TTC Neptune vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the TTC Neptune and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preferences play a significant role, and two popular options on the market are the TTC Neptune and the Huano Strawberry Latte, both of which offer distinct characteristics despite being linear switches. The TTC Neptune is renowned for its innovative design, providing users with a buttery and frictionless typing experience, enhanced by its light weight and a delightful, thocky sound profile that strikes a balance between muted and resonant. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a smooth and springy feel while typing, evoking the sensation of chewing mochi or tapioca pearls. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte emphasizes smoothness with its latest mold technology, offering a balanced sound profile that’s neither too quiet nor overly resonant. This switch is perfect for users who prefer a solid yet satisfying auditory experience without compromising on typing efficiency. 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
41g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Neptune and the Huano Strawberry Latte, notable differences emerge that affect their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Neptune features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is known for producing a sound that is deep and relatively muted. This characteristic results from POM's inherent properties, which create a unique acoustic experience and contribute to a softer overall sound profile. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte utilizes a POK (Polyketone) material for its top housing. POK's higher coefficient of friction makes it one of the smoothest materials available, offering a clackier and more resonant sound. This fundamental difference in sound characteristics suggests that users may prefer one switch over the other based on their acoustic preferences and the intended use of their keyboard.
The bottom housing materials also contribute significantly to the switches' overall sound and feel. The Neptune's use of polycarbonate for the bottom housing results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the resonance and clarity in sound, particularly beneficial for RGB setups due to its translucency. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte's nylon bottom housing generates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted acoustic response. This contrast illustrates how the combination of a polycarbonate bottom housing with a POM top in the Neptune creates a distinct sonic experience compared to the deeper, fuller sound resulting from nylon paired with a smooth POK top in the Strawberry Latte.
In summary, the differences in housing materials between the TTC Neptune and Huano Strawberry Latte establish unique acoustic and tactile experiences for users. The Neptune's combination of a muted and deep POM top with a crisp polycarbonate bottom offers a refined sound, whereas the Strawberry Latte pairs a smooth and clacky POK top with a fuller nylon bottom for a richer, warmer acoustic experience. Despite these contrasts, both switches will provide satisfying results for typists, as the influence of each housing material creates a memorable and enjoyable typing journey, catering to a variety of user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, both options are characterized by their light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users seeking a comfortable typing experience. The Neptune has an actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the Strawberry Latte is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means the Strawberry Latte offers a lighter touch overall, making it an excellent choice for prolonged use, such as long work hours or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Neptune, while still considered light, provides a slightly more substantial feel due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the Huano Strawberry Latte would be the preferable option, while the TTC Neptune caters to those who appreciate a bit more resistance during keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we find that the Neptune has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Strawberry Latte measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the Strawberry Latte the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. The Neptune, with its longer travel distance, offers a more traditional feel that some users might prefer due to the added depth and tactile feedback. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that provides a more immediate actuation, the Strawberry Latte would suit your needs better, whereas the Neptune caters to those who enjoy a somewhat deeper keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 TTC Neptune switch delivers a distinct auditory experience characterized by its low-pitched and muted tones. The sound signature can be described as thocky, providing a deep and satisfying sound when a key is pressed, which many users find pleasing. This subtle sound profile makes it suitable for various environments, as it minimizes noise while still conveying a reassuring feedback upon actuation. The sound is further softened by the switch's subdued nature, ensuring that it won't disrupt surrounding activities, whether at work or home. While the sound profile of the Huano Strawberry Latte switch is labeled as balanced, it is not fully detailed, leaving some ambiguity regarding its comparative loudness or resonance. That said, it is indicated that it falls between quiet and overly resonant, suggesting it may could provide a comfortable middle ground for those seeking a moderate auditory experience.
When considering the feel, the Neptune excels in delivering an extraordinary typing experience marked by its unique internal structure. This switch promises an almost frictionless action, allowing for buttery smooth keystrokes that melt into each press. Users may enjoy a chewy sensation reminiscent of mochi or tapioca pearls, providing a delightful tactile response as they type. The springy resistance enhances the overall experience and creates a gratifying interaction without being overly harsh. Conversely, specific descriptions of the feel for the Huano Strawberry Latte switch are absent. Hence, while it might share a character of smoothness with the Neptune, the absence of detailed descriptors leaves an open question on how it would compare in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing sensation.
In conclusion, the TTC Neptune switch presents a compelling combination of low-pitched, muted, and thocky sound alongside an exceptionally smooth, frictionless feel that makes it a standout option for those who appreciate a refined typing experience. The Huano Strawberry Latte switch, while noted for its balanced sound profile, lacks detailed information on tactile feedback, making it challenging to provide an equivalent comparison in that respect. However, it is likely that both switches will deliver smooth and satisfying typing experiences, albeit in potentially different auditory manners. Ultimately, for newcomers, the Neptune offers a more defined and desirable set of sensory qualities, while the Strawberry Latte remains a bit of an unknown but potentially valuable alternative.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch depends largely on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth and almost frictionless typing experience combined with a muted thocky sound that feels tactile yet gentle, the TTC Neptune is likely your best choice. Its unique structure provides a delightful glide that is perfect for both gaming and typing, making it ideal for users who appreciate a light bottom-out force of 50 grams. On the other hand, if you're looking for an equally light switch at 45 grams that emphasizes a balanced sound profile without leaning too heavily in either direction, the Huano Strawberry Latte could be more suited to your needs. Its super smooth feel makes it versatile, allowing you to type comfortably over long periods without feeling fatigued. Ultimately, if you enjoy differentiated sound profiles and tactile feedback, you might lean towards the Neptune, while the Strawberry Latte will cater more to those who prefer a consistent and balanced typing experience.
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