Gateron Melodic vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between clicky and linear can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular options worth exploring are the Gateron Melodic and the Huano Strawberry Latte. The Gateron Melodic stands out in the clicky switch category with its innovative design that includes smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, offering users the satisfying auditory feedback and tactile response they crave while maintaining a remarkably smooth typing experience. Many users appreciate this switch for its buttery, resonant, invigorating, and crunchy qualities, making it ideal for those who enjoy the gratifying sound of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte represents the linear switch experience with its super smooth action and balanced sound profile that strikes a harmonious middle ground — not too quiet and not overly resonant. This switch is perfect for gamers and typists who prefer a seamless and distraction-free experience for fast key presses. Both switches cater to different preferences, but ultimately, your choice will boil down to whether you value the satisfying click of the Melodic or the velvety smoothness of the Strawberry Latte. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Yes
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 Gateron Melodic and Huano Strawberry Latte switches, the most notable distinction lies in their top housing materials. The Melodic utilizes polycarbonate, a stiffer and more translucent plastic that elevates the switch's acoustic characteristics. Due to its rigid structure, polycarbonate contributes to a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile, which is ideal for users seeking a more defined auditory feedback when typing or gaming. Moreover, the clear nature of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it a visually appealing choice for illuminated keyboards. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte employs POK material, known for its exceptional smoothness and durability. While POK may not offer the same level of acoustic brightness as polycarbonate, its wear resistance and shock absorption make it an excellent choice for long-lasting and tactile performance.
The bottom housing material is where the two switches share common ground. Both the Melodic and the Strawberry Latte feature nylon as their bottom housing fabric, which is a long-standing favorite in the mechanical keyboard community. Nylon is celebrated for its softer properties, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is essential as the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and overall feel of the switch. When key presses are executed with either switch, users can expect that rich, rounded auditory experience attributable to the nylon material, creating a familiar typing sensation across both models.
Given that the Melodic and Strawberry Latte switches use differing top housings but align on their bottom construction, the overall sound and feel can be a blend of attributes from both materials. Though the Melodic may deliver a crisper note upon release thanks to its polycarbonate top, the deeper tonality brought by nylon ensures that both switches will offer satisfying feedback when bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between the two will largely depend on personal preference for the tonal quality; those who appreciate a sharper sound might gravitate toward the Melodic, while users seeking durability and smooth operation could prefer the Strawberry Latte. Regardless, both switches promise a rewarding typing experience together with their unique characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Melodic switch has an unknown actuation force but boasts a bottom out force of 60 grams, which categorizes it as medium in weight. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating that it is lighter overall. The lighter actuation force of the Strawberry Latte allows for extended typing sessions with less fatigue, making it suitable for users who prioritize ease of use. On the other hand, the Melodic's heaver bottom out force likely provides a more substantial feel, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback when typing. Overall, if you're looking for a switch that requires less effort to actuate while still providing a comfortable experience, the Huano Strawberry Latte is the better option, whereas the Gateron Melodic is for those who prefer a heftier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the differences are notable. The Gateron Melodic boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional travel distance preferred by many users seeking a more pronounced tactile experience. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who favor quicker actuation and responsiveness, often favored by gamers. Thus, if you opt for the Gateron Melodic, you will experience a deeper keypress that some users may find more satisfying, while the Strawberry Latte will provide a snappier feel, ideal for fast-paced gameplay. Consequently, the Gateron Melodic is the longer option, and the Huano Strawberry Latte is the shorter one, allowing users to choose according to their tactile preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a distinctly resonant and crunchy auditory experience. The resonant quality results in a higher-pitched sound profile that provides a clean and sharp feedback as you type, reminiscent of the satisfying sound of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. This makes the Melodic a great choice for users seeking an immersive acoustic experience. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch has a balanced sound profile that is neither overly quiet nor overly resonant, though specific descriptors for its sound characteristics are not detailed. This suggests that the Strawberry Latte may produce a more subdued auditory experience compared to the lively clicks of the Melodic, making it suitable for environments where a less noisy typing experience is preferred.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Melodic delivers a buttery and invigorating typing experience. The buttery sensation implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, contributing to an effortless typing flow, while the invigorating feedback provides a snappy and reactive feel that enhances user engagement. This combination creates a dynamic and immersive typing sensation that many users find enjoyable. In contrast, details regarding the tactile feel of the Huano Strawberry Latte switch are unknown, leaving a gap in the comparison regarding how it might handle in practice. Therefore, it’s possible that the Latte provides a different tactile feedback experience that may appeal to those who prefer the smoothness of linear switches.
In conclusion, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch stands out with its vibrant sound profile and engaging tactile feedback, making it an excellent option for those who enjoy a clicky experience with smooth operation. The Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, while possessing a balanced sound, lacks detailed descriptors for its sound and tactile qualities, leaving potential users with an unknown but possibly more subdued experience. When choosing between these two, consider whether you prefer the lively auditory engagement of a clicky switch or the smooth operation of a linear switch.
Conclusion
In summary, selecting between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the type of experience you desire from your keyboard. If you appreciate tactile feedback and the satisfying click sound that enhances your typing experience, the Melodic is ideal for you, especially with its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, providing a more invigorating feel. It's perfect for those who enjoy the rhythmic sound of typing akin to crunching leaves on a fall day, along with a buttery smooth keystroke thanks to its advanced manufacturing process. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a focus on a smooth, seamless typing experience, the Strawberry Latte with its 45-gram bottom-out force would be a better fit. It offers a balanced sound profile that isn't overly loud or quiet, making it suitable for a quieter work environment while still delivering a comfortable typing feel. Therefore, your choice will largely hinge on whether you prioritize the auditory satisfaction and tactile engagement of a clicky switch or the smooth, effortless performance of a linear switch.
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