Cherry Nixie vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry Nixie and the Huano Strawberry Latte represent two compelling options within the realm of linear switches, each catering to different preferences and typing experiences. The Cherry Nixie is celebrated for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate a classic, yet refined feel. Its design incorporates updated materials and springs from Cherry’s MX2A series, ensuring a blend of tradition and modern innovation that delivers a robust, thocky sound with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte stands out for its super smooth operation, thanks to the latest mold technology from Huano. It features a well-balanced sound profile—not overly quiet, yet pleasantly resonant—making it an attractive choice for those who prefer a fluid typing experience without excessive noise. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing or gaming experience; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
63.5g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Cherry Nixie and the Huano Strawberry Latte housing materials, we see distinct characteristics in their top housings. The Nixie features a nylon top housing, renowned for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This material excels in sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte employs a POK top housing, which stands out for its smoothness and slight edge in durability over nylon. With a lower coefficient of friction and superior wear resistance, POK contributes to a pronounced clacky sound, shifting the auditory texture to something sharper than what nylon provides. Thus, while both switches showcase distinct sound profiles due to their top housing, the Nixie leans toward a softer sound, and the Strawberry Latte provides a brighter auditory response.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which causes an interesting interplay between their sound output and overall typing experience. The commonality in bottom housing material means that both switches will share the benefits associated with nylon, such as its ability to absorb sound and create a deeper sound profile during keystrokes. This shared component ensures that, regardless of the differences in top housing, both switches will maintain that familiar, rounded sound characteristic of nylon at the bottom. Therefore, when completing a keystroke on either switch, users can expect a cohesive auditory experience anchored by the nylon's inherent qualities.
In terms of performance resulting from the combination of their materials, both the Nixie and Strawberry Latte offer unique typing sensations while sharing key foundational similarities. Although the top housings introduce variability in sound and feel—resulting in that crisp clackiness from the POK versus the smooth depth offered by nylon—both switches benefit from the nylon bottom's consistent sound dampening properties. This convergence means that even with contrasting top materials influencing how the switches sound when activated or released, the overall typing experience balances out by drawing on the absorbing qualities of nylon beneath. Consequently, this synergy allows users to enjoy distinctive auditory and tactile feedback while still experiencing a grounded connection through the nylon base.
Weight
The Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch differ significantly in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Nixie requires a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a notably lighter actuation force of just 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, catering to those who favor a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. This marked difference means that while the Nixie may be more suitable for users seeking tactile feedback, the Strawberry Latte is optimal for those prioritizing ease of use and comfort. Consequently, users seeking a lighter switch should opt for the Huano Strawberry Latte, while those preferring heavier switches might find the Cherry Nixie more to their liking.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we see a clear distinction. The Nixie features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional and offers a deeper feel when pressing the key. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, aligning with the growing trend among gamers who favor quicker responses from their keyboards. The shorter travel distance of the Strawberry Latte may appeal to those seeking rapid key presses, while the extra depth of the Nixie may be preferable for users who enjoy a more tactile experience. Overall, the Nixie is the longer of the two switches, whereas the Strawberry Latte is shorter, highlighting the choice between responsiveness and depth in a keyboard’s feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 Nixie linear switch delivers a rich, thocky profile that produces a deep and satisfying auditory experience upon keypress. This creates an engaging feedback loop that can enhance the typing experience, especially for those who enjoy the auditory satisfaction of their mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch is characterized by a balanced sound profile. It isn't overly quiet, yet it also avoids excessive resonance, making it more subtle compared to the thocky nature of the Nixie. Both switches' sound can be influenced by the type of keyboard they are mounted on and the choice of keycaps, so users may find that both can achieve desirable auditory qualities in the right setup.
In terms of feel, the Cherry Nixie offers a textured typing experience, featuring noticeable friction during key presses. This texture can be appealing for users who enjoy a bit more feedback when typing, as it provides a distinctive tactile sensation that some find preferable. Conversely, the feel of the Huano Strawberry Latte has not been explicitly detailed, which means it could fall anywhere on the spectrum from smooth to textured. Without that information, it's tough to directly compare with the Nixie, but the smoothness suggested by the Strawberry Latte's design may lend itself to a more frictionless typing experience, catering to users who prefer a gliding sensation.
In summary, the Cherry Nixie is known for its thocky sound and textured feel, making it a solid choice for users who appreciate rich auditory feedback and tactile sensation while typing. The Huano Strawberry Latte features a balanced sound profile that strikes a middle ground without overwhelming resonance, though its feel characteristics remain unspecified. Depending on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback, users could gravitate towards either switch for a satisfying experience, knowing that both can deliver delightful results in their unique ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and force will be key factors. If you enjoy a heavier typing experience with a distinct thocky sound, the Cherry Nixie is an excellent choice. Its 80-gram bottom-out force provides a significant tactile weight that can enhance your typing stability and precision, making it ideal for users who prefer a more deliberate keystroke. The textured feel of the Nixie may appeal to those who appreciate a bit of feedback in their typing experience, allowing for a satisfying connection with each key press. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with a smooth and effortless keystroke, the Huano Strawberry Latte is likely the better option for you. With a bottom-out force of just 45 grams, it allows for rapid typing and may be preferred by gamers and typists who move quickly through their work or leisure activities. Its balanced sound profile and absence of harsh resonances can provide a pleasant auditory experience without being intrusive. Ultimately, your choice should align with how you want to interact with your keyboard: gravitating towards the Cherry Nixie's robust, textured feedback or the Huano Strawberry Latte's effortless, silky smoothness.
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