Huano Strawberry Latte vs. Durock T1
An in-depth look at the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Durock T1 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Durock T1 often comes down to personal preference for typing experience. The Huano Strawberry Latte, a linear switch, stands out for its super smooth feel, providing a seamless keystroke that many users appreciate for gaming and long typing sessions. It features a balanced sound profile that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant, making it suitable for a variety of environments. In contrast, the Durock T1 is a tactile switch that offers a noticeable medium bump during each keystroke, providing users with physical feedback that enhances typing accuracy. Its sound is reminiscent of rain falling on a window, adding an auditory dimension to the experience. The T1's characteristics, including its stepped and low-pitched profile, make it particularly favored by those who enjoy a comfortable and engaging typing experience. Both switches have their unique advantages: the Strawberry Latte appeals to enthusiasts seeking smoothness for rapid key presses, while the T1 attracts those who appreciate tactile feedback. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Huano Strawberry Latte and the Durock T1 both exhibit distinctive housing materials that contribute notably to their sound profile and durability while also showcasing differences that set them apart. Starting with their top housings, the Strawberry Latte utilizes POK material, characterized by its low friction coefficient of 0.04, which allows for smooth keystrokes and enhances the overall tactile experience. This material's exceptional durability is underscored by its resistance to wear, being 14 times stronger than POM and significantly more shock-resistant than Nylon, factors that provide longevity to the switches. In contrast, the T1's top housing is made from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile in comparison to POK. The translucency of polycarbonate also lends a visual appeal, especially beneficial for setups featuring RGB lighting, thereby enhancing both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the switch.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, known for its sound-absorbing qualities which impart a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This commonality indicates that, regardless of the differences in their top housing materials, the two switches will share similar sound characteristics at the base level, resulting in a rounder sound when bottoming out. The softer nature of nylon facilitates a muted acoustic profile, making both switches suitable for users who prefer a less sharp sound while typing. Thus, the combination of the nylon bottom housing harmonizes the sound produced by both switches, creating a familiar auditory experience despite the divergence at the top level.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials contribute to varied tactile perceptions and auditory signatures when typing on the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Durock T1. The POK top of the Strawberry Latte yields a smoother and quieter key release, while the polycarbonate top of the T1 delivers a brighter and crisper sound. However, since both models feature nylon for their bottom housing, they maintain compatibility in terms of the overall sound profile. This shared base helps users achieve a similar auditory experience even as they explore the unique characteristics offered by the distinct top materials. Thus, while they exhibit a functional divergence in sound production, the nylon bottom housing ties the two switches together, offering an interesting juxtaposition of performance and design for enthusiasts.
Weight
The Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch present a notable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Strawberry Latte has a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions without much finger fatigue. In contrast, the Durock T1 lacks a specified actuation force (noted as None grams) but features a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a more resistant feel when fully depressed. This difference could lead to a more tactile typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push. Consequently, while the Huano Strawberry Latte is the lighter option overall, the Durock T1 is on the heavier side, providing a contrasting experience between the two switches that caters to varying user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, there is a notable difference: the Strawberry Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the T1 has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the T1 offers a longer travel distance, which may be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a deeper feedback. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Strawberry Latte caters to gamers or users looking for rapid key presses and quicker response times. While both switches serve different preferences in typing feel, choosing the shorter option like the Strawberry Latte may lead to a more responsive experience, whereas the T1 provides a hearty depth that some typists might find more satisfying.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Durock T1 has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the T1 for $4.90.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch offers a balanced profile that strikes a middle ground between being overly quiet and overly resonant. This makes it versatile for different environments, whether you're typing quietly in an office or gaming at home. On the other hand, the Durock T1 tactile switch has a more distinct auditory character, featuring a low-pitched sound reminiscent of rain falling against a window. This gentle, bass-heavy tone coupled with a neutral volume allows for a pleasant typing experience without being disruptive, making it suitable for a variety of uses.
When it comes to feel, the Strawberry Latte is noted for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes, which make for a seamless typing experience. In contrast, the T1 provides a tactile feedback that is described as stepped, meaning it has distinct stages of travel that give a more controlled feel to the keystroke. It presents a medium tactile bump that is accentuated without being overwhelming, providing a touch of enhanced feedback that keeps the experience engaging but not overwhelming. Moreover, the polished nature of the T1 ensures minimal scratchiness, creating a refined typing surface that complements its tactile characteristics.
In conclusion, while the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch excels in providing a smooth and balanced auditory experience, the Durock T1 tactile switch stands out with its distinct low-pitched sound and comfortable tactile feedback. The Strawberry Latte caters to those who prefer a whisper-soft approach, while the T1 appeals to users who enjoy a more dynamic typing sensation. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences: for a seamless linear glide, you’ll gravitate towards the Strawberry Latte, whereas for a tactile bump with refined audio, the T1 is your go-to option. Both switches can deliver enjoyable experiences tailored to their distinct characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and what you want from your mechanical keyboard experience. If you prefer a lighter switch with a very smooth and balanced sound profile, the Strawberry Latte is an excellent option, particularly for long typing sessions or gaming, where reduced actuation force can contribute to faster keystrokes. Its understated auditory feedback means it won’t be disruptive in quieter environments, making it suitable for both office use and casual gaming. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and a more substantial typing experience, the Durock T1 switch stands out with its medium bump and comforting sound reminiscent of rain. This switch is ideal for typists who enjoy a pronounced tactile sensation without being overwhelmed, giving you clear feedback for each keystroke. The choice between these two options boils down to whether you value a smoother, lighter touch or a more tactile and substantial feel in your typing adventures.
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