Outemu Silver vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Silver and Huano Strawberry Latte both present unique attributes that cater to different user preferences, despite both being linear switches. The Outemu Silver is recognized for its straightforward responsiveness, delivering a smooth keystroke experience that many gamers and typists appreciate for its swift actuation, which can enhance performance during fast-paced tasks. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte stands out for its exceptionally smooth keystroke, owing to its use of the latest molds from Huano, and features a balanced sound profile that strikes a pleasing middle ground—not too quiet, yet not overly resonant, making it suitable for a variety of environments. Each switch offers different advantages, making them appealing choices depending on whether you prioritize rapid actuation or a refined acoustic experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Silver Linear

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silver and the Huano Strawberry Latte, the distinctions become apparent, particularly in their top housings. The Outemu Silver leverages polycarbonate for its top housing, which results in a sound profile that is sharper and higher-pitched. This is due to the material's stiffer nature, which enhances resonance and clarity, making it ideal for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte features a top housing made of POK (polyketone). While POK is known for its excellent durability and smoothness due to its low coefficient of friction, it does not necessarily produce the same crisp sound profile as polycarbonate. Instead, the Strawberry Latte's top housing contributes to a smoother, clackier sound, adding a different tonal quality to the overall typing experience.

Both switches, however, share a common ground in their bottom housings, which are both crafted from nylon. This choice is significant as nylon is regarded as a classic switch housing material. Its inherently softer properties absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Consequently, the bottom-out sound and feel of both the Outemu Silver and Huano Strawberry Latte will be markedly similar, bolstering the overall cohesiveness of their acoustic characteristics. While the top housings set the tone with distinct sound profiles, the shared nylon bottom housing provides a consistent and warm base to the switches' auditory performance.

The interplay between the different top and bottom housing materials underscores the importance of each component in shaping the switch's performance. In the case of the Outemu Silver, the crispness from the polycarbonate top combined with nylon’s fullness creates a unique sound profile that emphasizes clarity and depth. Conversely, the Huano Strawberry Latte pairs the smoothness of POK with the rich sound of nylon, leading to a distinctive clacky feel that appeals to a different type of user preference. Ultimately, while the top housing materials differ significantly in their contributions to sound, the similarity in the bottom housing ensures that users of both switches can expect a rich and pleasant typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, a clear distinction emerges in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Outemu Silver boasts an actuation force of 45 grams and a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a decidedly lighter option. This disparity means that typists or gamers seeking a more substantial push should gravitate towards the Outemu Silver for its heavier feel, while those who prioritize comfort and endurance over prolonged typing sessions will likely prefer the lighter Huano Strawberry Latte. Ultimately, the difference in actuation and bottom out forces leads to varied user experiences, suggesting that the choice between these two switches hinges on individual preferences regarding weight and tactile feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Outemu Silver boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a traditional choice that provides more depth with each keystroke. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, which aligns with the increasing trend of shorter distances preferred by gamers for quicker response times. This means that if you’re looking for a switch that offers a more responsive feel, the Strawberry Latte would be the better option. However, for those who appreciate a more substantial depth in their key presses, the Outemu Silver would be more suitable due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for depth and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound characteristics of the Outemu Silver and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches, there are notable distinctions. The Outemu Silver is best known for its lack of defining sonic qualities, which may result in a sound profile that feels generic and unobtrusive. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte boasts a balanced sound profile that isn't too loud or overly resonant, making it a pleasant choice for those who desire a subtle but effective acoustic experience during typing or gaming. However, it’s essential to recognize that various factors, including the keyboard construction and keycap material, can significantly impact how each switch sounds in practice.

Regarding feel, the Outemu Silver lacks a widely recognized tactile or unique response, which may contribute to a more unremarkable typing experience. In comparison, the Strawberry Latte offers an exceptionally smooth actuation, thanks to its advanced mold design from Huano. This smoothness can enhance the overall typing experience, creating a more satisfying interaction with the switch compared to the Silver. The feel of a switch is critical for many users, as it affects both typing speed and comfort during extended use, making the Strawberry Latte a potentially more appealing option.

In summary, while the Outemu Silver is characterized by a more neutral sound and feel, the Huano Strawberry Latte stands out with its balanced sound profile and super smooth actuation. For newcomers selecting switches, if a smooth typing experience with satisfying auditory feedback is the goal, the Strawberry Latte may be the preferable choice. However, if a simple, understated typing experience is desired, the Outemu Silver could suffice, albeit without the enhanced qualities that the Strawberry Latte offers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, your personal preferences and typing style will play crucial roles. If you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy actuation force and appreciate a satisfying resistance while typing, the Outemu Silver may be the right choice for you, especially if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a feeling of stability in your keystrokes. However, if you lean towards lighter switches that allow for quicker key presses with less force, the Huano Strawberry Latte would likely suit you better. Not only does it feature a lighter bottom-out force for effortless typing, but it also boasts a super smooth action and a balanced sound profile that can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a heavier, more resistant feel or a light and smooth typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Silver Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more