Outemu Dustproof Red vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your needs, two noteworthy options are the Outemu Dustproof Red and the Huano Strawberry Latte, both of which are linear switches designed to provide a seamless typing experience. The Outemu Dustproof Red has gained popularity for its reliability and durability, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prioritize consistent performance under rigorous use. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte stands out for its exceptionally smooth actuation and balanced sound profile, which neither overpowers nor fades into the background, appealing to users who appreciate a refined auditory experience. While the Dustproof Red leans towards straightforward functionality and resilience, the Strawberry Latte elevates the typing experience with its advanced mold design and tactile feedback. 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 Dustproof Red Linear

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Red and Huano Strawberry Latte switches showcase distinct characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profiles and performance. The Dustproof Red features a polycarbonate top housing which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is attributable to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance, making it ideal for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte employs a POK top housing, which, while not as common, offers its own advantages such as smoothness and extraordinary durability. With a coefficient of friction slightly higher than other materials like LY, the POK housing provides a refined tactile experience while still allowing for resonance and clarity, albeit with a slightly different sonic character.

Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, a material recognized for delivering a fuller and deeper sound profile. The fundamental properties of nylon, being a softer plastic, lead to increased sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounded acoustic signature. Therefore, the deeper tones produced when typing on both the Outemu Dustproof Red and Huano Strawberry Latte are a shared trait, fostering a satisfying and robust typing experience. The consistency in bottom housing materials helps ensure that typists can expect a similar bottoming-out feel, contributing to the cohesion of the overall sound and tactile response regardless of the variations in the top housings.

When both switches are pressed, the interaction between the top and bottom housings reveals how their differing materials influence user experience. The polycarbonate top of the Dustproof Red will lend to a more pronounced and resonant sound upon key release, whereas the POK material in the Strawberry Latte retains an accented smoothness with a nuanced audible profile. Nevertheless, the nylon bottoms in both switches will provide a sense of similarity in sound during the act of pressing, making them both pleasure to type on. Ultimately, while each switch offers a unique profile due to their differing top housing materials, the consistency provided by the nylon bottoms ensures that users will achieve comparable results in terms of sound richness and typing satisfaction.

Weight

The Outemu Dustproof Red and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among users. The Dustproof Red features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, classifying it as a medium-weight switch, offering a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte is lighter, with an actuation force of only 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who favor a more effortless typing action for extended use. While both switches require further measure to bottom out, the substantial difference in actuation force indicates that the Strawberry Latte will provide a lighter feel, whereas the Dustproof Red caters to users who enjoy a more tactile resistance and increased feedback. Ultimately, if a heavier experience is preferred, the Outemu Dustproof Red would be the better choice, while those looking for a lighter touch should opt for the Huano Strawberry Latte.

Travel distance

The Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it one of the more traditional options available. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference highlights a notable distinction between the two switches: the Dustproof Red offers a deeper feel that some users may prefer for a more substantial keystroke experience, while the Strawberry Latte’s shorter travel distance caters to gamers and users seeking quicker response times. Consequently, while both switches serve well in their respective niches, the Outemu Dustproof Red is ideal for those who enjoy a hearty depth in their keystrokes, whereas the Huano Strawberry Latte is better suited for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, it's important to note that the Dustproof Red is not characterized by any specific sound quality, making it difficult to define its acoustic signature. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte boasts a balanced sound profile, described as neither overly quiet nor resonant. This means that while the Strawberry Latte may produce a sound that is pleasant and well-rounded, the Dustproof Red may offer a more neutral audio experience, allowing for a more personal sound profile dependent on the choice of keycaps and keyboard.

The feel of each switch marks a significant differentiation between the two. While details about the tactile or actuation qualities of the Dustproof Red remain unspecified, the Strawberry Latte is noted for its super smooth action, credited to the latest molds from Huano. This smoothness likely contributes to a satisfying typing experience, ideally suited for those who favor linear switches. The lack of specific information regarding the feel of the Dustproof Red creates uncertainty, but it might imply a less refined or different tactile engagement compared to the notably smooth Strawberry Latte.

In conclusion, the Outemu Dustproof Red and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches present contrasting auditory and tactile experiences. While the Dustproof Red lacks defined qualities, the Strawberry Latte excels in delivering a smooth and balanced sound profile, fostering a captivating typing experience. If you prefer sound profiles that veer toward the neutral and a touch of smoothness, the Strawberry Latte may be the superior choice. On the other hand, if the Dustproof Red's lack of defined characteristics aligns with your preferences, it may fulfill your needs. Ultimately, the choice will depend on your personal inclinations towards sound and feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a medium actuation force and enjoy a slightly more tactile experience with a bit more heft in your keystrokes, the Dustproof Red might be your best bet. It's particularly suitable for typists who appreciate feedback without being overly heavy. On the other hand, if lightness and smoothness are what you seek in your typing experience, the Strawberry Latte should be your go-to option; its 45-gram bottom out force allows for effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming where speed is essential. Moreover, the Strawberry Latte’s balanced sound profile ensures a pleasant auditory experience without being too intrusive, perfect for quieter environments or shared workspaces. In essence, your choice will greatly depend on whether you value a heavier, more substantial feel or a light and smooth typing experience, shaping your overall satisfaction with your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Dustproof Red Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more