Outemu Dustproof Green vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Green and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the tactile satisfaction of clicky switches and the seamless fluidity of linear ones. The Outemu Dustproof Green, recognized for its distinctive clicky feedback, provides a satisfying auditory and tactile experience that many typists and gamers appreciate for enhancing their keystrokes. Its clicky nature delivers a sense of engagement that can improve both typing rhythm and error detection. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte excels in providing a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke. This linear switch is crafted using the latest molds from Huano, resulting in a balanced sound profile that strikes a perfect equilibrium—not too quiet, yet not overly resonant. Ideal for those who prioritize swift key presses in gaming or prefer a more subdued typing experience, the Strawberry Latte makes for an excellent choice. Both switches serve distinct purposes and cater to different preferences, making the choice ultimately depend on individual needs and gaming or typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
65g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
80g
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 Dustproof Green and Huano Strawberry Latte switches feature contrasting materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their auditory characteristics. The Dustproof Green employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and clarity. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that resonates well, especially when RGB lighting is utilized, thanks to its translucent nature. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte utilizes a POK (polyketone) material for its top housing, which, while also delivering a clear sound, is designed for smoothness and durability. POK has a unique coefficient of friction that allows for a notably smooth typing experience; however, its lower stiffness compared to polycarbonate may result in a somewhat different tonal quality.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Outemu Dustproof Green and the Huano Strawberry Latte utilize nylon, a classic choice revered for its deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared material places emphasis on sound absorption, rendering each switch's bottom-out sound duller and rounder. The use of nylon means that while the top housing materials create distinct auditory properties when releasing a key, the bottom housing maintains a level of consistency across both switch types, leading to a fuller typing experience overall. Therefore, despite their different top housings, users can expect a similarly deep, rich sound when bottoming out either switch due to the shared nylon component.
Ultimately, while the Outemu Dustproof Green and Huano Strawberry Latte switches differ in their top housing materials, both rely on nylon for their bottoms, ensuring compatibility when it comes to auditory feedback during typing. The polycarbonate top of the Dustproof Green provides a crisper release sound, while the smooth POK material of the Strawberry Latte adds a layer of distinctiveness to the sound profile when pressed down. This combination of materials exemplifies how switching and housing design must harmonize to create a cohesive typing experience. As a result, users can achieve a blend of clarity and depth in their auditory feedback, regardless of the chosen switch.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch present contrasting experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Dustproof Green has a notably heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. This makes it suitable for typists or gamers looking for a more substantial and tactile feedback when typing or gaming, ideal for those who prefer the sensation of a stronger push. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte switch features a much lighter actuation force of just 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This lighter resistance is ideal for individuals who type for extended periods or need quick responses during gaming, as it requires less effort to press down the keys. Therefore, while the Dustproof Green is more appropriate for those seeking a heavier feel, the Strawberry Latte caters to users looking for ease and comfort in their typing experience. Overall, the two switches cater to distinctly different preferences based on their weight and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the differences are quite pronounced. The Dustproof Green features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it one of the more traditional options that provides a pronounced feel with a greater depth when pressed. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, which caters to users who favor quicker response times and a more responsive typing experience. This shorter distance may feel less abrupt for some but offers a less hearty depth compared to the Dustproof Green. Ultimately, if you are looking for a switch that provides more travel and a tactile experience, the Dustproof Green's 4 mm travel is the way to go, while the Strawberry Latte is ideal for those who prefer a tighter, quicker action.
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 Dustproof Green 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 Dustproof Green clicky switch is known for its distinctive auditory feedback, characterized by a pronounced click that provides clear, tactile cues during use. While it is not specified whether the sound is loud or muted, clicky switches typically evoke a more engaging auditory experience, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced sound profile while typing. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch boasts a balanced sound profile that is neither too intrusive nor overly quiet, striking a pleasant harmony that enhances the typing experience without overwhelming the user. The nuanced sound quality of the Strawberry Latte makes it a versatile choice, allowing it to fit seamlessly into various environments.
When discussing tactile feel, the Outemu Dustproof Green's characteristics are not explicitly mentioned, but one can infer that clicky switches generally provide a firm tactile bump that can enhance the typing experience for those who prefer more feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte switch is known for its exceptionally smooth operation, owing to Huano's latest mold technology. This smoother feel may appeal to users who enjoy a gliding typing experience without any friction or resistance typically associated with tactile or clicky switches.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch excites with its characteristic click sound, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch offers a more balanced auditory experience paired with super smooth actuation. This makes each switch uniquely appealing depending on personal preferences. If you are after a defined sound and tactile feedback, the Dustproof Green may cater to your needs, while those who prefer a quiet yet smooth experience might find the Strawberry Latte to be more suitable. In essence, choosing between the two comes down to whether you value audible feedback or a silkier typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch should be guided by your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more tactile experience and appreciate the feedback that comes with a heavier actuation force, the Dustproof Green may be a suitable option for you. With its 80-gram bottom-out force, it caters well to typists who prefer a robust feel while typing, although it may be tiring during long sessions. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch and a smooth typing experience, the Strawberry Latte is designed to deliver that with its 45-gram bottom-out force. This switch's balanced sound profile and smooth operation make it an excellent choice for those who want to type quickly and quietly without feeling fatigued. Therefore, consider how much force you wish to exert while typing and whether you favor a clicky feedback or silky smoothness, as these factors will ultimately guide you in making the right choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
