Dareu Snow vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Dareu Snow and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Snow and the Huano Strawberry Latte present intriguing options, each catering to different typing preferences. The Snow switch, with its unique POK material for both the top housing and stem, delivers a satisfyingly deeper and thocky sound signature, which many typists find appealing for both its aesthetic and acoustic qualities. Its neutral feel and bouncy characteristics provide a pleasant typing experience that balances responsiveness with comfort. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a super smooth actuation thanks to its latest mold design, resulting in a balanced sound profile that strikes a perfect chord between being noticeably present without overwhelming resonance. While both switches are linear and provide a smooth keystroke, the Dareu Snow leans towards a fuller, richer sound, whereas the Strawberry Latte prioritizes a more versatile and straightforward vibe. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your unique typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Snow and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches share a significant similarity in their top housing material, both being constructed from POK (polyketone). This choice of material is indicative of their design philosophy, as POK is known for its low coefficient of friction, which measures at 0.04, making it one of the smoothest materials for switch housings. Furthermore, both switches benefit from POK's impressive durability characteristics, exhibiting an extraordinary wear resistance that is 14 times greater than that of POM. The shock resistance of POK also surpasses commonly used materials like Nylon and POM, contributing to a smooth, clacky feel during key presses. These similarities ensure that both the Snow and Strawberry Latte models deliver a comparable tactile experience from their top housing.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Dareu Snow and the Huano Strawberry Latte are both made from nylon, a classic and well-reputed material in the keyboard switch industry. Nylon is recognized for its ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The inherent softness of nylon results in a rounder and duller sound, which complements the smoothness provided by the POK top housing. This pairing allows both switches to create a well-rounded auditory experience, bridging the clacky character of the POK top with the warmer tones produced by the nylon bottom housing.
While the top housings of the two switches are identical, and the bottom housings share the same material, the unique combination of POK and nylon in both switches allows them to achieve a harmonious balance between sound and feel. When pressed, the bottom housing's characteristics come into play, affecting the bottom-out sound and overall tactile feedback, while the top housing contributes to the sound when the key is released. This interplay ensures that users of either the Dareu Snow or the Huano Strawberry Latte will enjoy a consistent and pleasant typing experience, with a delightful mix of feedback and acoustic properties regardless of the specific model chosen.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we see a notable difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Snow linear switch requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight option that's suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte linear switch features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, appealing to those who favor a softer touch for longer typing sessions or extensive gaming. Consequently, the Snow is the heavier option, while the Strawberry Latte is the lighter one. Potential users looking for a distinguished feel should consider these differences based on their typing preference; the lighter actuation force of the Strawberry Latte allows for swift keystrokes, whereas the Snow's heavier actuation provides a firmer tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the Snow switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Strawberry Latte measures at 3.6 mm. This indicates that the Snow switch offers a shorter travel distance, which may be more appealing to gamers or users who prioritize faster response times. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper key press. Therefore, if you lean towards a switch that is more responsive and can enhance your gaming experience, the Dareu Snow would be the better choice. Conversely, if you appreciate a more substantial typing experience, you might find the Huano Strawberry Latte to be more suitable for your preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 Dareu Snow linear switch presents a captivating auditory experience with its thocky profile, delivering a deep, rich tone that resonates pleasantly during use. This switch is characterized by a low-pitched sound signature, reminiscent of a soft thud or gentle knock, making it a delight for those who enjoy a more immersive typing experience. While the Strawberry Latte linear switch does not have specific sound descriptors provided, it is noted for its balanced sound profile. This means it tends to neither be too quiet nor overly resonant, allowing for a pleasing typing experience as well. Ultimately, the Snow's deep sound may stand out more to those who prioritize auditory feedback, while the Strawberry Latte offers a more neutral sound for versatile use.
In terms of feel, the Snow switch is recognized for its bouncy nature, providing elastic feedback that lends a lively and responsive sensation during typing. This spring-like quality enhances the overall typing experience, making each keystroke feel engaging. However, details regarding the feel of the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch are not specified, which leaves a gap in comparison. If the Strawberry Latte were to match or surpass the Snow in smoothness, it could provide a complementary experience for users who favor effortless key presses, but without explicit descriptors, one must approach this area with uncertainty.
Overall, both the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch offer compelling qualities for different types of users. The Snow's thocky sound and bouncy feel contribute to a rich and engaging experience, ideal for those who value deeper auditory feedback and responsive typing. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte’s balanced sound profile makes it versatile for everyday use, although its tactile characteristics remain unspecified. Depending on your preferences for sound and typing feel, either switch could serve you well, making it essential to consider your individual needs when choosing the right linear switch for your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Dareu Snow linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch depends largely on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch that offers a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams and a deeper, thocky sound signature, accompanied by a bouncy feel, the Dareu Snow is an excellent choice. It's well-suited for users who enjoy a satisfying auditory and tactile feedback experience. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 45 grams and a more balanced sound profile, the Huano Strawberry Latte should be your go-to switch. This switch is ideal for those who value a smooth typing experience without the added weight, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming where fast inputs are prized. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and environment, as both switches cater to different preferences: one prioritizing a robust and engaging feedback, and the other delivering a lightweight and fluid action.
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