch may find the Strawberry Latte ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may gravitate towards the Luciola. Overall, the Luciola is the heavier switch, whereas the Strawberry Latte is the lighter choice, catering to the diverse preferences of keyboard users.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This equality in travel distance means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. Since both switches require the same amount of movement to actuate, gamers and typists alike can achieve consistent results across different keyboards when using these two types of switches. The identical travel distance ensures that the feel and responsiveness remain uniform regardless of the switch chosen.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Luciola and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches, the Luciola distinctly offers a more vibrant auditory experience. Its sound is characterized by a hollow acoustic reminiscent of a "can of spray paint being shaken," combined with clacky, chirpy, and high-pitched elements that produce a sharp, snappy sound when pressed. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte is noted for a balanced sound profile that avoids extremes; it sits neatly between being too quiet and overly resonant. However, without detailed descriptors for the Strawberry Latte, it may lack the unique acoustic quirks found in the Luciola, resulting in a more subdued auditory environment.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Luciola excels with its medium heft and smooth, bouncy typing sensation. It boasts characteristics such as being snappy, which contributes to a responsive and lively typing experience, while also conveying a buttery and polished quality that indicates a refined and fluid keystroke. Unfortunately, there are no specific descriptors available for the Strawberry Latte’s feel, which leaves an element of uncertainty regarding its typing experience. Without this information, it's difficult to ascertain how it might directly compare to the expressiveness and smoothness of the Luciola.
In conclusion, the Gateron Luciola stands out with its engaging sound profile and versatile typing feel, making it an attractive choice for users who appreciate auditory feedback and responsive keystrokes. While the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a more balanced sound profile, it lacks detailed descriptors for both sound and feel, which limits direct comparisons. If you are looking for rich, lively sound and a smooth typing experience, the Luciola is a great option, whereas the Strawberry Latte may appeal to those who prefer a more neutral auditory environment. Selecting between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and typing experience; both switches can be enjoyable but cater to slightly different sensibilities.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a more robust and tactile experience, the Luciola's medium 60-gram bottom-out force will provide a satisfying and slightly heavier feel, ideal for those who enjoy a bit of resistance while typing or gaming. Additionally, the Luciola's unique sound profile, which includes a clacky, chirpy, and high-pitched acoustic signature, can add a lively auditory experience that many users find appealing, especially in environments where sound is welcomed. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with an effortless typing experience, the Strawberry Latte’s 45-gram bottom-out force offers a quick and responsive feel, making it suitable for fast typists or gamers who rely on rapid key presses. The Strawberry Latte’s smooth action combined with its balanced sound profile provides an all-around pleasant typing experience without being too overwhelming. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal typing style and the sensory experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard.
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