Huano Strawberry Latte vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB
An in-depth look at the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Huano Strawberry Latte, known for its super smooth key action and balanced sound profile, excels as a linear switch, providing a fluid typing experience without the interruption of tactile feedback. This makes it an ideal choice for users who prioritize speed and a quiet, unobtrusive sound while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB stands out as a tactile switch, featuring a pronounced "thock" sound when bottoming out and a refined, muted topping out that provides both auditory and tactile satisfaction. Users seeking a more luxurious typing experience will appreciate the U4Tx's sharp tactile bump, which gives the feedback needed for comfort and precision in every keystroke. 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
65g
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
Standard
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 RGB switches, we can see distinct differences and similarities that contribute to their overall performance and auditory characteristics. The Strawberry Latte features a POK top housing, known for its outstanding durability and smoothness, with a coefficient of friction slightly higher than that of LY, which enhances the tactile experience. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend for its top housing, described as "boba plastic," which is known for its softness. While the POK material contributes to a clacky sound profile and is highly resistant to wear and shock, the Gazzew blend offers a rich and pleasing auditory quality, albeit achieved through a different material approach. Thus, while the materials differ, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience.
Looking at the bottom housings, the Strawberry Latte employs traditional nylon, a material renowned for its ability to absorb sound and deliver a deeper, fuller auditory experience. The deeper sound profile provided by nylon is characterized by a more characteristically muted and rounded sound when bottoming out. In comparison, the U4Tx RGB also features its proprietary Gazzew blend as the bottom housing, which mirrors the richer sound profile advertised for its top housing. While nylon offers a proven classic in switch design—renowned for its sound dampening abilities—the Gazzew blend aims to replicate these qualities through a modern, softer material. Both switches tap into the benefits of softer plastics to enhance the sound profile, thus achieving similar auditory results despite the differences in material composition.
In essence, although the materials used for the top and bottom housings in the Huano Strawberry Latte and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches differ, they share an underlying intent to optimize typing experience and sound quality. The combination of the POK top housing and nylon bottom in the Strawberry Latte creates a smooth yet robust profile, while the dual implementation of the Gazzew blend in the U4Tx RGB offers consistency in auditory output and tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in dictating switch performance, ensuring that whether through resilience or sound quality, the user's experience remains enriched across both designs.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Strawberry Latte features a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch lacks a specified actuation force but has a significantly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, which contributes to a more substantial typing experience that some users may find satisfying. Consequently, while the Strawberry Latte is lighter overall, the U4Tx RGB is heavier, which may appeal to those who prefer a firmer feel when pressing the keys. Therefore, users should choose the Huano Strawberry Latte for a lighter experience or the Gazzew U4Tx RGB for a heavier, more tactile push.
Travel distance
Both the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch feature the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This identical measurement means that users can expect similar tactile feedback and actuation experiences when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. The consistent travel distance can lead to a comparable typing experience, allowing for smoother transitions between presses regardless of which switch is being used. Consequently, those seeking uniformity in key travel will find no distinction in this aspect between the two switches.
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 RGB 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 delivers a balanced profile that strikes a pleasing equilibrium — it's neither overly quiet nor annoyingly resonant. This makes it a versatile choice suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch offers a unique combination of muted and bassy characteristics. It provides the deep "thock" that enthusiasts crave during bottoming out while maintaining a subtler sound during topping out thanks to the U4 design. This duality creates a refined auditory experience that many users find appealing, particularly for a more luxurious typing ambiance.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Strawberry Latte is celebrated for its super smooth operation, attributed to the latest molds used in its production from Huano. Users tend to enjoy the seamless keypresses, which contribute to a fluid typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during long sessions. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch brings a distinct tactile bump that users note adds dimension to the interaction without compromising smoothness. This combined with its unique actuation properties offers a luxurious tactile sensation that enriches typing and gaming experiences alike, drawing a defined boundary between tactile feedback and overall key action.
In conclusion, while both the Huano Strawberry Latte and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches provide distinct characteristics in sound and feel, each has its unique strengths that cater to different preferences. The Strawberry Latte excels with its smooth operation and balanced auditory profile, making it versatile, while the U4Tx RGB switches stand out with their luxurious thock sound and pronounced tactile feedback. If you're choosing between them, your preference for a smoother experience versus a tactile and bass-rich feel will guide your decision.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch depends largely on your personal preferences and typing styles. If you prefer a smooth key press and lighter actuation, the Strawberry Latte is an excellent option. Its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it suitable for extended typing sessions without tiring your fingers, and its balanced sound profile strikes a perfect middle ground—offering enough feedback without being overly loud, which is great for a shared workspace. On the other hand, if you enjoy the tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB would be the better choice. With a heavier bottom-out force of 65 grams, this switch provides a distinct tactile bump along with a refined yet muted sound profile that combines depth with a quieter operation, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced feedback during key presses. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing habits, whether you prioritize lighter and smoother operation or a tactile and more substantial feel.
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