Cherry MX Orange vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange 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 Cherry MX Orange and Huano Strawberry Latte can significantly impact your typing experience. The Cherry MX Orange switches, renowned for their revival of the original design, offer a smooth and reliable performance that is favored by many gamers and typists looking for a balanced feel and tactile feedback. On the other hand, Huano Strawberry Latte switches are celebrated for their exceptional smoothness and balanced sound profile, making them a great choice for those who prioritize acoustics without sacrificing performance. While both switches fall under the linear category, which typically results in a quieter and seamless keypress experience, they each have unique features that may cater to different preferences. 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
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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 Orange and the Huano Strawberry Latte, there are notable differences in the compositions and their accompanying sound profiles, despite both utilizing nylon for the bottom portion. The Cherry MX Orange features a nylon top housing, which is known for being softer and more sound-absorbent. This characteristic contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a rounder and more muted acoustic experience when typing. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte employs a POK material for its top housing. This material is celebrated for its smoothness and durability, offering a sound profile that emphasizes a clackier sound due to its harder structure. The distinct properties of each material lead to differing auditory experiences, with the Cherry MX Orange favoring depth and fullness, while the Huano Strawberry Latte provides sharpness and clarity.
Despite the differences in the top housing materials of the switches, both the Cherry MX Orange and Huano Strawberry Latte employ nylon for their bottom housings. This shared material provides a consistency in the typing experience, as nylon’s sound-absorbing qualities help to maintain a rounder sound profile when all keys are pressed. The use of nylon in both bottom housings means that, regardless of the distinct character brought by the top materials, users can expect a similar foundation of acoustic dampening and feel during bottoming out. Thus, even with contrasting top materials, the similar nylon bottom housing will create a unified experience in terms of sound and feedback during key presses.
Ultimately, the variance in the top housing materials leads to an interesting juxtaposition of experiences. While the Cherry MX Orange benefits from the deeper sound profile tied to its nylon top, the Huano Strawberry Latte's POK top contributes to a smoother, clackier feel. The presence of nylon in both bottom sections ensures that both switches convey a compatible feel and sound quality upon bottoming out, allowing for users to appreciate both switches while highlighting the unique qualities of their respective top housings. Thus, even with their differences, both switches create a distinctive yet coherent typing experience overall, maintaining the essence of acoustic depth from their nylon bottom structures.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, significant differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Orange has an actuation force of 55 grams but lacks specified data for its bottom out force. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Strawberry Latte notably lighter overall, which can provide a more comfortable typing experience for extended use or long gaming sessions. The Cherry MX Orange, with its heavier actuation force, may be more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial feel in their keystrokes, offering greater resistance for those who enjoy a stronger push back. Thus, if you're looking for lighter activation, the Strawberry Latte fits the bill, while the Cherry MX Orange appeals to those who favor a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, it is evident that they differ significantly. The Cherry MX Orange has a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the most traditional distance that many users may find comfortable for a more profound key press experience. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, appealing to those who prefer quicker responsiveness, particularly gamers who benefit from faster actuation. Consequently, if you prioritize a deeper and more satisfying tactile experience, the Cherry MX Orange is the better choice, while those seeking immediate feedback may favor the Huano Strawberry Latte for its shorter actuation distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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
The Cherry MX Orange switch is known for producing a balanced auditory profile that is not too loud, striking a commendable middle ground between muted and overly resonant sounds. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch also features a balanced sound profile that falls into a similar range, being neither excessively quiet nor overly resonant. This similarity means that, while both switches provide a satisfying auditory experience, the perception of sound will greatly depend on the overall build of your keyboard, including your choice of board and keycap materials.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Orange switch offers a smooth linear experience that is complemented by slight feedback, making it ideal for typists and gamers seeking responsiveness without the harshness of tactile switches. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch is praised for its super smooth operation, a notable feature that becomes apparent during fast typing sessions or gaming marathons. Both switches deliver a linear feel, providing users with a seamless and uninterrupted keypress experience.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Orange and Huano Strawberry Latte switches present appealing options for newcomers exploring mechanical keyboards. The sound profile of each switch offers a balanced auditory experience, while the feel is characterized by smooth linear action, making both choices suitable for a range of typing or gaming scenarios. Overall, users can expect a pleasant experience with either switch, with nuances that come down to personal preference regarding brand and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, consider your typing preferences and intended usage. If you prioritize a well-rounded and responsive typing experience with a sought-after legacy, the Cherry MX Orange may be the ideal choice for you. Its smooth activation and enhanced feel make it a solid option for gamers and typists alike who appreciate the harmony of performance and nostalgia. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter switch that still offers a pleasing sound and feel, the Huano Strawberry Latte could be the better match. Its 45 grams bottom-out force means it’s easier on your fingers during long typing sessions, and the balanced sound profile strikes a nice chord between tranquility and presence, catering to both casual and enthusiastic users. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences for actuation force, sound, and overall typing experience, ensuring that you find a switch that makes your mechanical keyboard journey enjoyable.
Mentioned in this article
