Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options like the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Huano Strawberry Latte, each offering a distinct typing experience tailored to different preferences. The Cherry MX Purple RGB is celebrated for its tactile feedback, featuring a medium-strength bump that provides a satisfying feel with every keystroke, making it ideal for users who appreciate a more pronounced response while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte boasts a smooth linear action, utilizing advanced mold technology that results in a buttery-smooth keystroke without the tactile bump, ideal for gamers seeking rapid key presses and a quieter typing environment. While the Cherry MX Purple RGB excels in tactile feedback and engagement, the Strawberry Latte emphasizes speed and fluidity. 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
45g
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 Purple RGB and the Huano Strawberry Latte, there are notable distinctions and similarities that affect their performance and sound characteristics. The Cherry MX Purple RGB utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its classic appeal in mechanical switches. Nylon is a softer material that excels in producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. This absorption capability enhances the muted sound experienced during typing, contributing to a pleasant tactile feel. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte features a top housing made of POK material, or polyketone, which offers a higher coefficient of friction that enhances the smoothness of keystrokes. The POK material's strength and durability also provide a different acoustic quality, giving the Strawberry Latte a more pronounced clacky sound while still delivering satisfying performance.
The bottom housings of both switches, composed of nylon, provide a consistent acoustic experience. Since nylon is a classic choice for creating switch bottoms, both switches utilize this material to contribute to a deeper sound profile. This means that regardless of the differing top housing materials, typing on either switch will yield a similar bottom-out sound, characterized by its rounded and full quality. The shared nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures that the tactile and auditory experience remains a constant factor, helping to maintain a level of familiarity for users during gameplay or typing sessions. Therefore, while the top housings may introduce different sound profiles, the nylon bottoms help unify the overall experience between the two switches.
However, the unique properties of the POK material in the Huano Strawberry Latte significantly enhance its durability and shock absorption compared to the nylon in the Cherry MX Purple RGB. With a wear resistance that is substantially superior to other plastics, including Nylon, the Strawberry Latte’s POK material promises longevity and resilience. This added durability can make a difference for users who require robust performance over extended periods. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX's nylon top housing remains reliable, offering a softer touch and absorbing impacts well, but may not match the intense strength of the POK. Collectively, these differences highlight how the top and bottom housing materials contribute different qualities to the overall switch performance, appealing to a range of preferences among typists and gamers.
Weight
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Purple RGB requires an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Huano Strawberry Latte has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This difference suggests that the Strawberry Latte may offer a more effortless typing experience, making it potentially more suitable for long hours of use, whether in the office or during extended gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the MX Purple RGB is unknown, making a direct comparison difficult. The Strawberry Latte's bottom out force is measured at 45 grams, which is considered light, contributing to a softer landing when keys are fully pressed. Overall, the Cherry MX Purple RGB might appeal to those who prefer a heavier switch for a more substantial feel, while the Huano Strawberry Latte could attract those seeking a lighter touch for a more comfortable typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, it becomes evident that they cater to different preferences. The Cherry MX Purple RGB features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional longer travel distance, providing a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who prefer a more responsive and quicker key press, which is often favored by gamers. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch with a more pronounced depth and feedback, the Cherry MX Purple RGB would be the better choice, while the Strawberry Latte offers a snappier response with its shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB switch produces a refined auditory experience that strikes a balance between a noticeable tactile bump and a pleasant click that draws keyboard enthusiasts in. This switch offers a moderate sound profile that's satisfying without being overly loud or distracting, which makes it suitable for both office and gaming environments. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch delivers a balanced auditory experience as well, characterized by its smooth operation. While it isn't particularly quiet, it also lacks excessive resonance, making it a good choice for those looking for a pleasing sound without it becoming overwhelming in quieter settings. Together, these switches cater to those seeking distinctive sounds in their typing experience, albeit with some differences in intensity.
Regarding feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is crafted to provide a refined tactile experience, characterized by a short bump that requires medium actuation force. This combination offers a noticeable tactile feedback that many typists and gamers appreciate, creating a sense of engagement with each keystroke. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte is celebrated for its super smooth, linear action that completely removes the tactile bump, allowing for swift and fluid key presses. This switch feels effortless, ideal for rapid typing or gaming sequences where speed is crucial. Each switch caters to different preferences: tactile feedback from the MX Purple RGB and the slick, uninterrupted flow of the Strawberry Latte.
In summary, both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches provide unique sensory experiences through sound and feel. The MX Purple RGB offers a refined tactile feedback with a balanced sound profile, while the Strawberry Latte emphasizes a smooth linear action accompanied by a balanced auditory output. Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference—whether one prioritizes tactile feedback and a slightly louder sound or seeks a frictionless typing experience with a more muted acoustic signature.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing or gaming style. If you value a tactile experience with a pronounced but refined bump, the Cherry MX Purple RGB might be the better option for you, especially if you enjoy the assurance of feedback while typing or gaming without the need for a strong bottom-out force. This can enhance your typing accuracy and provide a more engaging experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke that requires a lighter actuation force, the Huano Strawberry Latte could be ideal. It's particularly suited for fast-paced gaming or if you simply prefer a more fluid typing experience without the tactile interruption. If sound profile is also a consideration for you, the Strawberry Latte strikes a balanced tone that isn’t too loud or too soft, making it versatile for various environments. Ultimately, trust your own comfort and usage scenarios to guide your decision—whether it be tactile feedback from the Cherry MX Purple or the smooth linear action of the Huano Strawberry Latte, both switches offer unique benefits that can cater to different keyboard preferences.
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