KTT Pine vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Pine and Huano Strawberry Latte stand out as exceptional linear options, each with unique characteristics catering to different preferences. The KTT Pine switches, recognized for their translucent forest green design, offer a medium-heavy feel coupled with a buttery smoothness, making them ideal for users who prioritize an effortless typing experience. Their polished, factory-lubed finish reduces friction, providing a satisfying low-pitched "bassy" sound profile that many enthusiasts appreciate for both gaming and typing. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte switches deliver a subtly balanced auditory experience—not too quiet and not overly resonant—appealing to those who want an engaging yet unintrusive typing sound. While both options exhibit smooth key travel, the Pine emphasizes a creamier texture, while the Strawberry Latte strikes a harmonious balance in sound. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prefer a more robust, tactile experience or a harmonious auditory environment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Pine Linear

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$4.60

$4.15 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Comparing the housing materials of the KTT Pine and the Huano Strawberry Latte reveals both similarities and stark contrasts that significantly influence their acoustic profiles. The KTT Pine's top housing is made of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharper, crisper sound. This characteristic is bolstered by polycarbonate's translucency, which enhances RGB lighting effects, making it aesthetically versatile. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte features a POK top housing, a polyketone material distinguished by its smoothness and a high coefficient of friction, which contributes to its clacky sound profile. While both materials prioritize sound clarity, polycarbonate emphasizes sharpness and resonance, while POK focuses more on smoothness in keystrokes, leading to distinct acoustic outputs despite both improving typing experience.

The housing materials for the bottom sections of each switch further accentuate their unique sound profiles. Both the KTT Pine and Huano Strawberry Latte utilize robust materials; the Pine opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing while the Strawberry Latte employs nylon. Polycarbonate in the bottom housing reaffirms its crisp sound profile; its stiffer nature ensures that the bottom-out sound remains sharply defined. Meanwhile, the nylon used in the Strawberry Latte's bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which absorbs sound more effectively. Thus, the bottom housings contribute differently to the overall auditory experience: the Pine emphasizes clarity and sharpness while the Strawberry Latte evokes richness and depth.

Moreover, the differing materials produce distinctive tactile sensations during typing, impacting the overall user experience. When engaged, the Pine’s combination of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom enhances the “clicky” sensation, ideal for users who prefer a dynamic feedback loop. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte's top POK housing combined with its nylon bottom delivers a smooth, more rounded keystroke, appealing to those who favor a consistent and softer typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches aim to enhance the typing experience, the combination of varying materials creates diverse acoustic properties and tactile sensations, showcasing how materials can lead to distinct yet complementary results in keyboard design.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Pine linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The KTT Pine requires a greater actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience and a stronger feedback during use. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a lighter touch, with an actuation force of only 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who favor a softer, less strenuous typing experience—perfect for prolonged sessions. As a result, the KTT Pine is the heavier option, while the Huano Strawberry Latte is lighter. For those who lean towards lighter switches for comfort over long periods, the Strawberry Latte would be the superior choice, whereas the Pine might satisfy users seeking a more robust keystroke feeling.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Pine linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the Pine switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Strawberry Latte measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the Pine the longer option, providing a more pronounced keypress that some users may find more satisfying. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Strawberry Latte appeals to gamers and others who prioritize quick response times, as it enables faster actuation. Those who prefer a deeper, more tactile experience might opt for the KTT Pine, while those seeking a snappier feel may gravitate toward the Huano Strawberry Latte. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference for either a heartier depth or a more immediate actuation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the KTT Pine linear switch is characterized as bassy and low-pitched, providing a deeper and richer auditory experience when typing. The bass-heavy tones deliver a satisfying resonance that can feel more immersive and engaging, akin to the richness of a bass instrument. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch offers a well-balanced sound profile that is neither excessively quiet nor overly resonant. This more neutral approach may appeal to users seeking a moderate auditory feedback without the depth found in the Pine's sound. Overall, while both switches are unique in their sound characteristics, the Pine offers a more pronounced low-frequency response, whereas the Strawberry Latte maintains a level of sound that favors versatility.

When it comes to feel, the KTT Pine switch stands out for its buttery and creamy qualities, which result in an exceptionally smooth and fluid keystroke. The polished, factory-lubed finish minimizes friction, enriching the typing experience with effortless key travel that lets fingers glide across the keys. This sensation can create a seamless typing flow, making it an excellent choice for those who value comfort during long typing sessions. In contrast, the feel of the Strawberry Latte switch is currently unknown, leaving it difficult to make a direct comparison. However, if it aligns in smoothness with the Pine, it could potentially offer a similarly enjoyable experience.

In conclusion, while the KTT Pine linear switch excels in sound with its bassy and low-pitched characteristics and provides a smooth, buttery typing feel, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch holds a more balanced sound profile with feel attributes yet to be discussed. If smoothness is a common aspect in both switches, typing experiences can feel comparably pleasant, though each switch has its distinctive auditory and tactile qualities. For newcomers, understanding these nuances can be crucial in deciding which switch might be best suited to their preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Pine linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a switch that offers a medium-heavy feel with a bottom-out force of 58 grams, and you are looking for an exceptionally smooth and buttery experience, the KTT Pine is an excellent choice. Its bassy sound profile adds a rich auditory depth, creating a more satisfying acoustic feedback that might appeal to those who enjoy a deeper sound during their typing sessions. Conversely, if you favor a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of only 45 grams, the Huano Strawberry Latte may be the better option for you. Its lighter actuation can be more comfortable for prolonged use, especially if you find yourself typing or gaming for extended periods and desire a switch that won’t fatigue your fingers. Both switches provide smooth key travel, but the Strawberry Latte's balanced sound profile offers a unique auditory experience that is not overly resonant, making it suitable for those who prefer a more subdued acoustic environment. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize a heavier, deeper sound and feel or a lighter, more comfortable experience in your keyboard typing.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Pine Linear

$4.60

$4.15 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more