Outemu Black vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular choices are the Outemu Black and the Huano Strawberry Latte, both of which are linear switches designed to provide smooth key presses without tactile bumps or audible clicks. The Outemu Black is renowned for its straightforward functionality, appealing to gamers and typists who prefer a no-frills experience, offering a consistent keystroke with a moderate actuation force. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte stands out with its super smooth press, benefiting from the latest molds from Huano, creating a balanced sound profile that strikes an ideal chord between being not too quiet yet not overly resonant. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, they bring distinct characteristics to the table; the Outemu Black emphasizes reliability and simplicity, while the Strawberry Latte focuses on smoothness and sound quality. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Black Linear

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Black and Huano Strawberry Latte switches exhibit distinct characteristics due to the differences in their top housing materials. The Outemu Black utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic enhances resonance, contributing to a clear auditory experience that is particularly advantageous when RGB lighting is involved, as the translucency of polycarbonate amplifies the visual effects of the lighting. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte employs POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which, while also yielding a notable sound quality, is highlighted more for its smooth tactile experience as well as its durability. Though both materials contribute positively to the acoustic characteristics of the switches, the user will notice a more pronounced clarity in sound with the polycarbonate compared to the smoothness offered by the POK material.

Examining the bottom housings, both the Outemu Black and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches utilize nylon, a material renowned for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The similarity in bottom housing material leads to comparable sound absorption properties, as nylon's softer composition effectively dampens noise and results in a rounder sound. This shared material choice signifies that regardless of the differences in top housing, both switches will produce a similar bottom-out sound and feel, creating a sense of consistency in the acoustic and tactile experience when pressing the keys. Thus, users who favor the auditory characteristics of nylon will find both switches delivering a satisfying depth in sound.

Ultimately, the interplay of the different top and bottom housing materials in the Outemu Black and Huano Strawberry Latte switches underscores the importance of material selection in customizing keyboard experiences. While the polycarbonate top of the Black enhances clarity and brightness, the POK top of the Strawberry Latte emphasizes smoothness and durability. However, with both switches housing nylon at the bottom, the end-user will enjoy a shared foundation of sound depth that blends the contrasting qualities, offering a unique blend of acoustic tonalities and tactile feedback. This combination allows enthusiasts to achieve distinctive sound profiles while still experiencing the characteristic fullness that nylon provides in both products.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Black and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches, there is a significant difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Black features a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, making it a suitable option for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte is considerably lighter, with an actuation force of only 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users seeking a more effortless keystroke for extended typing sessions or gaming. As a result, individuals opting for the Outemu Black may find satisfaction in the added resistance, while those favoring the Strawberry Latte will enjoy a more comfortable and less fatiguing experience. Overall, the Outemu Black is the heavier switch, while the Huano Strawberry Latte is the lighter option, catering to different user preferences in typing force.

Travel distance

The Outemu Black linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Black switch offers a more traditional and hearty depth, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte, with its 3.6 mm distance, caters to those who favor quicker response times, making it a potentially better choice for gamers seeking speed in their keypresses. Ultimately, if users opt for the shorter travel distance of the Strawberry Latte, they will achieve more responsiveness, while those who prefer the longer travel distance of the Black might appreciate the depth and feedback with each keystroke. Thus, the Outemu Black is the longer switch at 4 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte is the shorter option at 3.6 mm.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Black linear switch doesn't have notable characteristics, which means it will likely blend into the background soundscape of your keyboard, making it relatively unobtrusive. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a balanced sound profile; it’s not excessively quiet but avoids being too resonant, delivering a pleasant auditory experience that sits comfortably in the middle range. The sound of both switches can be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, but the Strawberry Latte clearly offers a more defined auditory identity.

When it comes to feel, the Outemu Black switch lacks specific descriptions, which may suggest that it provides a standard linear experience without any standout tactile feedback. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte is characterized by its super smooth operation, benefiting from the latest mold technology from Huano. The smoothness of the Strawberry Latte enhances the overall typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a seamless keystroke without any tactile bumps or interruptions.

Overall, if you're trying to choose between the Outemu Black and the Huano Strawberry Latte, you'll find that while the Black may offer a more generic typing experience, the Strawberry Latte stands out with its smooth feel and balanced sound profile. If you prioritize a pleasant auditory experience and a smooth keystroke, the Strawberry Latte would be the better choice, whereas the Black might be suitable for those seeking a more subtle or less-defined switch option. Ultimately, both switches can deliver a linear typing experience, but the nuances of the Strawberry Latte will appeal to those who appreciate a refined keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Black linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, consider your typing style, comfort preferences, and the kind of experience you're looking for. If you prefer a heavier, more deliberate keystroke that provides a significant tactile response for each press, the Outemu Black may be a better fit, especially if you enjoy a robust bottom-out force for a more controlled typing experience. On the other hand, if you tend to favor a lighter feel and rapid engagements, the Huano Strawberry Latte with its softer actuation force and smooth travel may be more suitable for you, lending itself to a faster typing rhythm and less fatigue during long sessions. Additionally, the sound profile of the Strawberry Latte strikes a balance, providing a satisfying auditory feedback without being overly loud, while the Black might lack notable sound characteristics, which may impact your choice depending on your environment. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal typing preferences and the performance aspects that matter most to you.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Black Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more