SP-Star RedBlue vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches for your typing or gaming experience, the SP-Star RedBlue and Huano Strawberry Latte both offer compelling options, particularly within the realm of linear switches. The RedBlue switches are celebrated for their medium-light typing feel, making them an excellent choice for users who prefer a comfortable, gentle keystroke without excessive resistance. Their low-pitched sound profile delivers a pleasant auditory experience, contributing to a slightly thocky and polished feel, ideal for both typing and gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte switches boast a super-smooth action that stands out due to the advanced molds used in their production. The balanced sound profile—neither too quiet nor overly resonant—offers versatility, appealing to those who appreciate a tactile experience while maintaining a linear feel. Both switches have unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to weigh their features thoughtfully. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

SP-Star RedBlue Linear

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$5.80

$5.40 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials used in the SP-Star RedBlue and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches reveal distinct differences, particularly in their sound profiles and construction attributes. The RedBlue's top housing is made from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting because of its translucence, ensuring the colors can shine through effectively. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, offering a smooth and clacky sound due to its low coefficient of friction. While both materials contribute to a bright sound, the RedBlue leans towards clarity and resonance, whereas the Strawberry Latte emphasizes smoothness and durability.

Examining the bottom housings of these switches reveals further distinctions that impact their overall auditory feedback. The RedBlue continues with polycarbonate, which maintains consistency in sound profile—leading to a sharper and clearer bottom-out sound. This complements the characteristics of the top housing and provides a unified audio experience. Alternatively, the Huano Strawberry Latte features a nylon bottom housing that is softer and absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper and fuller acoustical signature. This difference means that while the RedBlue will achieve a brighter noise when typing, the Strawberry Latte will deliver a rounded, more muted tone that many users may find appealing for a different tactile experience.

Overall, the combined effects of the distinct housing materials in both switches highlight how the sound profiles are shaped by their components. For users looking for a more cohesive and bright typing experience, the SP-Star RedBlue offers that through its consistent use of polycarbonate. Meanwhile, the Huano Strawberry Latte embodies a unique contrast by combining the smoothness of POK with the softer depth of nylon, resulting in a more varied auditory experience. Despite their differences, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience, demonstrating that the final sound result can vary significantly based on the materials selected for each housing.

Weight

When comparing the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The RedBlue switch has an unknown actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is categorized as medium-light. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a lower bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that while the RedBlue may potentially offer a more substantial feel when pressed down, the Strawberry Latte is designed for a lighter touch, making it better suited for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where less effort is required. Overall, the Strawberry Latte is the lighter switch due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces, while the RedBlue's characteristics indicate it will provide a heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the RedBlue measures at 4 mm, while the Strawberry Latte is slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This means that the RedBlue offers a more traditional travel distance commonly preferred by those who enjoy a deeper keypress, providing a more substantial feel during use. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Strawberry Latte aligns with the modern trend favored by gamers aiming for quicker response times, which can contribute to enhanced performance. Those who prefer a more abrupt actuation may find the Strawberry Latte more appealing, while users who appreciate a hearty depth in their keystrokes will likely lean toward the RedBlue. Thus, the RedBlue is the longer option, and the Strawberry Latte is the shorter one, each catering to different tactile preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switches are characterized by a relatively low-pitched profile, offering a deep, thocky sound that provides a satisfying acoustic feedback when pressed. This low pitch often contributes to a mellow and bass-heavy tone, which many users appreciate for its deeper resonance that can create a more immersive typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switches present a balanced sound profile. While they are not too quiet, they also avoid excessive resonance, making them suitable for various environments, whether you’re at home or in an office setting. The combination of these characteristics means that while both switches are pleasant, the RedBlue leans more towards a richer, deeper sound, whereas the Strawberry Latte maintains a more neutral balance in its acoustic delivery.

When comparing their feel, the SP-Star RedBlue switches offer a mild typing experience that appeals to a broad range of users. Their polished quality indicates a refined finish, resulting in smooth keystrokes that minimize friction. This smoothness, combined with the gentle actuation force, makes them approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists alike. On the other hand, the feel of the Huano Strawberry Latte switches remains unspecified, leading to unknowns about their typing experience. However, given the general expectations from Huano products, one might anticipate a focusing on smoothness in the mechanical action, possibly aligning closely with the refined characteristics of the RedBlue switches.

In conclusion, both the SP-Star RedBlue and Huano Strawberry Latte switches offer valuable qualities for users seeking linear switches, albeit with distinct auditory traits and unknowns in tactile feel. The RedBlue shines with its thocky, low-pitched sound and polished, mild feel, making it an appealing choice for those looking for a nuanced auditory experience paired with a smooth keystroke. Meanwhile, the Strawberry Latte, with its balanced sound profile, remains a strong but less defined alternative. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, and users can expect a generally smooth typing experience, especially with the known attributes of the RedBlue as a reliable option.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when deciding between the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, it’s essential to consider your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a medium-light typing experience with a satisfying thocky sound profile that balances depth and neutrality, the RedBlue is the switch for you. It offers a mild and polished feel, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned typists looking for versatility in various environments, whether at home or in the office. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch and desire an exceptionally smooth typing experience with a balanced sound profile that's neither too loud nor too soft, the Strawberry Latte would likely be your best choice. Its lighter bottom-out force makes it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, where quick actuation is beneficial. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preference for feel and sound, along with how you intend to use your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

SP-Star RedBlue Linear

$5.80

$5.40 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more