KTT Matcha vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear switches can significantly influence your typing experience. The KTT Matcha, a tactile switch, stands out for its comfortable, snappy tactility, allowing users to feel a distinct feedback with each keystroke. Its long pole stem adds a wonderfully clean bottom-out sound that many typists appreciate, capturing the essence of a satisfying tactile experience. Conversely, the Huano Strawberry Latte, a linear switch, offers unparalleled smoothness, utilizing the latest molds from Huano to create a typing experience that is fluid and seamless. While the Strawberry Latte does not produce the pronounced feedback of a tactile switch, its balanced sound profile strikes an ideal harmony between being not too quiet and not overly resonant, making it a versatile choice for both gaming and typing. Each switch caters to different preferences: if you enjoy the lively response of a tactile feel, the KTT Matcha might be the way to go; on the other hand, if you favor a smooth and consistent keystroke, the Strawberry Latte could be your perfect match. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Matcha Tactile

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$5.20

$4.88 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Matcha and Huano Strawberry Latte switches exhibit contrasting housing materials that significantly influence their respective sound profiles and tactile experiences. The KTT Matcha features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, crisper sound profile due to its stiff nature. This rigidity allows for a clear resonance, particularly beneficial when utilizing RGB lighting, where the translucency of polycarbonate enhances visual effects. Conversely, the Huano Strawberry Latte utilizes polyketone (POK) for its top housing, celebrated for its smoothness and high durability; though it might not deliver the same bright sound as polycarbonate, its lower coefficient of friction (0.04) contributes to a fluid feel when typing. Thus, while both materials can yield effective performance in switches, the Matcha shines in vocal clarity, while the Strawberry Latte emphasizes a smoother typing experience.

In terms of bottom housing, the KTT Matcha continues with the polycarbonate theme, reinforcing the higher pitch and resonant qualities it brings to the switch. This consistency strengthens the overall auditory output, allowing the user to enjoy a sharp dual sound profile that combines the attributes of both top and bottom housings. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte employs nylon for its bottom housing, which is known for its ability to absorb sounds and create a deeper, fuller tonal experience. This results in a more rounded bottom-end sound, giving the switch a unique character that differs from the Matcha's crisp delivery. The difference in both top and bottom housings illustrates how the selected materials define the tactile feedback and acoustic output of the switches.

Ultimately, while both switches feature differing materials, they can achieve similar results in their sound and typing experiences through their respective designs. The KTT Matcha’s dual polycarbonate construction can create bright, crisp sounds that harmonize effectively, while the combination of POK and nylon in the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a balance of durability, smoothness, and a richer sound experience. For users seeking a versatile switch, both options can provide substantial satisfaction, either through the resonant clarity of the Matcha or the rounded depth of the Strawberry Latte, showing how material choice can shape the characteristics of mechanical switches.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, while their bottom out forces are the same. The Matcha switch requires an actuation force of 40 grams, which is slightly heavier than the 35 grams needed for the Strawberry Latte, making the latter the lighter option. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating that once fully pressed down, both provide a consistent resistance. Those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions may find the Strawberry Latte more comfortable, while the Matcha might cater to users seeking a slightly firmer touch. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter and smoother typing experience, the Huano Strawberry Latte is the better choice, whereas the KTT Matcha offers a marginally heavier actuation without sacrificing the bottom out feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there is a noticeable difference: the Matcha switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Strawberry Latte measures 3.6 mm. This means that the Matcha switch offers a longer press, which some users may find provides a more substantial tactile feedback and depth during use. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Strawberry Latte may appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation due to less distance to travel. Ultimately, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Strawberry Latte is the better choice, whereas if you enjoy a deeper sensation while typing, the Matcha switch would be more suitable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is characterized by a clacky signature, producing a crisp, bright, and percussive sound that delivers a sharp and snappy auditory feedback when pressed. This clackiness gives the Matcha switch a distinctly lively sound profile, making each keystroke feel more engaging. In contrast, while the Huano Strawberry Latte switch produces a balanced sound profile, its aural characteristics are more subdued, landing it in a middle ground that is neither particularly loud nor overly resonant. The sound of both switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, but generally, the Matcha leans toward a more pronounced sound, while the Strawberry Latte maintains a more understated tone.

Feel-wise, the KTT Matcha excels with a combination of tactile feedback that is snappy and accented. Its stepped design introduces a unique typing experience with a clear differentiation in stages of the keystroke, allowing for a more dynamic interaction. This tactile richness is further enhanced by the lightweight and responsive nature of the switch, making it comfortable for long typing sessions. The Matcha switch is not just about being tactile; it provides a feathery yet snappy response that actively engages the typist. The Huano Strawberry Latte, however, does not have a defined tactile feel mentioned, which makes it less accessible for comparison, leaving its tactile nuances somewhat unknown.

In summary, while the KTT Matcha tactile switch offers a more engaging sound and pronounced tactile feedback that makes every keystroke feel exciting, the Huano Strawberry Latte presents a smoother and more balanced experience, potentially appealing to those who prefer something less assertive. If you appreciate a clackier and more tactile response, the Matcha might be your go-to. However, if you prefer a gentler sound with smooth action, the Strawberry Latte could be a great choice as well. Ultimately, your selection can depend on which auditory and physical sensations resonate more with your typing style, as both have qualities that can suit different preferences well.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you appreciate a tactile experience with a snappy, responsive feel—ideal for both typing and gaming—the Matcha would be a great choice. Its distinct, clacky sound and comfortable tactility allow for enjoyable engagement during long typing sessions, making it suitable for productivity and creativity alike. On the other hand, if you prefer smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes without any tactile feedback, the Strawberry Latte is an excellent option. Its linear characteristics provide a silent and fluid experience, perfect for those who want to avoid disruptive sounds or for shared workspaces where a quieter keyboard is preferable. Ultimately, the choice comes down to whether you enjoy the tactile cues of the KTT Matcha or the seamless, silent operation of the Huano Strawberry Latte, both of which offer a lightweight actuation force that keeps your fingers feeling fresh during extended use.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Matcha Tactile

$5.20

$4.88 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more