Huano Strawberry Latte vs. Gateron Type L

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Gateron Type L presents a fascinating look into diverse playing experiences within the linear switch category. The Strawberry Latte is celebrated for its super smooth keystroke and balanced sound profile, making it an appealing option for those who appreciate a nice tactile feel without being overly loud. This switch draws on the latest mold technology from Huano, ensuring consistent performance. In contrast, the Gateron Type L is part of Sillyworks' innovative "Project Rehash" series, where it stands out as the lightest switch in the lineup—requiring just 45g to bottom out. Its sound signature leans towards a deeper acoustic resonance, which can satisfy users seeking a more profound auditory response during typing. Both switches cater to unique preferences, with the Strawberry Latte offering a balance of sound and smoothness while the Type L emphasizes a lighter, more subdued feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your typing style and needs.

By the numbers

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

Gateron Type L Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$4.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Huano Strawberry Latte and Gateron Type L exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which contribute to their distinct performance profiles. The Strawberry Latte features a POK top housing, renowned for its smoothness and durability due to its low coefficient of friction (0.04) and exceptional wear resistance, significantly outpacing other materials like POM and Nylon in terms of shock resistance. This leads to switches that provide a more responsive feeling when typing, characterized by a clackier auditory feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Type L employs nylon as its top housing material. While nylon is recognized for delivering a softer, more subdued sound, it does not match the crispness and smoothness associated with the POK material used in the Strawberry Latte. Therefore, while both switches can provide satisfying results, the Type L will produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the more acoustically absorbent nature of nylon.

When we shift our focus to the bottom housing, both the Huano Strawberry Latte and Gateron Type L utilize nylon, creating a point of similarity that impacts the overall sound and feel of each switch. As mentioned, nylon is a classic switch housing material that absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and rounder acoustics profile. Since both switches share this nylon bottom housing, they are likely to achieve a similar bottom-out sound and tactile experience when pressed. This mutual characteristic contributes to a familiar typing feel across both switch types, allowing users to experience a consistent acoustic foundation despite the differing top housings.

In terms of overall performance and sound dynamics, the differences in top housing materials between the Strawberry Latte and Type L ultimately lead to contrasting user experiences. The POK material in the Strawberry Latte enhances both the tactile feedback and sharpness of the sound profile during key release, while the nylon top of the Type L introduces a softness that affects the auditory nature of typing, resulting in a more muted sound. However, the shared nylon bottom housing in both switches fosters a commonality which allows for replicated results in terms of softer typing dynamics and enriching sound. Ultimately, while these housing materials present varied tactile feedback and sound characteristics, they each offer unique benefits depending on user preferences for responsiveness and acoustic properties.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch, both exhibit similar characteristics in terms of bottom out force, as they both have a bottom out force of 45 grams. However, they differ slightly in their actuation forces; the Strawberry Latte has an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Type L is lighter at 38 grams. This means that the Gateron Type L requires less force to register a keystroke, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte, while still light, provides a slightly stronger push feel that some users may prefer for more tactile feedback. Ultimately, while both switches are similarly situated regarding bottom out force, the Gateron Type L offers a lighter overall experience in terms of actuation force.

Travel distance

The travel distance between the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch differs significantly, with the Strawberry Latte measuring 3.6 mm and the Type L measuring 4.0 mm. This makes the Strawberry Latte the shorter option, ideal for gamers seeking a more responsive key press, while the Type L offers a more traditional feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a deeper and more deliberate typing experience. The 4.0 mm distance of the Type L aligns with conventional preferences, whereas the Strawberry Latte's 3.6 mm travel provides a slightly reduced travel that may feel less abrupt compared to even shorter travel distances popular in some modern switches. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to personal preference: those who favor fast response times might gravitate towards the Strawberry Latte, whereas users desiring a more substantial keystroke may prefer the Gateron Type L.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch presents a balanced audio profile that strikes a nice middle ground—it’s not overly quiet, nor does it produce an excessively resonant sound, making it a versatile option for different environments. The Gateron Type L, on the other hand, is characterized by a more subdued sound signature. This switch emits a dampened noise during operation, leaning towards a deeper acoustic quality that still allows some presence without being intrusive. Notably, the acoustic experience with both switches can be influenced by factors such as the selected keyboard case and keycaps.

When considering the feel, the Strawberry Latte switches are particularly smooth, a quality that many users appreciate in their typing experience. While specific descriptors for the Strawberry Latte's feel are not provided, users generally report pleasant feedback during key presses, contributing to a satisfying tactile experience. The Gateron Type L, however, stands out for its feathery and easy-to-press characteristics. With a light actuation force of only 45g, it requires minimal exertion for each keystroke, effectively minimizing finger fatigue during extensive use. This makes the Type L particularly appealing for long typing sessions, whether for gaming, schoolwork, or professional tasks.

In conclusion, both the Huano Strawberry Latte and Gateron Type L switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Strawberry Latte's balanced sound coupled with a smooth feel promotes a versatile typing experience, while the Type L’s subdued sound and incredibly light keystrokes excel in providing comfort over prolonged periods. Ultimately, users looking for a satisfying and low-impact typing experience can expect similar results from both switches, though the nuances in sound and resistance may sway a preference based on personal taste.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences in sound and feel. If you're looking for a switch that provides a super smooth experience coupled with a balanced sound profile, the Strawberry Latte is an excellent option. It caters well to those who appreciate a slightly lively auditory response without being overly loud. On the other hand, if you prioritize a more subdued sound signature and a feathery typing feel that reduces finger fatigue during long sessions, the Gateron Type L may be more suitable for you. Its ease of pressing means you can type or game comfortably without strain, making it ideal for extended usage. So, consider your typical usage scenarios—whether you need a more engaging sound experience with a smooth action or a lighter, gentle touch that's quieter in nature—and make your switch selection based on what enhances your overall typing or gaming experience the most.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Type L Linear

$4.70 per 10

Learn more