Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your typing experience and performance, particularly for gamers and typists alike. The Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is celebrated for its rapid response and low spring resistance, making it an optimal choice for competitive gamers who require instantaneous actuation and tactile feedback. Its full-height design provides a 'thocky' feel, enhancing the overall gaming experience while ensuring that each keystroke is both quick and satisfying. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch offers an impressive smoothness, thanks to its cutting-edge manufacturing molds. This switch strikes a balance with a sound profile that isn't overly quiet or resonant, making it a versatile option for both gamers and typists who enjoy a more muted, yet still engaging auditory feedback. While both switches cater to linear preferences, offering a seamless typing experience, their distinct characteristics make them suitable for different user needs. 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
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver and the Huano Strawberry Latte, significant contrasts emerge, particularly in their top housings. The MX Speed Silver utilizes nylon, a well-regarded classic in switch design known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte is constructed with polyketone (POK), a material recognized for its superior durability and smoothness, with an impressive wear resistance 14 times that of POM and a shock resistance that outperforms nylon. While both top housings aim to achieve smooth actuation, the POK material in the Strawberry Latte is engineered to enhance the tactile experience, providing a snappier feedback due to its distinctive friction properties. As such, the differences in materials affect the overall sound output and tactile feedback experienced by users.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Huano Strawberry Latte employ nylon, leading to a shared characteristic of producing a deeper and bassier sound profile when the switch bottoms out. This similarity underscores the effectiveness of nylon in sound absorption, benefiting both switches by creating a rounder auditory experience. The consistency in bottom housing materials also suggests that users could expect comparable bottom-out sensations, enhancing the tactile feedback that typists and gamers seek. Therefore, while the top housing materials contribute distinctively to the sound and feedback on release, the nylon bottom ensures a familiar and comforting experience when the key is fully pressed down.
Overall, the combination of differing top housing materials and similar bottom housings allows for a nuanced exploration of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Huano Strawberry Latte. The contrasting properties of nylon and POK at the top affect the switches' sound when keys are released, while the shared nylon composition at the bottom provides a consistent and rich sound profile upon actuation. As a result, while typists might appreciate the unique sound characteristics offered by the POK top of the Strawberry Latte, they would still enjoy a familiar and satisfying feel due to the commonality in bottom housing materials. This duality ensures that players and typists can experience a range of auditory and tactile feedback that satisfies diverse preferences within mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we can see notable differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the MX Speed Silver is unavailable. The Cherry MX Speed Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it on the heavier side, while the Huano Strawberry Latte features a lighter actuation force at 35 grams, which can contribute to less fatigue during extended use, making it ideal for long gaming sessions or office work. Additionally, the Strawberry Latte’s bottom out force is set at 45 grams, which helps provide a substantial feel when the key is fully pressed down, contrasting with the unknown bottom out force of the Speed Silver. Overall, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is the heavier switch, offering more resistance for those who prefer a stronger tactile experience, while the lighter Huano Strawberry Latte caters to users looking for a softer touch and reduced fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Cherry MX Speed Silver features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're seeking quicker response times, the Speed Silver may be the better option, as its shorter travel distance allows for faster actuation, appealing to gamers who thrive on speed. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte's greater travel distance could provide a more substantial tactile experience, which some users might prefer for a more pronounced feel while typing. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences in terms of travel distance, the Cherry MX Speed Silver offers a quicker response, whereas the Huano Strawberry Latte provides a deeper engagement with each keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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
The Cherry MX Speed Silver switch offers a unique auditory experience characterized by its thocky and low-pitched sound profile. When actuated, these switches emit a satisfying, deep noise that feels both rich and substantial, akin to a soft thud upon each keystroke. This acoustics make it favorable for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback, especially in a gaming context, where clarity of sound can enhance immersion. By contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte does not have a specifically defined sound profile provided, but it's noted for a generally balanced quality that avoids extreme resonance. Although not overly quiet, it sits comfortably in a middle ground, making it less likely to be disruptive in shared environments.
In terms of tactile feel, the MX Speed Silver is described as having a textured response, introducing a subtle amount of friction that can be stimulating for some users who enjoy a bit of resistance while typing. This textured quality may lend itself well to a more engaging typing experience, though it might not appeal to those who prefer a completely smooth keystroke. On the other hand, there is no detailed description of the feel of the Strawberry Latte, leaving a degree of mystery about its tactile experience, which may or may not appeal to users seeking that specific quality.
In summary, choosing between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Huano Strawberry Latte will largely depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel. The MX Speed Silver caters well to gamers and those who appreciate a rich auditory feedback combined with a tactile texture, while the Strawberry Latte offers a more neutral sound that could be less intrusive in communal settings. If you value a more pronounced auditory experience and a textured feel, the Speed Silver is likely the better choice, whereas the Strawberry Latte may appeal to those looking for a balanced sound profile without defined characteristics in feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're an avid gamer seeking rapid response time for competitive play, the MX Speed Silver is your best bet. Its low spring resistance and immediate actuation make it ideal for those who need to execute commands swiftly, with the added benefit of a satisfying thocky sound profile that enhances your gaming experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth typing experience and a more balanced auditory feedback that's not overly loud, the Huano Strawberry Latte will suit you well. Its relatively light bottom-out force of 45 grams provides a gentle typing experience without sacrificing performance. Additionally, the Strawberry Latte's build quality ensures that you enjoy a consistent feel, making it great for both casual and productivity tasks. By evaluating your primary use case—whether it’s high-paced gaming or comfortable typing—you can confidently choose the switch that best matches your requirements.
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