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Bsun Olive vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear options can significantly impact your typing experience. For those who enjoy clear, pronounced tactile feedback, the BSUN Olive switch stands out. Made with all-POM housings, these medium-weight switches offer a deep, resonant sound paired with a sharp bottom-out feel, making each keystroke a satisfying auditory and tactile experience—a perfect choice for typists and gamers who crave engagement with their keyboard. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch excels in providing a super smooth and balanced typing experience. Utilizing the latest available molds from Huano, these linear switches deliver a consistent keystroke without the tactile bump, catering to those who prefer a quieter yet fluid typing motion, ideal for rapid key presses and gaming. With both switches offering unique strengths—tactile satisfaction from the Olives and effortless smoothness from the Strawberries—your choice may ultimately hinge on whether you prioritize feedback or speed. 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

65g

Bottom-out force

45g

Pre-travel

2.00 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

POM

Top housing material

POK

Bottom housing material

POM

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

Plate (3-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

20mm single-stage spring

Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the Bsun Olive and the Huano Strawberry Latte, notable distinctions emerge that highlight their respective sound profiles and performance characteristics. The Olive employs POM (polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, known for producing a unique, pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper and more muted side. This uniformity in housing material ensures that the aural experience remains consistent throughout the keystroke, as both sections contribute similarly to the sound profile. With POM’s propensity for creating a satisfying thock when bottoming out, the Olive's design offers a cohesive experience that is loved by enthusiasts seeking muted acoustics.

In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte utilizes a combination of POK (polyketone) for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing. While POK is known for its smoothness and durability—boasting wear resistance substantially greater than POM—the nylon bottom housing offers a rounded, deeper sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound and produces a fuller auditory experience. This blend of materials in the Strawberry Latte means that the switch's characteristics are more complex, allowing the top housing to contribute sharpness and clarity when releasing the key, while the nylon bottom enhances a resonant sound when bottoming out. Therefore, the Strawbery Latte appeals to those who appreciate a snapier release and the comforting bass of a deeper thock.

Ultimately, while the Olive and Strawberry Latte differ in material composition, they both prioritize sound quality in their design. The Olive’s singular use of POM ensures a consistent and muted sound profile, while the varying materials of the Strawberry Latte offer an intricate interplay in auditory response. When considering the impact of these materials, it's crucial to recognize that each creates a distinct tactile and auditory result, underlining that even with different components, similar outcomes in terms of sound continuity can be achieved. Users should thus consider the tonal dynamics and desired feedback when choosing between these two distinct switches.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Olive has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it quite light overall. This difference means that those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use—such as during long work hours or gaming sessions—might favor the Strawberry Latte. Meanwhile, those seeking a more substantial tactile experience may lean towards the heavier Olive switch. Overall, potential users can expect a noticeably different feel between the two options, with the Olive providing a firmer response compared to the lighter and more forgiving Strawberry Latte.

Travel distance

The Bsun Olive tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Olive switch provides a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers who prefer shorter travel distances for quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more substantial typing experience, which some users might find more comfortable and less abrupt. Given this difference, one could choose the Olive for its shorter travel distance if responsiveness is the priority, or the Strawberry Latte if a deeper, more traditional feel is desired. In summary, the Olive is the shorter option, and the Strawberry Latte is the longer one.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.

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 sound of the BSUN Olive switches is characterized by a resonant, deep auditory profile, which provides an engaging acoustic experience during use. This quality of sound is enhanced by the switch's all-POM housings, which contribute to the overall richness and fullness of sound. Meanwhile, the Huano Strawberry Latte switches offer a balanced sound profile that sits comfortably between being overly quiet and too resonant, making them suitable for a more understated typing atmosphere. The auditory experience provided by the Strawberry Lattes, while still pleasant, will be less dramatic compared to the pronounced notes of the Olives. Ultimately, the environment—such as the keyboard construction and keycap material—will also influence the sound output of each switch.

In terms of feel, the BSUN Olive switches are notable for their pronounced tactile feedback, often characterized as 'medium tactile.' Users can expect an invigorating and snappy experience because of the switch's well-defined tactile bump, which delivers a sharp and satisfying response with each keystroke. The switch feels responsive and alive, greatly enhancing typing immersion. On the other hand, the tactile characteristics of the Strawberry Latte switches are not specified, meaning their tactile feedback may not be as engaging or memorable as that of the Olives. However, they are designed to be ultra-smooth, which implies a more linear feel that can appeal to typists who prefer less tactile disruption.

In conclusion, those looking for a robust auditory and tactile experience may find the BSUN Olive switches to be particularly satisfying, with their deep sound and pronounced tactile feedback. Conversely, the Huano Strawberry Latte switches provide a smoother typing experience with a balanced sound profile, making them versatile for various typing tasks. While they differ in tactile feedback and sound character, both switches cater to distinct preferences, allowing users to find the solution that suits their typing style best.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you’re someone who enjoys a more pronounced feedback and auditory experience while typing, the Olive is likely the better option for you. With its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams, it provides a strong tactile bump that feels invigorating and snap-responsive, making each keypress satisfying and engaging, especially for those who appreciate a deep, resonant sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, lighter touch with a softer sound, the Strawberry Latte, with its 45-gram actuation force, would suit you well. Its super smooth action provides a delightful fluidity that can enhance your overall typing speed, making it a great choice for gamers or anyone who types for extended durations without needing significant tactile feedback. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you favor a pronounced tactile sensation or a smooth linear experience, so consider what aligns best with your typing style and preferences before making your final decision.

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