Outemu Blue vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue and the Huano Strawberry Latte stand out as distinct choices tailored to different typing preferences. The Outemu Blue, with its clicky design, offers tactile feedback and an audible "click" sound that many typists find satisfying, making it an excellent option for those who enjoy a more pronounced and engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte is a linear switch known for its ultra-smooth keystrokes, providing a quieter yet responsive alternative that appeals to gamers and typists who prefer a more seamless action without the distraction of a click. While the Blue switch creates an invigorating atmosphere with its auditory feedback, the Strawberry Latte excels in offering a balanced sound profile, striking a harmony between noise and silence. 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
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Blue and Huano Strawberry Latte switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, presenting varied acoustic properties and aesthetic qualities. The Outemu Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material allows for a crisper resonance that can be enhanced with RGB lighting, making it visually appealing as well. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte is designed with a POK (polyketone) top housing, which, despite being strong and durable, provides a smooth and clacky sound when typing. While both materials promote desirable sound qualities, the polycarbonate’s clarity contrasts with the POK’s emphasis on smoothness, illustrating how the choice of materials affects the overall auditory experience.
When examining the bottom housing, both the Outemu Blue and Huano Strawberry Latte share the same nylon material, thus unifying their deeper and fuller sound profiles. Nylon is renowned for its softer plastic properties, which absorb sound more effectively than harder alternatives. This characteristic results in a rounder and more muted auditory output, regardless of the different top housing materials. Hence, while the sound produced when releasing the key will differ due to the top housing's distinct acoustics, the bottom housing ensures that both switches will have a similar depth in sound when bottoming out. This shared nylon base contributes to consistency in the tactile feel, allowing for an overall cohesive typing experience across both switch types despite their differing top constructions.
Ultimately, the combination of varying materials for the top and the uniform bottom housing results in unique auditory profiles for both the Outemu Blue and Huano Strawberry Latte switches. The polycarbonate top housing of the Blue intensifies resonance and brightness while the POK housing of the Strawberry Latte enhances smoothness and clackiness. However, the shared characteristics derived from their nylon bottom housings ensure that typing feels rich and substantial in both cases. Therefore, while users may detect differences based on the respective top housing materials, the consistent nylon base guarantees a level of familiarity in sound and tactile feedback, rendering both switches appealing options for different preferences in acoustic profiling.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, a clear distinction emerges in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Blue has an actuation force of 50 grams, which makes it heavier than the Huano Strawberry Latte's actuation force of just 35 grams. This difference means that typists using the Blue switch may experience a more substantial typing feel, catering to those who prefer a stronger push. However, the bottom out force for the Outemu Blue is unknown, whereas the Strawberry Latte has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is considered light. As a result, the Huano Strawberry Latte allows for easier keystrokes and more extended typing sessions without fatigue, making it suitable for those who prioritize comfort. Overall, the Outemu Blue is the heavier option, while the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a lighter feel, ideal for users looking for less resistance during extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the Outemu Blue stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte measures a shorter 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm highlights the Outemu Blue's more substantial keypress, which may appeal to users who enjoy a deeper, more tactile experience. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte, with its shorter 3.6 mm travel distance, offers quicker actuation, potentially benefiting gamers who favor rapid response times during gameplay. Therefore, for those who appreciate the hearty depth of a keypress, the Outemu Blue is the preferable choice, while those seeking a more responsive feel may lean towards the Huano Strawberry Latte. Overall, the Outemu Blue provides a longer travel distance compared to the shorter Huano Strawberry Latte switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 Outemu Blue switch is characterized by a pronounced click sound that emits a distinctive, sharp noise with each keystroke, making it immediately recognizable and often preferred by typists who enjoy auditory feedback. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch features a more balanced sound profile; it is not overly quiet but also avoids the excess resonance that can sometimes accompany tactile switches. This results in a sound that is pleasing and less intrusive, appealing to those who might find the loudness of Blues distracting in a shared environment.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Blue switch offers a tactile bump that provides clear feedback when the actuation point is reached, making it satisfying for users who appreciate a more interactive typing experience. The Strawberry Latte, on the other hand, is known for its exceptionally smooth linear action, ensuring that every keypress flows effortlessly without any tactile resistance. This smoothness is particularly appealing to gamers and typists looking for a fast and fluid experience without hindrance.
In summary, the Outemu Blue and Huano Strawberry Latte switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Blue's sharp auditory feedback and tactile response make it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who enjoy a clicky switch, while the Strawberry Latte’s subtle sound and smooth linear action attract those who prioritize a seamless typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer the pronounced feedback and sound of the Blue or the smooth, balanced qualities of the Strawberry Latte.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Outemu Blue and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and use case. If you enjoy a tactile and audible feedback while typing, the Outemu Blue switch might be the right choice for you. It's ideal for typists and gamers who appreciate the clicky sound and feel that accompanies their keystrokes, making it suitable for writing and heavy typing tasks. However, if you prefer a smoother, quieter experience with less tactile disturbance, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch would serve you better. The Strawberry Latte’s light bottom-out force and balanced sound profile make it perfect for fast-paced gaming, long typing sessions, or simply a more subdued environment where noise is a concern. In conclusion, consider your specific needs and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard to make the best choice between these two distinct switches.
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