Gateron Mars vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, hobbyists often find themselves torn between various options that offer unique characteristics and performances. The Gateron Mars switch stands out with its innovative design, featuring a POK stem and a housing crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM, which enhances its durability and provides a distinct feel. This linear switch is praised for its smooth keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness, derived from the latest mold technology Huano has developed. With a balanced sound profile that strikes a perfect chord between being not too quiet and not overly resonant, this linear switch caters to those looking for a tactile, yet pleasing auditory experience. While both switches appeal to users seeking smooth keystrokes, each brings its own unique attributes to the table. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches, one can observe a notable contrast in their compositions and resulting sound profiles. The Gateron Mars features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to absorb sound more effectively due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that contributes to a muted typing experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte utilizes a POK (polyketone) top housing, which, while also designed for smooth operation, significantly contributes to a clackier sound. POK's higher coefficient of friction makes it one of the smoothest materials available, bringing unique acoustical characteristics that diverge notably from the nylon’s more subdued quality.
Diving deeper into the bottom housings, we see a fascinating juxtaposition that continues to define the overall acoustic and tactile experience of each switch. The Gateron Mars employs a POM bottom housing, which is known for producing a unique and pleasing sound, albeit with a deeper and more muted profile. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte features a nylon bottom housing, echoing the acoustic softness found in the Mars's top casing. This similarity in bottom housing material means that both switches share a propensity for deeper sounds when bottomed out, allowing users who prefer sound dampening in their typing experience to find solace in both options, despite the differences in their top housings.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials is critical in determining the overall sound and feel of each switch. The Gateron Mars benefits from the sound absorption of its nylon top and the unique acoustic depth of its POM bottom, resulting in a cohesive yet muted typing experience. Meanwhile, the Huano Strawberry Latte's POK top housing delivers a smooth, clacky response that is counterbalanced by the nylon bottom's fuller sound profile. This thematic division allows both switches to capitalize on their respective strengths while creating distinct typing experiences, showcasing how the combination of materials affects the final auditory and tactile results in keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mars switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Strawberry Latte is lighter with an actuation force of 35 grams. This means that users looking for a lighter typing experience would prefer the Strawberry Latte, as the reduced force makes it ideal for long typing sessions or extended gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Mars switch is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare the extent to which each switch resists being fully pressed down. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte has a bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating that it offers a substantial push feel when fully actuated. Ultimately, the Gateron Mars switch may appeal to those who favor a heavier tactile experience due to its higher actuation force, whereas the Huano Strawberry Latte is better suited for users seeking a lighter touch.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that the distance you experience when pressing down on either key will be the same. This equivalence in travel distance ensures that users can expect a similar tactile sensation and responsiveness when using both switches. Since they share the same measurement, individuals looking for a consistent feel in their typing experience can confidently choose either option without concern for differences in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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
The Gateron Mars switches produce a sound profile that is yet to be specifically described, leaving some uncertainty about their acoustic characteristics. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte switches are celebrated for their balanced sound, striking a compromise between being neither too quiet nor overly resonant. This balance can create a pleasant auditory experience, making them suitable for both casual typing and gaming. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound of any switch can also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard construction, the materials used for the keycaps, and even the desk surface.
When it comes to tactile feel, the Gateron Mars switches utilize a POK stem paired with a specially designed housing that incorporates a blend of Nylon and POM, suggesting they may have a distinctive, potentially smooth tactile feedback. Meanwhile, the Strawberry Latte switches are characterized by their super smooth operation that stems from Huano's latest mold technologies, which enhances their overall performance. While both options aim to provide a high-quality typing experience, one could expect that the Mars might offer a slightly different sensation in comparison to the continuous smoothness of the Strawberry Latte, with the exact feel of the Mars remaining somewhat ambiguous until more is known.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Mars and Huano Strawberry Latte switches offer unique qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Strawberry Latte stands out with its well-defined sound profile and notable smooth feel due to advanced manufacturing, while the Mars switches’ sound is still to be fully detailed, yet the innovative design could bring a distinct tactile experience. Ultimately, users may find that they achieve similar satisfaction in their typing experience through either choice, depending on personal preferences regarding sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when selecting between the Gateron Mars linear switches and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches, you'll want to consider your typing preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a unique design and a potentially smoother feel, the Mars switches may appeal to you. While the exact bottom-out force is unspecified, their innovative materials hint at a different tactile experience that some users might find intriguing, especially if you enjoy experimenting with newer switch designs. Conversely, if you're seeking a reliable and familiar linear switch with a provisionally light bottom-out force of 45 grams, the Huano Strawberry Latte might be the better choice, offering a balanced sound profile that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant. Its super smooth action, generated from the latest molds, provides a consistent and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal typing style, whether you lean towards the innovation and mystery of the Mars or the established comfort and smoothness of the Strawberry Latte.
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