Outemu Cream Pink vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Pink and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Cream Pink and the Huano Strawberry Latte both stand out as compelling options for enthusiasts of linear switches. The Cream Pink is heralded for its smooth keystroke experience, making it an appealing choice for gamers and typists who value consistency and reliability in their inputs. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte is celebrated for its innovative design, utilizing the latest molds to offer a remarkably smooth action along with a balanced sound profile that strikes a neat middle ground—neither too quiet nor excessively resonant. While both switches provide a satisfying linear feel, the Cream Pink leans toward simplicity, ideal for those who prioritize a straightforward typing sensation, whereas the Strawberry Latte caters to those looking for a bit more auditory character alongside smooth performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Pink and the Huano Strawberry Latte, we find notable differences and similarities that influence the typing experience and sound profile. The Cream Pink utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a classic choice among switch manufacturers. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This makes typing on switches with nylon housings feel more subdued and rounded, enhancing the overall tactile experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a POK top housing which boasts exceptional durability and smoothness, courtesy of its lower coefficient of friction. This material not only contributes to a more "clacky" feel during typing but also stands out for its impressive wear and shock resistance, significantly surpassing the properties offered by nylon.
Moreover, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which further aligns their sound profiles when bottoming out. The inclusion of nylon in the Strawberry Latte's bottom housing ensures that the overall experience retains a similar depth and fullness found in the Cream Pink. As a result, users can expect a similar bottom-out sound and tactile feedback when pressing the keys down. This commonality in the bottom housing accentuates the tonal and tactile qualities that make nylon a preferred choice, allowing both switches to produce a satisfying typing experience.
Ultimately, while the two switches differ in their top housing materials—nylon for the Cream Pink and POK for the Strawberry Latte—these differences create a harmonious blend of features. The Cream Pink's nylon top provides a mellow and rounded sound when releasing a key, while the POK top in the Strawberry Latte enhances the typing experience with its crisp and smooth action. In this way, typists may find that although the top housings impact sound and feel distinctly, the combination of the materials used ensures each switch delivers a unique yet enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cream Pink switch features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte has a lighter feel with an actuation force of only 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that while the Cream Pink requires more force to both trigger and bottom out, the Strawberry Latte allows for a gentler keystroke, making it more suitable for those who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions. Thus, the Outemu Cream Pink is the heavier option, providing a more substantial typing experience, while the Huano Strawberry Latte is lighter and may be preferred by those seeking comfort during long use.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Pink linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that those who choose the Strawberry Latte will experience a more responsive feel due to its reduced travel distance, catering to gamers who favor quicker key presses for rapid response times. Conversely, the Cream Pink's longer 4 mm travel distance offers a more substantial feel, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Thus, for individuals who appreciate a deeper key press, the Outemu Cream Pink is the preferable option. In summary, while both switches serve distinct preferences, the Cream Pink is the longer travel option, while the Strawberry Latte provides a more immediate response with its shorter distance.
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 Cream Pink 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 Cream Pink linear switch lacks specific characteristics in terms of sound, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte exhibits a balanced sound profile—it's not too quiet, nor is it overly resonant. This aspect of the Strawberry Latte can make it suitable for various environments, allowing for a more versatile typing experience without distracting the user or those nearby.
When it comes to the feel, the Outemu Cream Pink switch does not have any notable attributes, so its performance in this category remains ambiguous. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte is renowned for its super smooth actuation, a feature that stems from using the latest available molds from Huano. This smoothness can enhance the overall typing experience, making every keystroke feel satisfying and fluid.
In summary, the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch does not offer any distinctive qualities in terms of sound or feel, resulting in a more undefined experience. Conversely, the Huano Strawberry Latte provides a balanced sound profile and a notably smooth feel, making it a superior choice for newcomers looking for an enjoyable typing experience. If you're seeking consistency in performance, you may find similarities in the experience with both switches, but the Huano Strawberry Latte is likely to deliver a more refined and satisfying outcome.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch should be guided by your personal preferences in typing experience and sound profile. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a bottom-out force of 65 grams that provides a more substantial feel, the Cream Pink might be the right fit for you, especially if you enjoy typing with a bit more resistance. However, if you gravitate towards a lighter touch, the Strawberry Latte, with its 45 grams bottom-out force, offers an effortless typing experience that is ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming. Additionally, the Strawberry Latte is known for its super smooth actuation and balanced sound profile, making it well-suited for those who value a quieter yet satisfying acoustical experience. Therefore, if sound and a smoother keystroke are your priorities, opt for the Strawberry Latte. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you want a tactile challenge or a more fluid typing experience, ensuring that you select the switch that best complements your personal style and typing needs.
Mentioned in this article
