Huano Sakura vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Sakura and Huano Strawberry Latte offer distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Sakura switches are celebrated for their feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making them an excellent choice for those who spend long hours typing and seek a gentle, fatigue-free keystroke. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte switches shine with their ultra-smooth operation, thanks to the latest available molds from Huano, providing a balanced sound profile that strikes a harmonious chord between being too quiet and overly resonant. While both switches are linear in nature, catering to users who appreciate a smooth, unclicky feedback without tactile bumps, their unique characteristics can greatly influence personal preference. 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
35g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Huano Sakura and Huano Strawberry Latte switches both utilize POK material for their top housing, which positions them similarly in terms of performance and sound quality. POK, or polyketone, is known for its excellent smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction measuring 0.04, slightly above that of LY, both switches benefit from a slick feel during keypresses. Furthermore, POK's remarkable wear resistance—14 times stronger than POM—and enhanced shock resistance (2.3 times stronger than Nylon and 1.4 times stronger than POM) provide a robust and long-lasting switch experience. The result is that both switches deliver a smooth and clacky sound profile that many typists and gamers appreciate.
On the other hand, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, emphasizing a commonality in their sound profiles and overall feel. Nylon is celebrated for its softer nature compared to harder plastics, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively. This absorption contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, as well as a rounder, more muted auditory response. While both switches utilize nylon, this allows for an engaging tactile sensation that is particularly noticeable during the bottom-out phase of pressing the keys, further enhancing the user experience through a warmer sound due to the material properties.
Since both the Huano Sakura and Strawberry Latte share the same top and bottom housing materials, their combined influences create a unified performance profile. The smooth operating characteristics from the POK top housing enhance the acoustic response when keys are released, while the nylon bottom housing ensures that pressing down on these switches generates a satisfying sound that resonates well. Together, they create an appealing balance, giving users a consistent typing experience with rich auditory feedback and tactile satisfaction, making both switches ideal for a wide range of applications from gaming to typing.
Weight
Both the Huano Sakura and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches share the same actuation force of 35 grams and bottom out force of 45 grams, making them comparable in terms of performance. This means that users can expect similar tactile responses and keypress feedback from both switches, as they require the same amount of force to register a keystroke and to fully depress the key. With their lightweight characteristics, these switches are ideal for users who favor a lighter touch, allowing for extended typing sessions and more comfortable gaming experiences. Therefore, whether one chooses the Sakura or the Strawberry Latte, the results in terms of actuation and bottom out feel will be indistinguishable, making both switches excellent choices for those seeking a smooth and effortless typing experience.
Travel distance
The Huano Sakura and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches both feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means users will experience the same amount of key press depth when using either switch. This equal travel distance facilitates a similar tactile response, ensuring that both switches deliver a comparable feel during typing or gaming. Consequently, whether one opts for the Sakura or the Strawberry Latte, they can expect consistent performance in terms of travel distance, enhancing their overall experience without any variance between the two options.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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
In terms of sound, the Huano Sakura switch offers medium acoustics, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a balanced auditory experience during long typing sessions. Its sound profile strikes a good middle ground, ensuring that keystrokes are heard without becoming overly disruptive. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch delivers a balanced sound profile as well, characterized by its smoothness and moderate resonance. Though not as quiet as softer switches, it avoids excessive loudness, making both switches optimal for use in shared environments. Ultimately, both switches produce sounds that are pleasant without causing too much disturbance, particularly when paired with compatible boards and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Sakura switch is known for its feather-light touch, which provides a light and effortless typing experience that can be very comfortable for extended sessions. This switch is designed to minimize finger fatigue, making it a favorite among those who spend long hours at the keyboard. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch is recognized for its super smooth operation, benefiting from the latest molds from Huano. This smoothness contributes to a satisfying typing experience, allowing for swift and accurate key presses without any noticeable resistance. While the Sakura excels in its lightweight feel, the Strawberry Latte offers a different but equally enjoyable tactile experience with its smoothness.
In conclusion, both the Huano Sakura and Strawberry Latte linear switches present appealing features for different typing preferences. The Sakura’s feather-light touch and medium acoustics cater to those who prioritize comfort and a balanced sound during lengthy typing tasks, while the Strawberry Latte’s smoothness and balanced auditory profile enhance responsiveness and satisfaction. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you value lightness for extended use or a refined smooth feel that enhances your typing experience. Both options promise satisfactory performance, making them worthy considerations for anyone looking to enhance their keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Sakura and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches, you'll want to consider your specific typing preferences and the context in which you'll be using them. If you favor a switch that provides a feather-light touch with medium acoustics, making it perfect for extended typing sessions without fatigue, then the Sakura is the ideal choice for you. Its lighter actuation may help in reducing strain during long typing marathons. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that prioritizes smoothness and a balanced sound profile, the Strawberry Latte would be better suited to your needs. Its advanced mold technology ensures a consistent and delightful typing experience without being too loud or overly resonant. Ultimately, your decision may also be influenced by your environment: opt for the Sakura for quieter settings or if you're prone to long sessions, while the Strawberry Latte might be preferable in situations where a slightly more pronounced sound is acceptable. In the end, both switches offer excellent features, so you cannot go wrong with either choice as long as you align them with your personal preferences and typing habits.
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