Cherry MX Red vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch that suits your typing style, the Cherry MX Red and the Huano Strawberry Latte both present compelling options, yet they cater to slightly different preferences. The Cherry MX Red is a classic switch known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. It is categorized as 'Thocky' and 'Textured', making it a great choice for those who appreciate a more tactile, sonorous feel when they type. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte boasts a super smooth operation thanks to the latest available molds from Huano, providing a balanced sound profile that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant. While both switches are linear and designed for smooth key presses, the Cherry MX Red emphasizes a richer acoustic feedback, whereas the Strawberry Latte focuses on an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a tactile auditory experience or silky-smooth keystrokes. 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
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 Red and the Huano Strawberry Latte, it is evident that their characteristics play a crucial role in the overall performance and sound profile of the switches. The Cherry MX Red features a nylon top housing, which is renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon's softer nature, allowing it to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte employs a POK (polyketone) top housing, known for its durability and smoothness. Although POK offers a clacky sound profile due to its higher coefficient of friction, it still provides a pleasant typing experience, albeit with a different auditory character compared to the MX Red's nylon.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, it's interesting to note their similarities. The Cherry MX Red and Huano Strawberry Latte both utilize nylon material for their bottom housings, which enables a consistent sound and feel across different key presses. As nylon is a familiar switch housing material, it contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profile during bottom-out events. This shared material between the two switches means that despite their differences in top housing, users can expect a similar sound and tactile response when pressing down on the keys. The nylon's capacity for sound absorption ensures that both switches will maintain a cohesive auditory experience.
In summary, while the Cherry MX Red and Huano Strawberry Latte use different materials for their top housings—nylon in the former and POK in the latter—their shared nylon bottom housing fosters a mutual response during key presses. The culmination of sound profiles produced by these switches showcases the influence of their respective top materials, with the MX Red achieving a fuller sound through nylon, while the Strawberry Latte offers a smooth and clacky typing experience via POK. Ultimately, whether typing on a Cherry MX Red or a Huano Strawberry Latte, users will enjoy a sound experience tempered by the common properties of nylon in the bottom housing, ensuring that both switches deliver satisfying and unique results.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Red linear switch to the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, several differences in actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The Cherry MX Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Strawberry Latte is lighter with an actuation force of 40 grams. This difference means that the Strawberry Latte can provide a more effortless typing experience, which is beneficial for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In terms of bottom out force, the Cherry MX Red's bottom out force remains unknown, while the Huano Strawberry Latte boasts a bottom out force of 45 grams. Therefore, users of the Strawberry Latte will experience a more defined stop when pressing the key all the way down, contributing to a substantial typing feel. Overall, the MX Red is heavier compared to the lighter Strawberry Latte, which may cater more to users who prefer a softer touch, while the MX Red might appeal to those favoring a stronger, more tactile experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Red linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This 0.4 mm difference means that the MX Red provides a deeper and potentially more tactile experience when pressed, appealing to users who appreciate a more substantial key press. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte’s shorter travel distance may offer a quicker response time, making it an attractive option for gamers who prioritize speed. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches can depend on personal preference: if you enjoy a more pronounced depth, the Cherry MX Red is the ideal choice, while the Huano Strawberry Latte caters to those who prefer a snappier feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Red linear switch is recognized for its thocky sound profile, which delivers a deep, rich auditory experience akin to a satisfying thud with each keystroke. This deeper sound contributes to a more robust typing atmosphere, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy an immersive audial feedback from their keyboard. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a balanced sound profile that falls right in between—a middle ground that isn’t quite quiet but also doesn’t resonate excessively. While the MX Red's sound is distinctly fuller, both switches manage to maintain an engaging auditory quality, making them suitable for different preferences depending on the environment and user expectations.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Red provides a slightly heftier tactile sensation due to its textured characteristics, which can result in a more pronounced friction during typing. This texture is often sought after by users who appreciate a tactile distinction as they press each key. Meanwhile, the Huano Strawberry Latte is designed to be super smooth, likely providing a more friction-free typing experience. This smoothness may appeal to those who prefer a glide-like feel when typing, minimizing any resistance. These differences in tactile sensation suggest that users might gravitate towards the Cherry MX Red for a textured typing experience while opting for the Strawberry Latte if they desire a more effortless keystroke.
In summary, while the Cherry MX Red switch shines with its thocky sound and textured feel that creates a responsive and satisfying typing experience, the Huano Strawberry Latte provides a balanced auditory quality combined with an ultra-smooth keystroke. Users looking for a richer sound and a textured feel might lean toward the MX Red, whereas those who prioritize a smoother operation with a moderate sound profile may prefer the Strawberry Latte. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will largely depend on personal preference, ensuring that regardless of the chosen switch, you'll achieve an enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between Cherry MX Red and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches, the decision largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a deeper sound profile and a slightly heftier feel, the Cherry MX Red might be the clear winner for you. It offers a satisfying auditory depth that can make your typing experience feel more substantial and robust, appealing to those who enjoy a thocky sound when striking the keys. On the other hand, if you prioritize a super smooth typing experience and prefer a lighter bottom out force, the Huano Strawberry Latte will likely meet your needs well. Its balanced sound profile is neither too quiet nor overly resonant, making it a suitable choice for both casual and serious typing without overwhelming noise. Ultimately, the Cherry MX Red leans towards those who favor traditional mechanical feedback with a textured feel, while the Strawberry Latte caters to users who seek a smooth, enjoyable keystroke. By considering the auditory and tactile characteristics of each switch, you'll be better equipped to select the one that enhances your overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
