Dareu Master vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between the Dareu Master and the Huano Strawberry Latte, both of which are linear switches but offer distinct characteristics and experiences. The Dareu Master is renowned for its all-POM construction, delivering a medium weight that strikes a balance between a satisfying actuation and a classic clacky sound that many users appreciate for its auditory feedback. This polished feel, combined with exceptional smoothness in operation, makes it a favorable choice for typists seeking a tactile yet serene typing experience. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte shines with its super smooth actuation, employing the latest mold technology to create a balanced sound profile that avoids both extremes of silence and overwhelming resonance, appealing to gamers and typists alike who desire a subtle yet responsive feel. Ultimately, both switches have their merits, depending on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback; 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Master and the Huano Strawberry Latte utilize distinct housing materials that significantly affect their sound profiles and overall performance. The Dareu Master employs POM for its top and bottom housings, which results in a unique sound that is described as deep and relatively muted. This characteristic is attributed to POM’s excellent acoustics, as it delivers a satisfying auditory experience while maintaining durability. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte features a POK top housing and a nylon bottom housing, bringing together materials that are known for their smoothness and sound qualities. POK’s slightly higher coefficient of friction enhances the typing experience, while nylon’s softer profile contributes to a more muted and rounded sound, showcasing the trade-offs that come with different materials.
When examining the differences between the two switches, it becomes evident how each material influences the sound and feel. The POK top housing of the Strawberry Latte is engineered for durability and smooth actuation, allowing for a clacky sound that contrasts with the muted tones produced by the POM top housing of the Dareu Master. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Strawberry Latte is designed to absorb sound, creating a deeper auditory signature more akin to the POM used in the Dareu Master. This synergy between the upper and lower housings in the Strawberry Latte reflects a different approach to design, where the properties of nylon provide a rich texture that complements the crispness of the POK top.
In terms of achieving similar results between the two switches, both can produce satisfying auditory experiences despite the differences in materials. If one seeks a deeper and more muted sound profile with the Strawberry Latte, it is attainable by considering the weight and compression of the nylon bottom. Conversely, the smoothness of the POK top can create a less pronounced sound but offers a unique clacking experience. Ultimately, the different materials ensure that users can select switches based on their preferences, leading to exciting variations in feel and sound that can be tailored to individual typing styles while maintaining an overall harmony in the switch's performance.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Master linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces that cater to different preferences among users. The Master switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Strawberry Latte, which only requires 40 grams of force to actuate. This lighter actuation force of the Strawberry Latte can be appealing for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, particularly during extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. However, the bottom out force of the Dareu Master switch remains unknown, whereas the Strawberry Latte has a bottom out force of 45 grams. If the bottom out force of the Master switch were also known, it might influence the overall feel of the switch, particularly in terms of tactile feedback. Therefore, while the Strawberry Latte is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, the heavier Master switch might provide a more substantial typing experience for those who favor a deeper push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Master linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we see a distinction that may influence user preference. The Dareu Master has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Master the shorter option, which could appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times for enhanced performance. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial keystroke feel that some users prefer for a deeper typing experience. Ultimately, those looking for a more responsive switch might gravitate towards the shorter travel of the Master, while those who enjoy a hearty depth may opt for the Strawberry Latte.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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 it comes to sound, the Dareu Master switch presents a classic clacky profile, delivering a sharp and snappy noise with each keypress. This crisp and percussive sound can be particularly enjoyable for typists who appreciate an auditory response while typing. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a balanced sound profile that isn't overly quiet but also not excessively resonant, placing it somewhere in between. While the Master leans towards a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Strawberry Latte maintains a subtler presence, making it a versatile option for different typing environments.
Regarding feel, the Dareu Master switch is characterized by its polished design, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. This is attributed to the materials used and possibly factory lubing, which reduces friction and enhances key travel consistency. On the other hand, the feel of the Huano Strawberry Latte switch remains unspecified, so it's unclear how it compares in terms of smoothness or tactile response. However, if the Strawberry Latte utilizes advanced molding techniques, it might also offer a smooth experience, potentially complementing its sound profile.
In conclusion, while both the Dareu Master and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches provide distinct auditory experiences, their tactile sensations could vary based on available information. The Master’s clacky sound and polished feel create an engaging typing atmosphere, while the Strawberry Latte's balanced auditory presence offers flexibility. Ultimately, both switches cater to users seeking smooth linear action, but the choice may depend on individual preferences regarding sound and feel, which would influence the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Dareu Master linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, your preferences and typing style will significantly influence your choice. If you enjoy a classic clacky sound signature combined with exceptional smoothness and a medium weight feel, the Dareu Master is an excellent choice. Its polished finish ensures a refined typing experience, making it suitable for those who appreciate both auditory feedback and a slick keypress. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter bottom-out force and a balanced sound profile that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant, the Huano Strawberry Latte may be the better option for you. This switch prioritizes a super smooth operation, which is enticing for those who spend long hours typing or gaming and want reduced finger fatigue. Ultimately, consider your sound preferences and typing habits; if you prioritize a more pronounced auditory experience and comfort, lean towards the Dareu Master, whereas if you seek smoothness and a lighter touch, the Huano Strawberry Latte will serve you well.
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