Huano Strawberry Latte vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Gazzew U4Tx present distinct options tailored to different typing experiences. The Strawberry Latte, categorized as a linear switch, is renowned for its exceptionally smooth feel, thanks to advanced mold technology from Huano. Its sound profile strikes a harmonious balance—not overly quiet yet not too resonant—making it a great choice for those who enjoy fluid keystrokes without noisy interruptions. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx offers a tactile experience, marrying the best of both worlds with a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out, and a whisper-quiet feel upon release. Users will appreciate the satisfying tactile bump that adds a luxurious dimension to typing, while its refined sound profile makes it appealing for quieter environments. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on personal preferences for smoothness versus 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
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Gazzew U4Tx switches, notable differences emerge, particularly in their top housings. The Strawberry Latte features a POK top housing, renowned for its exceptional strength and durability. This material has advantageous mechanical properties such as a low coefficient of friction (0.04) and impressive shock resistance, which collectively contribute to a smooth typing experience with a clacky sound profile. By contrast, the U4Tx uses a proprietary Gazzew blend, sometimes referred to as "boba plastic," which, while softer than POK, is designed to deliver a rich, deep sound. Although both materials aim for a smooth operation, they achieve it through different physical qualities, with POK focusing on durability and the Gazzew blend emphasizing sound profile richness.
The bottom housings of the Strawberry Latte and U4Tx, however, tell a different story, as both utilize a proprietary blend that enhances sound absorption and contributes to the overall acoustics of the switches. The Strawberry Latte's nylon bottom housing is recognized for its ability to generate a deeper and more rounded sound profile due to its relatively soft nature, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. Mirroring this quality, the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing also prides itself on its softness, promoting a rich sound characteristic. The similar approach to bottom housing materials in both switches indicates that they will likely provide comparable performance in terms of sound deadening and resonance, resulting in deeper notes during typing.
Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials results in distinct yet complementary sound profiles for both switches. While the Strawberry Latte benefits from a robust and smooth POK top housing combined with the sound-absorbing properties of nylon below, the U4Tx employs a unique blend throughout its construction to focus on sound depth and richness. If you favor robust durability and firmness, the Strawberry Latte may be the ideal choice, while the Gazzew U4Tx may appeal more to those prioritizing a rich auditory experience. Despite these contrasts, both switches demonstrate how varying materials can be optimized for user preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience depending on the chosen model.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there is a clear distinction in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Strawberry Latte features a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a favorable choice for those who prefer a softer typing experience and longer usage without fatigue. In contrast, the U4Tx lacks a specified actuation force but has a heavier bottom out force of 62.5 grams, indicating a more substantial tactile response and requiring more effort to fully engage the switch. As a result, the Strawberry Latte is the lighter option, while the U4Tx is the heavier one. This means that typists who seek a more delicate touch might lean towards the Strawberry Latte, whereas those who favor a stronger push feel may find the U4Tx more satisfying, particularly for a more immersive typing experience.
Travel distance
The Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that they allow for the same amount of key travel from the top to the bottom when pressed. This similarity in travel distance means that users can expect comparable actuation experiences when using either switch, achieving similar results in key press feel and responsiveness. With both switches having the same travel distance, neither switch is shorter or longer, making them equally suited for those who prefer a specific key travel experience.
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 Gazzew U4Tx comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 features a balanced audio profile, striking a middle ground that isn't overly resonant or quiet. This makes it versatile for different typing environments, providing a pleasant auditory feedback without being too intrusive. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch delivers a deeper and resonant "thock" when bottoming out, which can create a richer acoustical experience. Despite its richness, it also incorporates a whisper-quiet top-out sound, allowing for a more muted overall performance. This means that while both switches offer unique sound characteristics, the U4Tx leans towards offering a differentiated experience, enhancing the enjoyment of each keystroke while still being relatively unobtrusive.
When it comes to feel, the Strawberry Latte is recognized for its super smooth action, allowing for a seamless typing experience that minimizes friction. In contrast, the U4Tx switch provides a distinctly sharp tactile bump, delivering high feedback intensity that is felt prominently with each keystroke. The tactile feedback of the U4Tx is designed to ensure an engaging typing experience that combines luxurious comfort with precise responsiveness. While the Strawberry Latte offers a gliding, smooth sensation, the U4Tx's heightened tactile feedback caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile response.
In conclusion, while the Huano Strawberry Latte focuses on an ultra-smooth feel and a balanced sound profile, the Gazzew U4Tx excels with its sharper tactile feedback and engaging auditory elements. Each switch offers distinct qualities that cater to different preferences: the Strawberry Latte for those who enjoy a seamless and understated experience, and the U4Tx for those who favor a more tactile and resonant typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a smooth linear action or a pronounced tactile sensation, with both switches providing enjoyable, unique experiences within the realm of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter feel and value an incredibly smooth typing experience, the Strawberry Latte is an excellent choice, especially if you appreciate a balanced sound profile that isn’t overly resonant. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize speed and fluidity in their key presses, making it suitable for gamers or fast typers. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile feedback and a deeper, richer sound with each keystroke, the U4Tx would be your go-to option. Its medium bottom out force and sharp tactile bump provide a satisfying typing experience that can enhance your productivity and pleasure while typing. The muted yet resonant sound profile adds to the appeal, making it perfect for those who appreciate both auditory feedback and tactile sensations without overwhelming noise. Ultimately, consider your primary use case—whether for gaming or typing—and choose the switch that best aligns with your desired experience.
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