KTT Semi Mute vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the KTT Semi Mute and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Semi Mute and the Huano Strawberry Latte offer distinct experiences that cater to different user preferences. The KTT Semi Mute switch stands out with its completely silent operation, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize noise reduction and wish to avoid disturbing others during late-night typing sessions. This switch combines a smooth, linear actuation with advanced dampening technology, resulting in a typing experience described as 'buttery' and 'mild.' On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte, while also a linear switch, offers a unique balance with a sound profile that sits comfortably between quiet and resonant, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that some typists may find delightful. With its smooth action derived from cutting-edge molds, the Strawberry Latte is ideal for users who appreciate a tactile feel without excessive noise. 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
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Semi Mute and the Huano Strawberry Latte showcase distinct housing materials that influence their acoustic profiles and tactile experiences. The Semi Mute employs a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its transparency and stiffness, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This clarity is advantageous when using RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant illumination to shine through. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a POK top housing, which, while also designed to facilitate a smooth typing experience, emphasizes durability and friction properties. POK's higher coefficient of friction compared to other materials contributes to its smoothness, leading to a clacky sound profile that resonates well with users who appreciate tactile feedback.
On the flip side, the bottom housings of both switches further delineate their character. The Semi Mute utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing that maintains the crisp sound profile initiated by the top housing, producing a cohesive auditory experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte's nylon bottom housing offers a different tactile signature, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb sound better than harder plastics. This combination of the nylon bottom with POK's top leads to a multifaceted experience, wherein the overall sound is softer and rounder, appealing to users who prefer a more muted auditory feedback while typing.
In summary, while both the KTT Semi Mute and the Huano Strawberry Latte possess unique housing materials that impart different sound profiles and tactile sensations, there remains a potential for similarity in the resulting acoustic experiences, especially if considering their top housings. The Semi Mute’s polycarbonate provides a sharper and more resonant sound, allowing for bright accents when paired with RGB lighting, while the Strawberry Latte’s POK contributes a smooth and durable quality that produces a distinct clack. Therefore, users can expect varied audio characteristics depending on the combination of materials employed in the switches, reflecting the nuanced interplay between the top and bottom housings.
Weight
The KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch present a clear contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences. The Semi Mute requires a heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, yielding a more substantial typing experience that some users may find preferable for precise control during gaming or typing. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an appealing choice for users who favor extended typing sessions or a lighter touch. While the Semi Mute is designed for those who appreciate a firmer feel, the Strawberry Latte's lower forces suggest it could facilitate quicker, less fatiguing keystrokes. Therefore, for users prioritizing weight and comfort during prolonged use, the Huano Strawberry Latte is the better option, while the KTT Semi Mute caters to individuals seeking a sturdier typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Semi Mute linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm highlights the Semi Mute as the option providing a deeper feel with each key press, catering to those who appreciate a more substantial feedback when typing. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte's shorter travel distance aligns with modern preferences, particularly among gamers who prioritize quick response times. For those who enjoy a snappier experience, the Strawberry Latte would be the better choice. Thus, if you seek a switch that offers a more responsive touch, the Huano Strawberry Latte is the way to go, while the KTT Semi Mute will appeal to those who prefer a fuller key travel experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Semi Mute switch excels in providing a notably muted auditory experience. Designed specifically for silence, these switches offer a very soft and quiet sound profile, making them ideal for environments where noise reduction is crucial, such as during late-night typing sessions. Their neutral quality suggests they won’t be too distracting either, accommodating a variety of use cases. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch presents a more balanced sound profile. While it isn't as quiet as the Semi Mute, it strikes a pleasant middle ground—neither too loud nor overly resonant—suitable for users who want to maintain a comfortable auditory experience without the extreme silence that the Semi Mute offers.
In terms of feel, the KTT Semi Mute switch stands out with a buttery smooth typing experience. This switch provides a seamless and fluid keystroke, ensuring that each press feels effortless and uniformly satisfying. Its mild nature makes for an approachable typing experience, catering to both novices and experienced typists alike. The tactile sensations it provides are designed to be gentle, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. However, the feel of the Huano Strawberry Latte switch remains unspecified; thus, a direct comparison in this aspect cannot be established.
In summary, if you prioritize a completely silent typing experience and a buttery smooth keystroke, the KTT Semi Mute switch is your best bet. Conversely, if you prefer a balanced sound and don’t mind a bit of audible feedback while typing, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a more versatile option. While both switches may offer enjoyable experiences, the Semi Mute clearly caters to those seeking silence, whereas the Strawberry Latte occupies a more moderate position in terms of sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, consider your typing environment and personal preferences. If you often find yourself typing late at night or in a shared space where minimizing noise is essential, the KTT Semi Mute switch will be your best choice. With its completely silent operation and a medium bottom-out force of 58 grams, it provides a gratifying, buttery feel while ensuring that your keystrokes do not disturb others around you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a switch that combines smoothness with a balanced sound profile, the Huano Strawberry Latte, with its lighter 45-gram bottom-out force, may be more suitable. This switch offers a satisfying typing experience that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant, making it versatile for various settings while still delivering that smooth keystroke you're looking for. Ultimately, your choice should align with your noise sensitivity and the tactile experience you prioritize, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your typing needs.
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