Huano Strawberry Latte vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Bsun Taichi stand out for their unique characteristics despite both being linear switches. The Strawberry Latte is praised for its super smooth keystroke, utilizing the latest molds from Huano to achieve a balanced sound profile—offering a typing experience that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant. This makes it an excellent choice for users seeking a refined and understated feel for both gaming and typing. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi captivates with a polished, clacky auditory experience, thanks to its long-pole stem and extended springs that contribute to unparalleled smoothness and stability. Ideal for those who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback, the Taichi can elevate the tactile sensation of each keystroke. Although each switch has its merits, they cater to different user preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Bsun Taichi, the distinct differences in their top housings become immediately apparent. The Strawberry Latte employs a POK (polyketone) material for its top housing, which is celebrated for its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04 and an impressive wear resistance — being 14 times stronger than POM — POK contributes to a smooth, clacky sound when typing. In contrast, the Taichi features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, more resonant sound profile due to its stiffness. This material not only enhances sound clarity but also plays a significant role in aesthetics, particularly in setups featuring RGB lighting. While both materials serve to enhance typability, the POK’s added durability contrasts with polycarbonate’s focus on sound signature and visual appeal.
Focusing on the bottom housing materials, both the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Bsun Taichi utilize nylon, a widely recognized choice for switch housings. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is a result of its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. Since both switches share this bottom housing material, they are likely to exhibit similar auditory characteristics when pressed. Consequently, while there is a strong alignment in the bottom housing's audio performance, the overall sound experience can still differ due to the distinct qualities of the top materials. Despite the contrast between the POK and polycarbonate tops, the nylon bases unify the sound experience.
The interaction between the top and bottom housings is crucial in determining the overall typing experience. The differing top materials of the Strawberry Latte and the Taichi result in varied acoustic characteristics during keystrokes. The POK top housing’s smoother profile means that sound release will have a distinct clackiness, while the polycarbonate offers a clearer, higher-pitched resonance. However, since both switches employ nylon on the bottom, the richness of sound from the base will provide a professional consistency across both models. This interplay ensures that while each switch has unique elements contributing to its sound profile, the combined use of nylon in both cases guarantees a fuller auditory experience resonant with the quality of the switch design.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 40 grams, making them equally light in terms of triggering a keystroke. This lightweight characteristic is beneficial for users who prefer longer typing sessions or extensive gaming, as it reduces finger fatigue. However, the bottom out force of the Strawberry Latte is known to be 45 grams, indicating that a bit more force is required to press the switch all the way down. In contrast, the bottom out force of the Taichi switch is unknown, leaving some uncertainty regarding how it feels when fully pressed. If the bottom out force of the Taichi were to be comparable to that of the Strawberry Latte, then one could expect a similar typing experience. Nonetheless, based on the available information, the Huano Strawberry Latte is confirmed to be the lighter option between the two with a defined actuation and bottom out force, while the Bsun Taichi's bottom out force remains a mystery.
Travel distance
The Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, resulting in identical keypress feels for users when pressing down on these switches. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can expect similar tactile feedback and resistance when typing or gaming, making them comparable options for those looking for a consistent experience. Whether one prefers the Huano Strawberry Latte or the Bsun Taichi, the 3.6 mm travel distance ensures that both switches deliver equal performance in terms of key travel.
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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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
The sound profile of the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch strikes a balanced tone; it isn't overly quiet but avoids excessive resonance, making it a versatile choice for users who appreciate a pleasant auditory experience without overwhelming their environment. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is characterized by a distinctively clacky sound, providing a sharp, snappy auditory feedback that many users find satisfying. The clacky nature of the Taichi can be described as crisp and bright, offering a percussive punctuating sound as keys bottom out. While the Strawberry Latte leans towards a more mellow profile, both switches demonstrate how sound can be influenced by other factors such as keycap material and board design.
When it comes to feel, the Strawberry Latte linear switch is known for its remarkable smoothness, owing to the latest molds utilized by Huano. This ensures a fluid keypress experience, ideal for those who prioritize a seamless typing motion. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switch features a polished feel, suggesting an even finer level of refinement thanks to its materials and manufacturing processes. This leads to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth travel, which many users greatly appreciate. Both switches aim to provide an enjoyable tactile experience, but the Taichi may offer an additional layer of refinement that users seeking a premium feel may find preferable.
In summary, both the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Bsun Taichi linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Strawberry Latte provides a balanced, yet vibrant sound alongside smooth keypresses, making it a solid all-around option. The Bsun Taichi, with its clacky auditory feedback and polished, refined experience, may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic signature and a sleek typing journey. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a balanced auditory experience or prefer a sharper, more pronounced sound paired with an exceptionally smooth feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, your preferences and typing style will make a significant difference. If you appreciate a lighter key press and a balanced sound profile, the Strawberry Latte will likely be your go-to choice. Its smooth action allows for quick typing and gaming without causing fatigue, making it ideal for long sessions. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a more pronounced acoustic experience and enjoy a "clacky" sound when typing, the Taichi switch may be better suited for you. With its high-pitched bottom-out sound and polished feel, it offers a refined typing experience that emphasizes stability and smoothness. Additionally, if you prefer switches that provide a tactile feedback with their sound and a more resonant experience, the Taichi would enhance your enjoyment considerably. Consider your priorities in sound, feel, and actuation force to make the best decision that aligns with your mechanical keyboard journey.
Mentioned in this article
