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TTC Silent Red vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Silent Red and Huano Strawberry Latte both present compelling options, each catering to unique preferences and needs. The Silent Red is renowned for its exceptionally smooth and seamless typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who desire a quiet operation, especially in office or shared spaces. Its muted sound profile, combined with a padded bottom-out feel, provides comfort and a polished typing sensation. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a super smooth action with a balanced sound profile that strikes a harmonious chord between silence and resonance; it appeals to typists looking for a more pronounced yet refined audio feedback without overwhelming noise. Both switches offer their distinct advantages, whether it be the Silent Red's buttery, mild, and muted characteristics or the Strawberry Latte's smoothness and balanced sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect 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

1.90 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.70 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 Red and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches, the most notable difference arises from their top housings. The Silent Red utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This characteristic allows the switch to resonate clearly, particularly when integrated with RGB lighting thanks to the material's translucency. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte features a POK (polyketone) top housing, which while still facilitating an appealing sound, offers a smoother typing experience due to its lower coefficient of friction. The POK material is durable and can amplify the clackiness of the switches, making it an attractive alternative for users focused on tactile feedback while maintaining clarity in sound.

The bottom housings of both switches, however, share a similar attribute, as they are both constructed from nylon. This commonality means that regardless of the differences in the upper housing materials, typists will experience a deeper, fuller sound profile from either switch because they utilize the same material for the bottom housing. Nylon's sound absorption properties create a duller, rounder auditory experience that gives each keystroke a richer and more robust feel when bottoming out. In this way, both switches may still evoke a similar sense of auditory and tactile enjoyment when engaged, despite the contrasting characteristics of their top housings.

Ultimately, the combination of differing top housing materials and shared nylon bottom housings illustrates how each switch can cater to different user preferences while still delivering comparable results. Users who seek a sharper sound profile and enhanced RGB aesthetics may prefer the TTC Silent Red with its polycarbonate top, while those desiring smoother actuation and a more pronounced clack might gravitate towards the Huano Strawberry Latte's POK top. Yet, because both bottom housings are nylon, they comfortably mitigate the differences by offering consistent sound absorption and tactile performance, ensuring satisfaction regardless of their individual styles.

Weight

The TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to diverse user preferences. The Silent Red requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte is considerably lighter, with an actuation force of just 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, ideal for users who prioritize comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. As a result, while the Silent Red offers a firmer push that some may enjoy for its tactile feedback, the Strawberry Latte's lighter feel may appeal to those seeking a less strenuous typing experience. Thus, if you prefer a lighter switch for prolonged use, the Huano Strawberry Latte is the superior choice, whereas the TTC Silent Red is more suited for those who appreciate a heftier feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Strawberry Latte measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This makes the Silent Red the longer of the two options, providing a more pronounced key press feel, which could appeal to users who appreciate a deeper tactile experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte, with its shorter travel distance, might cater to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate action. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences: a more traditional depth with the Silent Red versus a snappier feel from the Strawberry Latte. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Strawberry Latte would be the ideal choice, but if you lean towards a hearty depth, the Silent Red might be more desirable.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.

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 TTC Silent Red linear switch is characterized by its muted sound profile, which makes it an ideal choice for those in shared spaces or office environments where noise levels need to be kept low. It produces a softer and quieter output compared to traditional mechanical switches, effectively minimizing the typical clicking or clacking noises often associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch has a balanced sound profile; while it may not be as quiet as the Silent Red, it is not overly resonant either. This creates a more neutral auditory experience, suitable for users who prefer some character in their typing sound without it being disruptive. The choice between these two switches will largely depend on personal preferences regarding noise sensitivity and the environment in which they are used.

When it comes to feel, the Silent Red switches provide a buttery and polished typing experience. They are designed for smooth keystrokes, allowing for effortless and fluid typing that feels both elegant and comfortable. The mild nature of the Silent Reds ensures they cater well to a wide audience, making them approachable for both novice and experienced typists. In contrast, the feel of the Strawberry Latte switch remains unknown, which leaves an open question about its typing experience. However, if the experience matches its sound profile, it might lean towards a more balanced, yet non-specific tactile experience, potentially offering a different feel than the buttery smoothness of the Silent Red.

In conclusion, both the TTC Silent Red and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches provide distinct yet complementary qualities ideal for different user needs. The Silent Red excels with its muted sound and polished, buttery feel, making it perfect for quieter environments. The Strawberry Latte's balanced sound profile offers a versatile option without disrupting the typing experience. Such characteristics highlight how personal preferences dictate the best choice between these two switches, suggesting that users who prioritize silence might gravitate towards the Silent Red, while those who appreciate a more balanced sound may find the Strawberry Latte appealing.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, your preference ultimately hinges on your typing environment and personal touch. If you prioritize a quiet experience and work in shared or noise-sensitive spaces, the Silent Red is undeniably the superior option. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams ensures a satisfying resistance without being overwhelming, coupled with a muted sound profile that minimizes typing noise, making it ideal for professional settings or late-night gaming sessions with minimal distractions. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter, more responsive feel and don’t mind some sound, the Huano Strawberry Latte could be your go-to. With a mere 45 grams of actuation force, this switch affords a faster typist’s touch while still providing a balanced sound that isn’t too piercing. Its super smooth keystroke allows for rapid typing without fatigue, making it suited for gamers or those who prefer a breezy typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your context—be it the need for silence or comfort in a lively environment.

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