KTT Rose vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the KTT Rose and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the KTT Rose and the Huano Strawberry Latte offer unique advantages tailored to different typing experiences. The KTT Rose, recognized not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its impressive functionality, features progressive springs that create a substantial feel while maintaining a weightiness that enhances typing comfort. This switch exhibits a low-pitched sound that resembles the soothing rhythm of raindrops, making it a delightful choice for those who appreciate a polished auditory feedback during usage. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte is celebrated for its super smooth performance, benefiting from the latest molds to deliver a balanced sound profile—neither overly loud nor too muted. With its smooth actuation, this switch is ideal for users who prioritize swift responsiveness and versatility in their typing experience. Both switches cater to specific preferences, whether you're drawn to the satisfying aural experience of the Rose or the fluid operation of the Strawberry Latte; 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
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Progressive spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Rose and the Huano Strawberry Latte, distinct differences emerge, particularly in their top housings. The KTT Rose utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This material enhances sound clarity, producing a sharper and more resonant sound profile. The use of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for enhancing RGB lighting effects, as its clear nature allows light to pass through beautifully. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte features a POK top housing, made from polyketone, which, while also designed for high performance, delivers a smoother typing experience. The POK material’s strength, coupled with its resistance to wear and shock, contributes to a sound that is smooth and clacky, although it lacks the same level of transparency for lighting effects as the polycarbonate found in the Rose.
The bottom housings of both switches share a common ground, employing nylon as the material of choice. Nylon's properties create a softer and more cushioned typing experience by efficiently absorbing sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The synergy of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches means that the bottom-out sound and feel will generally evoke a similar experience across both models. Thus, while their top housings exhibit differing characteristics and effects, the nylon bottom housing provides a consistent foundation, ensuring that both the KTT Rose and the Huano Strawberry Latte maintain a rich auditory experience when pressed.
The unique combination of materials in both switches demonstrates how varying the top and bottom housings can lead to distinct sound profiles while maintaining certain core feel characteristics. With the polycarbonate and POK materials diverging in their sound transmission qualities and aesthetic appeal, the overall acoustic and tactile experience is shaped by each housing's contribution. Ultimately, though both switches display differences at the top housing level, their shared nylon base allows for a fuller sound experience on bottoming out, showcasing how contrasting materials can coexist harmoniously within a single switch design.
Weight
The KTT Rose linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch offer distinct typing experiences due to their differing actuation and bottom out forces. The Rose has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a light actuation force of 35 grams and a lower bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who favor lighter switches for longer typing sessions or gaming. While both switches deliver unique tactile experiences, the lighter actuation force of the Strawberry Latte makes it the preferred choice for users seeking a more effortless typing experience, while the Rose appeals to those who enjoy a firmer touch. Overall, if the actuation force of the Rose were disclosed, the comparison would highlight the ease of typing on the Strawberry Latte against the more robust feel of the Rose.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Rose linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the Rose comes in at 4 mm, while the Strawberry Latte measures a shorter 3.6 mm. This difference highlights a distinct preference based on user needs; the longer 4 mm travel distance of the Rose may offer a more substantial feel and depth, appealing to those who enjoy a tactile experience while typing or gaming. Conversely, the shorter 3.6 mm distance of the Strawberry Latte caters to those seeking quicker responses, as shorter travel distances can facilitate faster key presses. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness, you might prefer the Strawberry Latte, whereas if you're looking for a more pronounced keystroke, the Rose would suit your needs better.
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 KTT Rose comes in at $3.01 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Rose linear switch produces a low-pitched and bassy tone, reminiscent of raindrops falling softly. This gives it a soothing auditory profile that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant, striking a balance that makes it suitable for varied environments, whether at home or in an office setting. The neutral nature of its sound allows for a versatile typing experience. On the other hand, while the specific characteristics of the Huano Strawberry Latte's sound profile aren't detailed, it is known to provide a balanced sound that is not overly noisy, suggesting it too is designed to fit comfortably into different typing environments without being intrusive.
When considering the feel of these switches, the KTT Rose is highlighted for its mild yet polished sensation. The mild characteristics ensure a gentle typing experience that doesn't overwhelm, meaning users can type for extended periods without fatigue. The polished finish indicates a smooth and refined feel, aided by materials and possibly factory lubrication that minimizes friction and enhances key travel. The Huano Strawberry Latte switch, however, lacks detailed descriptions regarding its tactile feedback. This means any feel-related quality of the Strawberry Latte remains unknown, making it harder to draw a direct comparison in this area.
Overall, both the KTT Rose and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches offer experiences that cater to typists seeking balanced sound profiles and comfortable, smooth key travel. While the Rose provides a distinct low-pitched sound and a refined feel, the Strawberry Latte promises a smooth operation, though its specific feel characteristics remain unestablished. In either case, you can expect similar performance in versatility and suitability for multifaceted use, making both commendable choices for newcomers exploring linear switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Rose linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a typing experience that feels substantial without being overly heavy, the KTT Rose with its medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams will likely resonate with you. Its unique progressive spring design provides a tactile bounce and the low-pitched, bassy sound will make your typing feel both rewarding and satisfying. On the other hand, if you like a lighter switch that allows for quick key presses with minimal effort, the Huano Strawberry Latte, boasting a light actuation force of 45 grams, could be a superior option. Its super smooth feel and balanced sound profile make it ideal for fast typists or gamers who appreciate rapid decision-making without the fatigue that heavier switches can bring. In essence, consider the KTT Rose for a blend of feel and sound that adds character to your typing, while the Strawberry Latte is best for those seeking efficiency and swift response.