TTC Silent Brown vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Brown and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Silent Brown and the Huano Strawberry Latte each present unique advantages tailored to different typing preferences. The Silent Brown, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its comfortable typing experience characterized by a light to medium resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. Its muted sound profile makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter environment without sacrificing the tactile feedback essential for touch typists. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte, a linear switch, stands out for its silky smooth keypresses, thanks to the advanced molds used in its production. Offering a balanced sound profile, it's ideal for users who seek uninterrupted keystrokes and a fluid typing experience. While both switches cater to distinct preferences—one prioritizing tactile feedback and the other smoothness—choosing between them will ultimately depend on your specific typing needs. 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Silent Brown and the Huano Strawberry Latte, the distinct contrasts begin with their top housings. The Silent Brown utilizes polycarbonate, known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's translucency is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte employs POK (polyketone) for its top housing. POK offers a smooth feel due to its low friction coefficient, contributing to a different sonic character that is described as "clacky." While both materials serve to enhance the auditory experience of the switches, the Silent Brown leans into a clearer sound, whereas the Strawberry Latte leans towards a more resonant and playful audio feedback.
Moving to the bottom housing, both the TTC Silent Brown and Huano Strawberry Latte incorporate nylon, presenting a unique aspect in their design. Nylon is a traditional choice for switch housings, known for its ability to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is consistent between both switches since nylon absorbs sound, yielding a rounder auditory experience. The implications of this material choice mean that regardless of the differing top housings, both models will share similar bottom-out sounds and typing experiences due to the properties of nylon. Consequently, while the top housings create diverging acoustic effects, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a rich depth in sound, thereby tying together their distinct functionalities.
In conclusion, the combination of materials in the TTC Silent Brown and Huano Strawberry Latte leads to nuanced yet divergent sound profiles associated with each switch. The polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Brown emphasizes a brighter sound, while the POK top housing of the Strawberry Latte focuses on a smoother experience. Both switches benefit from the warmth and depth that nylon imparts in the bottom housing, showcasing the inherent compatibility and differences within their sound designs. Ultimately, if a user were to choose either switch, they could expect a unique auditory experience dictated by the top housing material, while the nylon bottom delivers a familiar, rich sound that resonates consistently across both models.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there's a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces that heavily influences their typing experience. The Silent Brown features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, positioning it on the medium-heavy side of the spectrum. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte is notably lighter, with an actuation force of just 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that typists who favor a lighter touch will likely prefer the Strawberry Latte for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, while those who appreciate a more substantial feel might gravitate toward the Silent Brown. Overall, the Silent Brown’s heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a firmer feedback compared to the lighter, more effortless operation of the Strawberry Latte.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we see a slight difference. The Silent Brown has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Strawberry Latte offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're drawn to a more responsive typing experience, the Strawberry Latte may suit your needs better due to its shorter travel distance, which can allow for quicker key presses. Conversely, if you prefer the feel of a deeper key press that provides a bit more feedback, the Silent Brown's 3.8 mm travel distance would be the better option for you. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to your personal preferences regarding depth and responsiveness in your typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
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 TTC Silent Brown switch is characterized by its muted audio profile, which results in a softer and quieter keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to minimize the typical clackiness associated with mechanical keyboards, allowing for a more subdued typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte provides a balanced sound profile that doesn't lean towards being overly quiet or excessively resonant. While it may not be as muted as the Silent Brown, it strikes a good balance that can be appreciated in various environments, depending on the configuration of the keyboard, including factors like board design and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the TTC Silent Brown excels with its tactile feedback, delivering a rounded bump that provides a satisfying typing experience. It’s smooth, buttery, and polished, allowing for effortless keystrokes with a mild resistance that doesn't overwhelm. The Strawberry Latte, known for its super smooth operation, offers a linear keystroke without noticeable tactile feedback, making the experience more fluid and continuous rather than bumped or interrupted. This means that while both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, the Silent Brown provides a distinct tactile sensation, whereas the Strawberry Latte emphasizes effortless linearity.
In summary, the TTC Silent Brown and Huano Strawberry Latte switches cater to different preferences. The Silent Brown is ideal for users who appreciate a tactile sensation and a quieter typing experience, while the Strawberry Latte appeals to those who prioritize smoothness and fluidity. Depending on your typing style, both switches can deliver a pleasant experience, but the choice ultimately hinges on whether you prefer tactile feedback or a linear, uninterrupted keypress.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you appreciate a tactile feedback experience with a medium-heavy resistance that offers satisfying bumps during each keystroke, then the Silent Brown is an excellent option, particularly for quiet settings like an office or shared workspace where minimizing noise is essential. The muted sound profile coupled with its buttery, polished feel makes it ideal for long typing sessions without the distractions of clacking sounds. Conversely, if you favor a lighter touch for a smooth and fluid typing experience, the Strawberry Latte is the way to go. With its soft bottom-out force and balanced sound profile, it's perfect for fast-paced gaming or typing, allowing for quick key presses without fatigue. Ultimately, selecting between these switches should reflect your unique typing style, whether you prioritize tactile feedback or prefer a smoother and quieter linear touch.
Mentioned in this article
