KTT Phalaenopsis vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the KTT Phalaenopsis and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear options can significantly impact your typing experience. The KTT Phalaenopsis switches shine with their pleasing tactile feedback and effortless actuation, featuring a light actuation force of just 37g, which helps minimize finger fatigue during long typing sessions. With a tactile bump that engages at 50g, these switches provide a satisfying keystroke that's both responsive and enjoyable, making them an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a more connected feel with each press. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte switches offer a silky smooth experience, enhanced by the latest molds from Huano that ensure consistent performance. Their balanced sound profile strikes a harmonious middle ground—neither too quiet nor overly resonant—making these switches ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a seamless keystroke without tactile resistance. In essence, the Phalaenopsis is perfect for those who enjoy tactile feedback and a bassy sound profile, while the Strawberry Latte caters to users seeking a smooth, unhindered typing experience. 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
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Phalaenopsis and the Huano Strawberry Latte, distinct characteristics emerge that inform their overall performance and auditory experience. The Phalaenopsis utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, a material known for its rigidity and capacity to deliver a sharper, crisper sound profile. This uniformity in material enhances the resonance of the switch, contributing to a clear and defined auditory feedback. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for effective diffusion of RGB lighting, making it not only performative but also aesthetically appealing for users who prioritize visual effects in their keyboard setup.
In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte showcases a hybrid approach with its top housing crafted from POK (polyketone) and the bottom housing made of nylon. The POK material offers exceptional smoothness and durability, providing a clacky sound that enhances the typing experience while maintaining resilience against wear. However, the nylon bottom housing adds a contrasting depth to the sound, producing a fuller and rounder auditory experience due to its softer plastic composition. This split between POK and nylon contributes to a differentiated sound profile; the top housing imparts clarity when releasing a key, while the bottom housing enhances the sound when bottoming out, producing a dynamic interplay.
Both switch designs leverage the unique properties of their respective materials to create compelling outcomes. Although the KTT Phalaenopsis relies solely on polycarbonate, resulting in a uniformly bright and resonant sound, the Huano Strawberry Latte's combination of POK and nylon results in a layered auditory experience that balances sharpness with warmth. As such, while the materials differ, the intentional design choices in each swatch enable users to achieve desirable results by maximizing the strengths of their chosen housing materials. When an optimal balance is sought, whether through a consistent polycarbonate approach or a hybrid material structure, both switches deliver enjoyable and effective typing experiences, albeit through slightly different sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, both options exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to users who prefer less strain during extended typing or gaming sessions. The Phalaenopsis features an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Strawberry Latte boasts a slightly lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Strawberry Latte is the lighter switch overall, providing a gentler feel when triggering keystrokes and bottoming out. However, while both switches are categorized as light, the Phalaenopsis may still appeal to those looking for a marginally more substantial resistance when typing, thanks to its higher forces. Ultimately, users who prioritize a lighter touch will find that both switches offer a similar tactile experience, but the Huano Strawberry Latte stands out as the lighter option overall.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the Phalaenopsis stands out with its travel distance of 4 mm, while the Strawberry Latte measures at 3.6 mm. This means that the Phalaenopsis offers a longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced keypress that may appeal to those who prefer a deeper feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Strawberry Latte caters to gamers and users seeking faster response times, making it potentially more suitable for rapid actions. Thus, if you value a more responsive experience, the Strawberry Latte is the ideal choice, while those who enjoy a hearty depth in their keypresses might prefer the Phalaenopsis.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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.
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 KTT Phalaenopsis switches offer a rich auditory experience. They have a bassy and thocky quality, producing a deep and satisfying sound profile characterized by a lower frequency range. This depth makes each keystroke feel impactful, invoking a pleasing "thud" or soft "knock" as the switch is engaged and released. Although the Huano Strawberry Latte switches have a balanced sound profile that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant, the specific sound characteristics of the Strawberry Latte remain unspecified. Therefore, while both switches contribute positively to the auditory experience, the Phalaenopsis clearly provides unique tonal qualities that enhance typing enjoyment.
In terms of feel, the Phalaenopsis tactile switches excel with their distinct stepped tactile feedback. This design allows for a noticeable tactile bump at the actuation point, which aids in confirming that the keypress has registered without being overly harsh. This pleasant feedback, combined with the light actuation force of 37g and tactile force of 50g, minimizes finger fatigue and makes prolonged typing sessions enjoyable. Unfortunately, the Huano Strawberry Latte's tactile characteristics are not detailed, leaving an unknown in terms of how they compare in tactile experience. However, it is likely that both switches will provide smooth experiences due to the emphasis placed on building quality.
In conclusion, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switches stand out with their rich sound profile and pleasant stepped tactile feedback, making them an excellent choice for those who prioritize auditory and physical feedback in their typing. The Huano Strawberry Latte switches, while deemed smooth and balanced in sound, lack specific descriptors that would help detail their unique qualities further. Despite these differences, both switches can contribute to a satisfying typing experience, albeit in distinct ways, making them appealing options depending on personal preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and use cases. If you prioritize a tactile feedback experience that enhances your typing enjoyment, the Phalaenopsis is an excellent option. With its light actuation force of 37 grams and a satisfying tactile bump at 50 grams, it’s perfect for long typing sessions where comfort and engagement matter, helping to minimize finger fatigue while providing a rich, bassy sound profile that many find appealing. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, linear experience with a light bottom out force of 45 grams, the Strawberry Latte is the way to go. Its super smooth action and balanced sound profile make it ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing, where rapid key presses are essential. In summary, choose the Phalaenopsis for a tactile, engaging experience and opt for the Strawberry Latte if smoothness and speed take precedence in your keyboard use.
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