Outemu Silent Grey vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Grey and Huano Strawberry Latte present two distinct typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Outemu Silent Grey is a tactile switch designed for those who enjoy a pronounced bump with each keystroke, delivering not only a satisfying feel but also a quieter operation, making it ideal for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte is a linear switch that prioritizes smoothness, employing the latest mold technology to ensure a seamless keystroke experience. This switch strikes a balanced sound profile, offering an enjoyable auditory presence without overwhelming resonance. While both switches cater to unique typing styles—one for tactile feedback and quiet efficiency, the other for fluid and uninterrupted keystrokes—they each enhance the typing experience in their own way. 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 Silent Grey Tactile

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the top housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and the Huano Strawberry Latte, a notable distinction arises between polycarbonate and POK (polyketone). The Silent Grey utilizes polycarbonate, which is known for creating a crisper and more high-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This characteristic not only enhances the audibility of the keystrokes but also allows for better RGB lighting effects, given its translucency. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a POK top housing, which, while being exceptionally strong and durable, lacks the same level of sound sharpness attributed to polycarbonate. Instead, POK’s slightly higher coefficient of friction contributes to a smoother keypress overall. So while the Silent Grey may provide a clearer sound when keys are released, the Strawberry Latte offers a different quality of feedback and texture during typing.

Both switches, however, share a commonality in their bottom housing material: nylon. This classic housing material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and capable of absorbing more sound than its harder counterparts. Consequently, both the Silent Grey and Strawberry Latte benefit from a robust and satisfying typing experience as the nylon bottom dampens abrupt sounds, creating a rounder acoustic signature. Thus, while the top housing materials differ in design and tonal output, the bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a solid and enjoyable typing experience, focusing on a more muted sound on bottoming out.

Combining these varying characteristics results in two distinctive yet complementary sound and feedback profiles. Players who favor a sharper, more aggressive sound when releasing a key may lean towards the Outemu Silent Grey, while those who appreciate the softer sensations during typing can find solace in the Huano Strawberry Latte. However, due to the shared nylon bottom housing, both options deliver a soothing auditory experience when a key is pressed down. Therefore, although the top and bottom housings differ, they work in tandem to create unique yet enjoyable results, providing keyboard enthusiasts with choices that highlight different aspects of their typing experience.

Weight

The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Grey features a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a medium-heavy touch that may provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, where less force can lead to less fatigue. Thus, if you're looking for a lightweight switch that allows for longer use without strain, the Strawberry Latte is the better option. Conversely, if you prefer a more robust tactile feedback, the Silent Grey would be advantageous for that typing experience. Overall, the Silent Grey is heavier while the Strawberry Latte is lighter, offering distinct options depending on personal typing preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, it's clear that they differ significantly. The Silent Grey features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with more traditional keyboard switches, providing a substantial depth that many users appreciate for a satisfying tactile experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who prefer quicker response times, as is often favored by gamers. Therefore, if you lean towards a more responsive feel, the Strawberry Latte would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, if you value a more pronounced keypress, the Silent Grey's longer travel distance offers a deeper engagement when typing. Ultimately, while the Silent Grey’s travel distance is longer at 4 mm, the Strawberry Latte’s 3.6 mm distance allows for a snappier action, catering to different preferences in keyboard feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is engineered for a quiet operation while still providing a satisfying typing experience. It features a sound profile that minimizes noise, making it ideal for quieter environments like offices or shared spaces. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch produces a balanced sound that sits comfortably between overly noisy and completely silent. While it is not designed to be quiet, it avoids excessive resonance, allowing for a pleasant auditory experience that won't disturb those around you. The sound quality of both switches can also be influenced by their accompanying keyboard construction, such as the choice of plate and keycaps.

Regarding feel, the Silent Grey switch is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump, giving users a distinct sensation that enhances typing performance. It allows typists to confidently register keypresses without bottoming out, contributing to an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte switch offers a super smooth linear feel, making it ideal for those who appreciate fluid key presses without any tactile bump. This smoothness provides a different tactile experience, appealing to typists who favor quick and effortless keystrokes.

In summary, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch prioritizes a quiet, tactile feedback ideal for focused environments, while the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch excels in providing smooth and balanced sound without excessive noise. The choice between the two ultimately hinges on your priorities: if you seek a quieter, more tactile experience, go for the Silent Grey; if you prefer a smooth and balanced typing feel, the Strawberry Latte is a solid choice. Both options will deliver satisfying results, but they cater to distinctly different typing preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, you should consider your specific typing preferences and environments. If you value a quiet typing experience with tactile feedback, the Silent Grey is an excellent choice. It features a medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams, making it suitable for those who want a little resistance, which can help reduce accidental key presses. The tactile bump provides satisfying feedback during typing without generating excessive noise, making it ideal for office settings or shared workspaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a smooth feel for fast-paced typing or gaming, the Strawberry Latte linear switch is the way to go. Its lighter 45-gram bottom-out force allows for quick actuation without the tactile bump, catering to those who enjoy a seamless and buttery-smooth keystroke. This switch also strikes a balance in sound, being neither too quiet nor overly resonant, making it versatile for various environments. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard, enabling you to have a satisfying and productive experience tailored to your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Silent Grey Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more