Gateron Smoothie vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing or gaming experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switch can significantly impact your overall satisfaction. The Gateron Smoothie switch stands out with its all-POM construction, providing a thocky, yet subtle sound signature that appeals to those who enjoy a low-pitched auditory feedback. Its lightweight and creamy feel offer exceptional smoothness, making it ideal for users who prioritize effortless keystrokes and an engaging tactile experience. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch is renowned for its super-smooth operation, utilizing the latest mold technology to produce a balanced sound profile that strikes a perfect harmony between being noticeable and unobtrusive. This switch caters well to users who appreciate a clean auditory feedback without overwhelming resonance. While both the Smoothie and Strawberry Latte are excellent linear switches, your choice will ultimately depend on your preference for sound and feel. 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
40g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Smoothie and the Huano Strawberry Latte, it is clear that there are both similarities and differences worth noting. The Smoothie utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing which is known for creating a unique sound profile that is deep and relatively muted. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a POK (polyketone) top housing, which not only maintains a smooth typing experience but also contributes to a clacky sound due to its low friction characteristics. While both materials aim to enhance the overall typing experience, the POK material stands out for its higher durability, promising longer-lasting performance compared to the POM top housing.
Examining the bottom housings reveals further distinctions. The Gateron Smoothie sports a POM bottom housing, which similarly produces a muted sound profile. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte's bottom housing is made from nylon, a classic choice celebrated for its softer composition. This results in a fuller, rounder sound profile and a sound-absorbing quality that sets it apart from the POM material of the Smoothie. Thus, while both switches leverage softer plastics at the bottom to influence the typing sound, the nylon bottom in the Strawberry Latte has a more pronounced effect in creating that deeper acoustic experience.
The combined effects of the top and bottom housing materials on the sound and feel of each switch are noteworthy. The Smoothie's uniform POM construction throughout creates a cohesive experience, focusing on a deeper, more muted sound that is consistent from bottom to top. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte benefits from a varied material approach with its POK top and nylon bottom; the POK enhances a clacky sound when releasing keys, while the nylon absorbs and dampens sound during bottoming out. Thus, even though both switches prioritize a pleasant auditory experience, the selection of materials leads to distinctly different auditory and tactile sensations during use. The contrasting characteristics of each material will influence your overall typing experience, offering varied results despite their shared goal of providing quality switch performance.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the differences in their actuation forces highlight their unique typing experiences. The Smoothie features an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Strawberry Latte has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams. This indicates that the Strawberry Latte is easier to press, making it more suitable for users who prefer extended typing sessions without fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, the Strawberry Latte has a specified force of 45 grams, which quantifies the resistance felt when fully pressing the key down. On the other hand, the bottom out force for the Smoothie is unknown, leaving it unclear how it compares in that aspect. Consequently, those who favor a lighter switch would gravitate toward the Strawberry Latte, while those who appreciate a firmer and potentially more substantial typing experience may still find the Smoothie appealing, depending on its eventual bottom out characteristics. Overall, the Strawberry Latte can be considered the lighter option, whereas the Smoothie leans toward a heavier performance profile, though the latter's unknown bottom out force leaves some uncertainty in a full comparison.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users can expect similar tactile feedback and actuation experience when pressing down on either key. This congruence in travel distance ensures that both switches deliver a comparable level of responsiveness and consistency during typing or gaming activities. Consequently, whether opting for the Smoothie or the Strawberry Latte, users can anticipate the same keypress dynamics, facilitating a seamless transition between different switch types in a keyboard setup.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 Gateron Smoothie linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched experience, characterized by a deep, rich sound that provides a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. The sound signature is subdued, creating a dampened effect that allows users to enjoy a pleasant yet not overly resonant acoustic profile. In comparison, the Huano Strawberry Latte is noted for having a balanced sound profile, which strikes a middle ground—neither excessively quiet nor too loud. This suggests that while the Smoothie delivers a more bass-heavy tone, the Strawberry Latte could provide a more even sound experience, depending on the user's preferences.
Regarding the feel, the Gateron Smoothie excels with descriptors like buttery, creamy, and silky. This indicates an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience where the keystrokes glide seamlessly, making it a pleasure to type on. The combination of materials and potential factory lubrication likely contributes to this luxurious feel. On the other hand, the specific feel characteristics of the Strawberry Latte are not detailed, leaving some uncertainty. However, given that the Smoothie is well-regarded for its smoothness, one can infer that if the Strawberry Latte aims for a super smooth experience as mentioned, it may provide a similarly enjoyable typing sensation.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Smoothie and Huano Strawberry Latte offer unique sound and feel experiences that cater to different preferences. The Smoothie stands out with its thocky sound and buttery, creamy feel, while the Strawberry Latte is differentiated by its balanced sound quality. If you're drawn to a deep, satisfying sound and a particularly smooth keystroke, the Smoothie might be the right choice. However, if you prefer a more neutral auditory experience combined with smoothness, the Strawberry Latte could still provide satisfactory performance. Both switches promise to elevate your mechanical keyboard experience, and your choice may ultimately depend on the specific qualities you prioritize.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch comes down to your personal preferences in both sound and feel. If you crave a smooth, buttery typing experience paired with a thocky, low-pitched sound signature, the Gateron Smoothie is undoubtedly an excellent choice. Its unique composition allows for an exceptionally silky feel that many typists find enjoyable, especially if you appreciate a deeper, more subdued auditory profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation force and a more balanced sound that isn’t overly quiet or resonant, the Huano Strawberry Latte would likely suit you better. While its sound profile may not be as pronounced, it provides a reliable typing experience that isn't too taxing on your fingers, making it a good option for those looking for long typing sessions. Ultimately, consider what you value more: the rich, thocky resonance of the Smoothie or the smooth, balanced touch of the Strawberry Latte, and you'll find the right switch for your needs.
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