Outemu Gold vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Gold and the Huano Strawberry Latte stand out for different reasons, catering to distinct typing preferences. The Outemu Gold, recognized for its tactile and clicky feedback, offers a satisfying auditory and physical response with each keystroke, which many typists and gamers appreciate for its engaging feel. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte is a linear switch designed for those who favor a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience; it utilizes the latest manufacturing technology to deliver a balanced sound profile that strikes a pleasing middle ground—neither too quiet nor overly resonant. While the Outemu Gold might be ideal for users who enjoy tactile and audible cues while typing, the Strawberry Latte appeals to those who prioritize fluidity and silence in their keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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 housing materials used in the Outemu Gold and Huano Strawberry Latte switches illustrate distinct qualities and characteristics that influence the overall sound profile and tactile experience of each switch. The Outemu Gold employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and clear resonance. This material can deliver a sharper and crisper sound profile, enhancing the auditory feedback of each keystroke, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucence. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte features a POK top housing, a durable and smooth material that offers a clacky sound profile. While POK may not provide the same level of clarity as polycarbonate, its coefficient of friction contributes to a unique typing experience that many users find enjoyable. Thus, the two switches provide different auditory experiences due to their top housings, catering to varying preferences in sound texture.
When examining the bottom housings of the two switches, both the Outemu Gold and Huano Strawberry Latte utilize nylon, a traditional choice in switch manufacturing celebrated for its ability to absorb sound. This shared material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that tends to dampen vibrations compared to stiffer alternatives. As a result, both switches produce a rounder, more muted auditory feedback when typing, which contrasts starkly with the distinct sounds offered by their unique top housings. This similarity in bottom housing material allows both switches to impart a similar bottom-out feel, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the contrasting qualities of the top housings.
Overall, the combination of these materials results in unique yet complementary sound profiles and tactile feedback in both the Outemu Gold and Huano Strawberry Latte switches. While the top housings diverge significantly in terms of their sound characteristics—polycarbonate offering clarity and sharpness, while POK provides smoothness and clackiness—both switches maintain a shared auditory warmth and fullness attributed to nylon’s softer properties in the bottom housing. Consequently, users can appreciate distinct auditory qualities when engaging with each switch, yet they can also anticipate similar experiences in terms of sound depth and tactile response. The interplay between the varying top materials and the common bottom housing demonstrates how different components can shape an overall keyboard experience, allowing enthusiasts to choose according to their specific preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we find notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Outemu Gold requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as medium weight. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte is lighter, with an actuation force of just 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This significant disparity means that typists and gamers who prefer a lighter touch will likely favor the Strawberry Latte for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, as its lower forces may reduce finger fatigue. On the other hand, those who appreciate a stronger push and a more substantial feel may lean towards the Outemu Gold. Overall, while both switches provide different experiences, the Gold's actuation and bottom out forces make it the heavier option, whereas the Strawberry Latte offers a lighter touch with its lower force requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Outemu Gold features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is aligned with the traditional travel distance and provides a more pronounced depth when pressed, appealing to users who prefer a more tactile experience. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, which caters to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate feel when typing. Therefore, those who appreciate a more responsive switch may find the Strawberry Latte more suitable, while those who enjoy a deeper, more substantial keystroke may prefer the Outemu Gold for its longer travel 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 Gold 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Gold clicky switch does not have a definitive auditory signature highlighted in available discussions, making its sound profile somewhat of an enigma. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch is celebrated for its balanced sound profile, falling between being overly quiet and overly resonant. This means that while the Strawberry Latte isn’t entirely silent, it offers a pleasant auditory experience that can enhance the typing experience without being distracting.
Concerning the feel, the Outemu Gold switch lacks specific descriptive qualities that would assist in gauging its tactile experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte is renowned for its super smooth action, thanks to the latest mold technology from Huano. This smoothness contributes to a comfortable typing experience, allowing for seamless keystrokes. The contrast in these tactile experiences could potentially lead to a preference, depending on whether the user enjoys a more tactile and clicky feel or a smooth linear experience.
In summary, while the Outemu Gold offers an unknown auditory and tactile experience, the Huano Strawberry Latte excels with its smooth feel and balanced sound profile, enhancing its appeal for users who appreciate those characteristics. If your primary interest lies in sound and feel, it's worth noting that you might encounter variations based on your keyboard setup and personal preference, ensuring that each switch could deliver a unique experience regardless of their individual qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile feedback with a more pronounced click sound that makes each keystroke feel satisfying, the Gold switch may be your best option, especially if you appreciate a medium resistance with a bottom out force of 60 grams. This can help you stay engaged and energized during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, quiet experience that allows for rapid key presses without strain, the Strawberry Latte is an excellent choice. With its lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, it provides a frictionless feel, making it ideal for gamers or those who engage in fast-paced typing. Additionally, its well-balanced sound profile offers a pleasant auditory experience without being overwhelming. In summary, let your typing preferences and intended use case guide your decision, as both switches have unique qualities that cater to different needs.
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