Outemu Tom vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Outemu Tom and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming experience, two popular options often come to the forefront: the Outemu Tom, a tactile switch, and the Huano Strawberry Latte, a linear switch. The Tom is designed to provide tactile feedback, allowing users to feel when a key has been activated, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a more engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte is celebrated for its super smooth action, thanks to the latest molds from Huano, offering a linear feel that delivers a seamless keystroke without any tactile bump. Its balanced sound profile strikes a chord between being mildly audible and pleasantly resonant, catering to users who prefer a quieter yet satisfying typing experience. While both switches serve distinct preferences—tactility for the Tom versus smoothness for the Strawberry Latte—the best choice ultimately hinges on your individual needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right 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
3.30 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Tom and Huano Strawberry Latte switches showcase distinct characteristics through their top housings, which are made from different materials. The Outemu Tom features a top housing constructed from polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffness and clarity. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it particularly suitable for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte employs a POK top housing, which is recognized for its smoothness and durability. While the POK material has a slightly higher coefficient of friction compared to other plastics, it excels in maintaining a clear sound profile during typing. Despite differing in composition, both materials can yield impactful auditory results, albeit with nuanced variations in sound quality and resonance that cater to diverse preferences among users.
When examining the bottom housings of the two switches, both the Outemu Tom and the Huano Strawberry Latte utilize nylon, a material famed for its sound-dampening properties. This commonality results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Due to this shared material, users can expect a similar auditory experience from both switch designs in terms of bottom-out sound and general tactile feedback, emphasizing a softer, more rounded acoustic quality. The inclusion of nylon in the bottom housing reinforces the notion that while the top housings differ significantly in their materials, the overall experience remains cohesive in terms of sound and feel during use.
The combined interplay of the housing materials in both the Outemu Tom and the Huano Strawberry Latte reinforces the overall auditory characteristics of their respective switch designs. The polycarbonate top housing of the Tom contributes to the sharper sound when releasing keys, while the nylon bottom housing provides a deeper sound during key presses. On the other hand, the POK top housing of the Strawberry Latte retains smooth, clacky acoustics while delivering a similarly robust performance due to the nylon bottom housing. Thus, despite the differences in top housing materials, the presence of nylon in both switches ensures that users experience a satisfying and well-rounded sound profile when typing, effectively merging the strengths of various materials for an enjoyable usage experience.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Tom switch has an actuation force of 55 grams, making it heavier compared to the Strawberry Latte's lighter actuation force of 35 grams. This means that typists who favor a stronger push sensation will find the Tom switch to be more substantial, while those who prefer a lighter touch will appreciate the Strawberry Latte, particularly for long typing sessions or gaming. Regarding the bottom out force, the Tom switch lacks this measurement, leaving it unknown, while the Strawberry Latte has a bottom out force of 45 grams. Thus, users looking for a switch with a defined bottom out feel may lean towards the Strawberry Latte. Overall, if you prefer a heavier switch, the Tom is your choice, while the Strawberry Latte offers a lighter option for those who seek a softer keystroke experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we find a noticeable difference. The Tom switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Strawberry Latte features a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm suggests that the Tom switch may provide a more responsive feel, which is often favored by gamers seeking quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte, with its longer travel distance, might be more appealing for users who prefer a fuller, more pronounced keypress experience. In summary, if you're looking for faster response times, the Tom is the shorter and more suitable option, whereas the Strawberry Latte offers a longer, potentially more satisfying travel for those who appreciate deeper key presses.
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 Tom 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 Tom switch offers a unique auditory experience that isn’t characterized in current descriptions, but one can typically expect a moderate sound profile typical of tactile switches. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch is recognized for its balanced sound profile, which strikes a harmonious middle ground—not too quiet while avoiding overly resonant characteristics. This means if you pair either switch with the right board and keycaps, you might find that they deliver a satisfying sonic experience according to personal preferences.
In the realm of feel, the Outemu Tom's qualities are unspecified; however, tactile switches usually aim to provide a noticeable bump at the actuation point, resulting in a textured typing experience. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte is particularly celebrated for its super smooth operation, a characteristic that comes from the advanced molds used in its production. This smoothness translates to a linear feel, which can contrast significantly with the tactile response other switches like the Tom would typically offer.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Tom switch lacks specific descriptions of its sound and feel, one can infer that its typical tactile qualities may differ from the smoother, linear characteristics of the Huano Strawberry Latte switch. If you prefer a switch with a tactile feel and are drawn to the lighter sound profiles, you might consider the Tom. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte promises a smooth, balanced auditory experience and feel—ideal for those who favor linear switches and a more fluid typing action. Overall, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a silky-smooth linear response in your keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch that offers tactile feedback and a distinct bump during key presses, the Tom switch might be your best bet, especially if you're looking for an engaging typing experience that enhances your gaming or typing activities. However, if you seek a smoother and quieter typing experience without tactile feedback, the Strawberry Latte is your ideal option. With its light actuation force and super smooth key feel, it caters well to those who favor rapid keystrokes and could enhance your productivity in long typing sessions. Additionally, if sound is a consideration, the balanced sound profile of the Strawberry Latte ensures an enjoyable auditory experience without being too loud or too muted. In summary, assess whether you value tactile feedback or smooth linear action more, and select the switch that aligns with your keyboard usage, be it gaming, typing, or a mix of both.
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