KTT Mallo vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between tactile and linear options can significantly impact your typing experience. The KTT Mallo switches exemplify delicacy in design, providing a gentle tactile feedback that enhances typing without overwhelming the user. With a medium-light feel and a neutral sound profile, these switches offer a versatile solution for both casual and professional typists alike. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switches cater to those who prioritize smoothness and consistent keystrokes. Leveraging the latest molds, these switches deliver a fluid typing experience with a balanced sound profile, neither too quiet nor excessively resonant, making them an excellent choice for gamers and typists who enjoy a seamless feel. While the Mallo offers a mild tactile feedback ideal for those who appreciate nuance, the Strawberry Latte favors a smooth action that can boost speed and efficiency. 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
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the KTT Mallo and Huano Strawberry Latte switches, one can discern notable differences in their top housing materials, which play a significant role in their overall sound profiles. The Mallo incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a sharper and crisper sound. This characteristic stems from polycarbonate’s stiffness, allowing for a more resonant and clear acoustic output. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte features a POK top housing, a material that, while less rigid than polycarbonate, still offers a smooth typing experience due to its low friction coefficient. Although the Mallo's polycarbonate may lend an edge in clarity and pitch, the Strawberry Latte's POK material aims for smoothness and durability, creating a distinctive auditory profile that is pleasing, albeit with a different tonal quality.
On the bottom housing front, both the KTT Mallo and the Huano Strawberry Latte utilize nylon, a classic choice for switch housings. This commonality ensures that both switches deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer composition. The material's ability to absorb sound waves leads to a duller, rounder sound that can enhance the tactile feedback experienced during key presses. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the feel and bottom-out sound of the switch, the Mallo and Strawberry Latte are likely to provide similar feedback characteristics. This shared use of nylon ultimately balances out the differences introduced by the distinct top housing materials.
Overall, the combination of different materials in the KTT Mallo and Huano Strawberry Latte switches encapsulates a harmonious blend of characteristics. While the top housings offer divergent tonal qualities—polycarbonate in the Mallo for clarity versus POK in the Strawberry Latte for smoothness—their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing standardizes the tactile experience. As a result, both switches create an engaging typing experience, albeit through different acoustic signatures and material interactions. Ultimately, users seeking a switch may gravitate towards the one that best matches their aesthetic or auditory preference, knowing that both offer outstanding performance due to their meticulous material selections.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Mallo tactile switch to the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there is a notable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The actuation force of the Mallo is unspecified, while the Strawberry Latte requires a lighter 35 grams to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Mallo has a medium-light rating at 55 grams, compared to the Strawberry Latte's lighter 45 grams. This indicates that the Mallo switch provides a heavier feel overall, particularly when bottoming out. For users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Huano Strawberry Latte is the more suitable option. Conversely, the KTT Mallo may appeal to those who enjoy a stronger push feel, benefiting users who favor a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Mallo switch is heavier, while the Strawberry Latte is the lighter option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the Mallo takes the lead with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Strawberry Latte features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This 0.4 mm difference indicates that the Mallo provides a more substantial depth in its actuation, which can be preferable for those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke, offering a satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers or those who prioritize rapid response times, as it allows for quicker key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences; if you prefer a deeper and more deliberate keystroke, the KTT Mallo is the better option, while the Huano Strawberry Latte is suited for those seeking a more responsive experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 KTT Mallo tactile switch produces a neutral sound profile that can be characterized as both subdued and moderate. This allows it to coexist harmoniously in various environments, making it suitable for office settings or quiet home use. The Mallo’s subtleness ensures it does not compete for attention, allowing users to focus on their typing without being distracted by loud keystrokes. In contrast, while the Huano Strawberry Latte switch has a similarly balanced sound profile that is neither overly quiet nor excessively resonant, the lack of detailed descriptors means we can't pinpoint specific characteristics. However, the balance in its sound suggests that it too can function well in diverse settings, aligning closely with the Mallo in terms of versatility.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Mallo stands out with its array of qualities. The feathery actuation makes it exceptionally light, minimizing finger fatigue over prolonged use, and the mild, subtle tactile feedback provides just enough resistance to inform users without being intrusive. Its stepped nature offers a unique sensation, allowing for a gradual increase in resistance, which many typists find comforting. Unfortunately, specific descriptors for the feel of the Strawberry Latte switch are absent, so we cannot compare tactile characteristics in detail. However, the smoothness implied by the word "super" suggests that it is engineered for a seamless experience, which could appeal to users who favor linear switches.
In conclusion, the KTT Mallo and Huano Strawberry Latte switches each offer balanced sound profiles suitable for a variety of environments. The Mallo distinguishes itself with its feathery, mild, and subtle characteristics that provide nuanced tactile feedback, while the Strawberry Latte's super smoothness hints at a potentially effortless typing experience. Despite the differences in tactile feedback and specific details about the Strawberry Latte, both switches likely present a satisfying typing experience, catering to both novices and experienced typists alike. Users looking for a harmonious blend of sound and feel may find satisfaction in either option, depending on personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use them. If you appreciate a gentle tactile feedback that subtly enhances your typing experience without being distracting, the Mallo is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams makes it ideal for long typing sessions, especially if you find heavier switches tiring. The neutral and subdued sound profile means it won't disturb those around you, making it suitable for shared workspaces or quiet environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, lighter keystroke for fast-paced gaming or typing without tactile interruptions, the Strawberry Latte is your go-to option. With a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and its super smooth actuation, you can type swiftly with less finger fatigue, making it great for extended gaming or heavy typing tasks. Ultimately, weigh your priorities—if you want a balanced tactile experience, lean toward the Mallo; if you're searching for seamless linear movement, the Strawberry Latte won’t disappoint.
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