Outemu Dustproof Brown vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly affect your typing experience, and two popular options are the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Huano Strawberry Latte. The Dustproof Brown, a tactile switch, is designed to provide feedback with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate that satisfying bump, which adds a level of precision and control to their input. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte, a linear switch, offers a super smooth keystroke thanks to the latest available molds from Huano, favoring those who prefer a seamless typing experience without any tactile interruptions. While both switches contribute distinct advantages— the Dustproof Brown for its tactile feedback and the Strawberry Latte for its fluidity— the right choice ultimately depends on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.

By the numbers

Outemu Dustproof Brown Tactile

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches employ distinctly different materials for their top housings, which significantly influence their sound profiles and aesthetics. The Dustproof Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and durability, which results in a sharper, more resonant sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination through the keycap. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte utilizes a polyketone (POK) material for its top housing. Although POK also offers a level of strength and durability, it is primarily designed for a smooth tactile experience due to its low coefficient of friction. As a result, while both materials ensure long-lasting performance, they cater to different auditory and tactile preferences in the typing experience.

When examining the bottom housings, both the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches employ nylon, a classic material in the keyboard community. Nylon absorbs sound well, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This similarity in the bottom housing means that regardless of the differing top housing materials, the sound produced when bottoming out the switches will carry a more rounded quality thanks to nylon's inherent acoustical properties. Consequently, users can expect consistent performance when it comes to the bottom-out feel and sound with either switch.

Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housings in each switch will affect the overall typing experience. The Outemu Dustproof Brown's polycarbonate top enhances the sound when releasing the key, imparting a crisp and clear sound, while its nylon bottom balances this with a pronounced, deep sound when the key is pressed down. Meanwhile, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a smoother experience with its POK top housing and retains the full sound profile provided by the nylon bottom. While the two switches feature different top materials, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing brings an element of consistency to the auditory experience, allowing users to achieve similar overall results while enjoying the unique attributes each switch has to offer.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch with the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Dustproof Brown features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte is lighter, with an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter feel for prolonged use would likely gravitate towards the Huano Strawberry Latte, as its lower forces provide a less strenuous typing experience. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial typing sensation and don't mind a heavier push might find the Outemu Dustproof Brown more appealing. Therefore, the Outemu switch is the heavier option, while the Huano switch is the lighter choice, which can significantly impact comfort during lengthy keyboard sessions.

Travel distance

The Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, with a travel distance of 4 mm, offers a more traditional key feel, providing a noticeable depth that many users appreciate for tactile feedback. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, which may deliver a more responsive experience favored by gamers seeking quicker actuation. This difference highlights a clear distinction between the two switches: the Dustproof Brown allows for a more substantial keypress, while the Strawberry Latte caters to those who prefer a slightly shallower travel distance. For users who enjoy a hearty depth in their typing experience, the Dustproof Brown would be the preferred choice, while those who prioritize swift response times might opt for the Strawberry Latte due to its reduced travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Dustproof Brown's characteristics remain unspecified, which makes it challenging to provide a definitive comparison. However, the Huano Strawberry Latte features a balanced sound profile—neither too quiet nor overly resonant—ideal for those who prefer a moderate auditory experience while typing. This quality suggests that while the Dustproof Brown might have a more muted or undefined sound signature, the Strawberry Latte will cater to users looking for something more middle-of-the-road.

In terms of feel, again, the Outemu Dustproof Brown lacks clearly defined characteristics, which may leave its tactile feedback to the imagination. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte is well-regarded for being super smooth, thanks to the latest molds utilized in its production. This results in a linear switch that provides an effortless keystroke, making it ideal for those who enjoy a fluid typing experience without any tactile bump to interrupt their rhythm.

Overall, comparing the Outemu Dustproof Brown to the Huano Strawberry Latte reveals some uncertainties in both sound and feel for the Dustproof Brown; however, the Strawberry Latte stands out with its smooth operation and balanced sound. For a newcomer considering these switches, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a defined experience that may be more appealing. Meanwhile, if seeking affective usage of the Dustproof Brown, it would be prudent to test this switch firsthand to gauge its sound and feel, as these qualities remain undefined.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a tactile feedback experience that leans towards a heavier press, the Dustproof Brown is a solid choice, especially for typing tasks where you appreciate the tactile bump that aids in accuracy. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams may feel satisfying for gamers who like to know exactly when a key is actuated, though it may not be the best fit for rapid-fire gaming. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and light typing experience, the Huano Strawberry Latte is the way to go. With a bottom-out force of just 45 grams, it allows for quick keystrokes and less fatigue during long typing sessions. The Strawberries' smooth feel and balanced sound profile make it a great option for both gaming and extensive writing. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing style and the environments in which you’ll use them to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Dustproof Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more