Outemu Ocean vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Outemu Ocean and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact user experience, and two interesting options are the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch. The Outemu Ocean is designed to provide tactile feedback, making it an appealing choice for typists who appreciate a noticeable bump while typing, enhancing the overall tactile experience. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte is celebrated for its super smooth operation, utilizing the latest molds from Huano to deliver a uniquely balanced auditory profile that strikes the right chord between subtlety and resonance. While the Ocean’s tactile nature is ideal for those who enjoy feedback in their keystrokes, the seamlessness of the Strawberry Latte is perfect for gamers and fast typists who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted key press. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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 Ocean and the Huano Strawberry Latte, notable differences in their top housings emerge. The Outemu Ocean features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the material's inherent stiffness. This quality results in a clearer and more resonant audio experience, particularly advantageous for users who prioritize the clarity of sound, especially when RGB lighting is integrated into the design. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte employs a POK (polyketone) top housing, which, while also contributing to a significant sound experience, focuses more on smoothness and durability. POK’s higher coefficient of friction ensures that the keystrokes feel notably smooth, albeit with a different audio characteristic than polycarbonate, ultimately yielding a clackier sound that is valued by users who enjoy tactile feedback.
On the other hand, both the Outemu Ocean and Huano Strawberry Latte utilize nylon for their bottom housings, creating similarities in the overall typing experience. Nylon's sound dampening properties indeed contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches, as evidenced by the warm and rounded audio feedback produced during typing. Since nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs sound effectively, making it an excellent choice for crafting a more subdued auditory experience when the switch is bottomed out. This similarity in the bottom housing ensures that no matter how unique the top housing material may be, the foundational sound characteristic remains consistent across both switches, giving a satisfying and rich auditory response.
Ultimately, the combination of materials used in the Outemu Ocean and the Huano Strawberry Latte results in an interesting interplay of sound dynamics. While their top housings differ significantly in characteristics—one emphasizing brightness and clarity through polycarbonate, and the other focusing on smoothness and durability with POK—the bottom nylon housings align them in producing a rounded and cushioned typing sound. This duality allows users to experience the advantages of both types of materials, fulfilling diverse preferences for sound and tactile sensation. Thus, whether one prefers the lively resonance of the polycarbonate or the smoother feel of the POK, the dual contributions of top and bottom materials ensure an engaging typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Ocean switch features an actuation force of 55 grams, which contributes to a stronger and more substantial typing experience, whereas the Strawberry Latte has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, making it easier to press and more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Ocean switch lacks this information, while the Strawberry Latte has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is relatively light. Therefore, while the Outemu Ocean offers a heftier and more tactile feel given its higher actuation force, the Huano Strawberry Latte delivers a more accessible and comfortable typing experience due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, users looking for a robust and engaging typing sensation might gravitate towards the Ocean, while those preferring a lighter touch would benefit from the Strawberry Latte.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we see a distinct difference. The Outemu Ocean features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional feel and offers a hearty depth that some users prefer. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who enjoy quicker, more responsive key presses—a quality increasingly favored by gamers. Therefore, the Outemu Ocean is the longer switch, while the Huano Strawberry Latte is the shorter option. If you value a more substantial keystroke experience, the Ocean would be ideal, whereas if you prioritize rapid responses, the Strawberry Latte would serve you better.
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 Ocean 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch does not have a defined characteristic that sets it apart, leaving the auditory experience somewhat ambiguous. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch is known for its balanced sound profile; it strikes a middle ground that is neither too loud nor overly resonant, providing a comfortable auditory experience that many users appreciate. This balance can create an engaging typing environment without becoming intrusive, making it suitable for both casual and work settings.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch lacks specific details that highlight its tactile feedback, creating uncertainty about its performance in this area. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte boasts an impressively smooth feel, attributed to the latest mold technology used in its production. This smoothness contributes to a seamless typing experience that users often find enjoyable, particularly for long sessions, as it reduces fatigue and enhances overall comfort.
In conclusion, while the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch is clearly defined by its balanced sound and buttery smooth feel, the qualities of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch remain vague. Without distinct features to compare, one might suggest that if you seek a tactile experience, the Ocean could still offer interesting feedback regardless of its unspecified qualities. Ultimately, if sound and smoothness are crucial aspects for you, the Strawberry Latte stands out as a more appealing choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, it's essential to consider your typing style and the experience you desire from your keyboard. If you prefer a tactile feedback that provides a reassuring bump without being overly loud, the Outemu Ocean might suit your needs well, particularly if you enjoy a less harsh typing experience. This could be ideal for more casual typing or gaming where you want to feel the keystrokes without too much auditory disturbance. On the other hand, if you seek a smoother, linear experience with a clear and balanced sound profile, the Huano Strawberry Latte is likely the better choice. Its light bottom-out force of 45 grams makes it excellent for rapid key presses and sustained gaming sessions, offering a silky smoothness that can enhance your overall performance. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your preference for tactile feedback versus linear smoothness, so consider what feels best for your hands and how you intend to use your keyboard.
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