Cherry MX Brown vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Brown and the Huano Strawberry Latte offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Cherry MX Brown is celebrated for its subtlety; featuring a tactile bump that provides reassurance without overwhelming audio feedback, it strikes a balance ideal for typists who enjoy a light touch and a textured feel, making it perfect for both writing and gaming. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte embraces a linear switch design that promises a super smooth keystroke without tactile bumps—offering gamers and typists alike a seamless typing experience, characterized by a balanced sound profile that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant. While the Cherry MX Browns are favored for their tactile feedback, the Strawberry Lattes stand out for their fluidity and ease of use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
PCB (5-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 Brown and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches, notable differences emerge in their top housing materials, while both use nylon for the bottom housing. The Cherry MX Brown is crafted with a nylon top housing, which is known for its capacity to absorb sound effectively. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as opposed to switches made from harder plastics that tend to produce a sharper auditory experience. The inherent softness of nylon allows the switch to deliver a rounder and more muted sound, providing a typing experience that many users find comforting and responsive.
In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte utilizes a POK material for its top housing, which, while smooth with a low friction coefficient, contributes to a clacky sound profile rather than the deeper, subdued tones associated with nylon. The POK material’s durability and strength, being significantly more resistant to wear compared to nylon and POM, suggest that these switches might endure heavy usage better over time. However, this premium performance does come with a trade-off in sound quality when compared to the MX Brown's mellower characteristics. The enhanced smoothness of POK could lead to an entirely different typing feel, offering a pronounced auditory feedback that is more engaging for users who enjoy a tactile experience.
Despite the differences in top housing materials, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, which means that they share similar properties regarding sound absorption when bottoming out. The nylon in both cases contributes to a fuller sound profile during key presses, ensuring that users will experience a deep, rounded sound regardless of which switch they use. Therefore, while the Cherry MX Brown and Huano Strawberry Latte exhibit contrasting sound profiles stemming from their top materials, they can yield comparable audio experiences when it comes to the bottom-out sound produced by their nylon bottom housings. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference regarding typing feel and sound.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The MX Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte requires a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and has a bottom out force of 45 grams. This indicates that the Strawberry Latte is a lighter switch overall, making it easier to press down, which is advantageous for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the MX Brown, with its higher forces, provides a more substantial feel, catering to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Thus, users seeking a lighter switch experience that reduces finger fatigue would benefit from the Strawberry Latte, while those valuing a heavier tactile response may gravitate toward the Cherry MX Brown.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the differences are quite distinct. The Cherry MX Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte measures 3.6 mm. This makes the MX Brown the longer option, appealing to those who prefer a deeper, more substantial feel when pressing a key. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Strawberry Latte may cater to gamers who appreciate a quicker response time, achieving faster actuation. While both switches have their merits—with the Cherry MX Brown offering a more pronounced tactile experience and the Strawberry Latte providing a more immediate feedback—individual preferences will ultimately determine which switch is the better fit for a specific user.
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 Brown 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 it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Brown switches are characterized by a low-pitched tone, delivering a bass-heavy and mellow auditory experience that is generally non-intrusive and pleasant to type on. This design allows for a subtle audio profile, making them a popular choice for users who appreciate a quieter typing environment while still enjoying some feedback. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switches offer a well-balanced sound profile that strikes a chord between not being overly resonant yet still maintaining a presence to the auditory experience. Although both types of switches are designed to keep noise levels manageable, the Cherry MX Browns might lean more toward a softer, deeper sound, while the Strawberry Lattes provide a clear, smooth tone.
When discussing feel, the Cherry MX Brown switch is known for its textured experience, providing noticeable tactile feedback as you type, which can create a sense of satisfaction and affirmation with each keystroke. This tactile bump results in a typing experience that can enhance typing accuracy for many users. On the other hand, the feel of the Strawberry Latte switch is marked by its smoothness, allowing for a friction-free typing experience that can be ideal for those who prefer fluidity over texture. While the MX Browns cater to users who enjoy tactile feedback in their typing, the Strawberry Lattes appeal to those who favor a completely smooth action, making both experiences distinct but equally appealing depending on personal preference.
In summary, while the Cherry MX Brown and Huano Strawberry Latte switches differ significantly in sound and feel, both can provide satisfying typing experiences based on individual preferences. The MX Browns produce a low-pitched, subtle sound and a textured feel that caters to those who enjoy tactile feedback, while the Strawberry Lattes offer a balanced sound profile with a smooth feel that may attract users who prefer a more seamless key press. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback and tactile sensation or a smoother, quieter experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Cherry MX Brown and Huano Strawberry Latte switches ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the kind of experience you’re seeking. If you prefer a tactile feel with a bit of resistance and subtle feedback during key presses, the Cherry MX Brown is an excellent option. Its medium-light force and gentle tactile bump are perfect for typing, allowing for a satisfying experience without being overly loud—ideal in a shared workspace or a quiet environment. Conversely, if you value a smoother and lighter typing experience, the Huano Strawberry Latte might be more up your alley. With a lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams and a super smooth travel, these switches provide a quicker and effortless feel that can enhance your gaming speed and performance. The balanced sound profile of the Strawberry Latte also appeals to those who want a bit of character in their keystrokes without overwhelming noise. In essence, your final choice should reflect your typing style and whether you lean towards the nuance of tactile feedback or the seamless flow of linear action.
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