Cherry MX Black vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Black and the Huano Strawberry Latte are two popular options that showcase distinct characteristics, appealing to different typing preferences. The Cherry MX Black, renowned for its low-pitched, textured feel, delivers a satisfying, constant resistance with its stiff actuation, providing a sense of stability that many typists and gamers appreciate. With Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling, the MX Blacks possess a smoothness that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte brings its own charm with super smooth keystrokes, making it a favorite among those who prioritize a seamless typing experience. Its balanced sound profile strikes a sweet spot—not too quiet or overly resonant—making it versatile for both typing and gaming. While the Cherry MX Black may appeal to those seeking a more tactile and substantial feedback, the Strawberry Latte is great for users who favor a smooth and fluid typing experience. 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
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and the Huano Strawberry Latte, a notable distinction can be observed in their top housings. The MX Black utilizes nylon, a classic switch material recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively, leading to a duller and rounder acoustical experience during typing sessions. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte employs POK (polyketone) for its top housing, a material known for its smoother feel and superior durability. With a lower coefficient of friction and exceptional wear resistance, POK enhances the typing experience by providing a distinctly clacky and responsive feedback compared to the softer nylon of the MX Black.
However, both switches share commonality in their bottom housing materials, which are also made from nylon. This similarity plays a crucial role in the overall acoustic profile and tactile feedback experienced during use. Since both switches have nylon bottoms, they will produce comparable sound characteristics when the key is bottomed out. The nylon's properties contribute to a deep, resonant sound, ensuring that users of either switch can enjoy a satisfying auditory feedback, despite the differing top housing materials.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housings—nylon for the MX Black and POK for the Huano Strawberry Latte—creates a variety of tactile and auditory sensations that define each switch. The impact of the softer nylon in both bottom housings ensures that sound quality remains consistent during key bottoming out, while the distinct sound profiles from the top housings introduce a nuanced typing experience. This divergence in materials allows users to choose between the more muted, fuller sound of the MX Black and the sharper, more vibrant feedback of the Strawberry Latte, highlighting how the interplay of housing materials can affect switch performance and user preference.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it suited for those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of just 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, appealing to users looking for a comfortable typing experience during extended sessions. While the Cherry MX Black offers a heavier touch, which some may find satisfying for a more tactile response, the Strawberry Latte targets those who favor a lighter feel, reducing finger fatigue. Therefore, individuals seeking a soft and effortless keystroke should opt for the Strawberry Latte, while those favoring a firmer and more robust typing experience may prefer the Cherry MX Black.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Cherry MX Black has a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional standard, providing a substantial feel when pressed. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to the trend of shorter distances that many gamers favor for quicker response times. While both switches are linear, the MX Black's longer travel distance might appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke, offering a hearty depth in their typing experience. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte's shorter distance may be ideal for users who prioritize speed and efficiency over depth. Thus, if you're looking for a traditional feel, the Cherry MX Black is the better choice, while the Huano Strawberry Latte suits those after a more responsive option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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 considering the sound profile of the Cherry MX Black switch, it delivers a distinctively low-pitched tone that is characterized by a deeper, bass-heavy resonance. This sound is balanced and provides a solid auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. In contrast, while the Huano Strawberry Latte switch has a balanced sound profile that isn't overly resonant or quiet, there is no specific descriptor to define its exact tone. Therefore, while both switches provide pleasant auditory experiences, the MX Black offers a more defined low-pitched quality compared to the comparatively neutral sound of the Strawberry Latte.
Regarding the feel of these switches, the Cherry MX Black is known for its textured surface and stiff actuation. The texture may introduce noticeable friction during key presses, appealing to those who prefer a tactile sensation while typing. Additionally, the increased stiffness necessitates a higher force to both actuate and bottom out, which might suit users who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience. The Strawberry Latte, on the other hand, lacks a detailed description of its tactile feedback, but it is recognized for being super smooth. This could indicate a potential preference for users who favor a friction-free, effortless typing experience, offering a contrasting feel to the MX Black's textured and stiff nature.
In summary, the Cherry MX Black switch excels with its low-pitched sound and textured, stiff feel, making it a robust choice for those who appreciate deeper auditory feedback and a substantial typing resistance. Meanwhile, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a balanced sound and potentially smoother feel, catering to users who desire a more fluid typing experience. While each switch possesses unique qualities that cater to different preferences, individuals seeking a specific sound or tactile experience will find that these distinctions highlight the variety available in linear switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Cherry MX Black and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches, your choice should align with your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a heavier switch that offers a tactile experience, the MX Black might be your go-to. Its 80-gram bottom-out force, textured feel, and deep sound profile make it ideal for those who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience, perhaps for gaming or professional use where every keystroke needs to feel solid and certain. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother and lighter typing experience, the Strawberry Latte with its 45-gram bottom-out force would be a better fit. This switch’s balance of sound and its ultra-smooth action offers a softer touch that many find comfortable for extended typing sessions, making it suitable for writers or casual users. Ultimately, your choice should depend on whether you favor a heavier, more tactile switch or one that is lighter and smoother for everyday use.
Mentioned in this article
