Gateron Quinn vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Quinn and Huano Strawberry Latte present two distinct options catering to different typing preferences. The Gateron Quinn is a tactile switch that delights users with its unique combination of a crisp tactile bump and a deep, resonant sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy an engaging typing experience filled with character. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte, a linear switch, offers an incredibly smooth keystroke that is perfect for gamers or typists who prefer a quieter and more fluid feel without any tactile feedback. While the Quinn’s signature light yet snappy feedback and rich, basy auditory experience can enhance your typing enjoyment, the Strawberry Latte promises seamless key presses for faster and more efficient typing or gaming sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Quinn Tactile

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$6.00

$5.50 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the Gateron Quinn and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches, a notable distinction arises from the materials used for their top housings. The Quinn features a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its ability to absorb sound due to its relatively softer nature. This characteristic results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the typing experience through a duller, rounder auditory feedback. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte utilizes POK material for its top housing. While both nylon and polyketone are effective in their own rights, POK is engineered to provide a smoother typing experience with a slightly higher coefficient of friction. It’s designed to amplify a clacky sound, contrasting with the muted tones of the nylon housing, thus creating a more lively acoustic signature during typing.

Looking into the bottom housings of both switches reveals a unique alignment; both switches employ nylon as the material for their bottom housings. This similarity means that when typing on either switch, the qualities associated with nylon become apparent, yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile irrespective of the differences in top housing materials. Since the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out feel and sound upon keystroke, users will find a consistent experience in this regard. The depth and softness intrinsic to nylon contribute positively to the overall auditory experience across both switches, making them suitable for users who prefer that particular sound profile even when the top housings differ.

Ultimately, the differing material choices for the top housings contribute to the overall sound and feel of each switch, while the use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent experience in terms of sound depth and softness. Typing on the Gateron Quinn will elicit a softer, rounder feedback owing to its nylon top, while the Huano Strawberry Latte will generate a more pronounced, clacky sound thanks to its POK top. Regardless of the differences in the top housing, the shared nylon material in the bottom housing guarantees that users will still enjoy some elements of uniformity, especially in the essential feeling of each keystroke. This duality offers a rich comparative experience, appealing to a variety of typing preferences and sound aesthetics among keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, significant differences emerge that cater to varying typing preferences. The Gateron Quinn requires a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte features a much lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Strawberry Latte substantially easier to press, ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. As such, the Quinn may be better suited for those who enjoy a firmer feedback, while the Strawberry Latte appeals to those seeking a gentler pressing experience. Thus, if you are looking for a lighter switch to enhance comfort during long use, the Strawberry Latte is the preferable choice, whereas the Quinn is ideal for those who favor a more tactile and robust feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the Quinn features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Strawberry Latte has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Quinn the shorter option, appealing to those who appreciate a more responsive feel, such as gamers seeking quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte, with its 3.6 mm distance, provides a bit more depth, which may be preferable for users who favor a more pronounced keystroke experience. Overall, the Quinn offers a snappier response, while the Strawberry Latte caters to those who enjoy a more robust typing sensation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Quinn switch stands out with a rich and immersive audio profile that can be characterized by its deep and resonant tones. The nylon housings contribute to a unique sound experience, where each keystroke emits a bassy and clacky sound, offering a balanced mix of low and high frequencies. Users can expect a sound that is both clean and sharp, making it an engaging auditory experience. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch presents a more balanced auditory profile that, while not overly quiet, doesn't aim for excessive resonance either. Its sound is pleasant without being particularly distinctive or memorable, suggesting a more neutral experience compared to the Quinn's character-rich sound.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Quinn switch is described as snappy and polished, providing a lively and responsive typing experience. The tactile bump is precise and clean, with a bouncy nature that gives users a satisfying rebound with each keystroke. The combination of these qualities leads to an overall tactile feedback that is engaging but not overwhelming. The polished feel suggests a smooth typing interaction, likely aided by materials used and potential factory lubrication. Unfortunately, there is no specific description available for the feel of the Huano Strawberry Latte switch, making direct comparison challenging. However, the lack of high tactile characteristics may imply that it favors a more straightforward linear typing experience without the pronounced feedback that the Quinn provides.

In conclusion, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a distinctive sound and a responsive, refined feel, characterized by its bassy and clacky tones paired with a rich tactile response. This makes it especially appealing for users seeking an engaging and textured typing experience. The Huano Strawberry Latte, while more subdued in sound and lacking specific descriptors for its feel, presents a balanced auditory experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend largely on personal preference for sound and tactile feedback, as the Quinn delivers a more dynamic typing experience, while the Strawberry Latte offers a steadier, neutral typing platform.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Gateron Quinn tactile switches and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a typing experience that combines a medium-heavy tactile bump with a deep, resonant sound, the Quinn switches are likely your best bet. These switches not only offer crisp and snappy feedback but also produce a rich auditory profile that can enhance your overall typing satisfaction. They are well-suited for users who appreciate a tactile experience that strikes a balance between responsive feedback and a pleasing acoustic presence. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a smooth, unimpeded keystroke, the Strawberry Latte switches would be a more fitting choice. Their lighter actuation force allows for quicker inputs, making them ideal for fast typists or gamers who benefit from rapid-key presses without fatigue. Moreover, the balanced sound of the Strawberry Latte ensures a pleasant yet unobtrusive auditory experience, making them a great option for office environments or shared spaces. Ultimately, consider the type of feedback and sound you desire in your keyboard, as well as the context in which you'll be using it, to make the best decision for your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Quinn Tactile

$6.00

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more