Huano Strawberry Latte vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Huano Strawberry Latte and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves at a crossroads, especially when comparing options such as the Huano Strawberry Latte and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, both linear switches that cater to unique typing preferences. The Strawberry Latte is celebrated for its super smooth feel, utilizing the latest molds from Huano to create a balanced sound profile that strikes the perfect chord between being noticeable yet not overpowering. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch distinguishes itself through its innovative use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing, offering a remarkably creamy texture and a high-pitched, clacky sound that appeals to those seeking a distinctive auditory experience. While the smoothness of the Strawberry Latte makes it an excellent choice for typists looking for a refined touch, the Vanilla Ice Cream’s signature feel and sound are perfect for those who desire a more textured typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Strawberry Latte and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, it becomes evident that they incorporate different types of materials that yield distinct acoustic and tactile experiences. The Strawberry Latte features a POK (polyketone) top housing known for its smoothness and durability, providing a low coefficient of friction and impressive wear resistance, making it one of the best choices in switch construction. This contributes to its overall characteristics of offering smooth, clacky transitions during keystrokes, which is quite different from the proprietary KTT blend used in the Vanilla Ice Cream's top housing. While the KTT blend might provide a distinct high-pitched clacky sound, details concerning its specific properties are less defined, leading to some ambiguity regarding its performance compared to the precisely outlined POK material.
The bottom housings further highlight the contrasting qualities between these two switches; the Strawberry Latte employs nylon for its bottom housing, known for its softer consistency that absorbs sound more effectively, contributing to a deeper, more rounded sound profile. This sonic characteristic contrasts sharply with the Vanilla Ice Cream, which utilizes the POK material for both its top and bottom housings. The use of POK in the bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream ensures that it maintains a smoother feel while collapsing, potentially offering a crisper keystroke sound and feel due to its durability and shock resistance. Thus, the different materials employed for the bottom housing considerably influence the overall auditory experience produced by each switch.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in each switch plays a vital role in determining their performance and user experience. While the Strawberry Latte's nylon bottom housing provides a softer, fuller sound profile amplified by its POK top housing, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's usage of POK throughout could lead to a more uniform feel across the keystrokes, providing a smooth sensation that is consistent in both sound and feedback. This difference in housing materials creates unique user experiences; thus, someone looking for a full-bodied sound may prefer the nylon in the Strawberry Latte, while those preferring a more consistent, high-pitched sound might opt for the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, we see a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Strawberry Latte has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream requires a higher actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, categorizing it as the heavier switch. This variance means that typists who prioritize a lighter switch for extended typing sessions may prefer the Strawberry Latte, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel might lean towards the Vanilla Ice Cream. Both switches are considered light overall, but the difference in their actuation and bottom out forces highlights the various preferences users might have when selecting a switch for their keyboard.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, the Strawberry Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Vanilla Ice Cream measures at 3.5 mm. This makes the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream the shorter of the two, offering a more responsive keystroke, which is often preferred by gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte, with its slightly longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel for those who appreciate a deeper keystroke experience. Overall, if you're looking for a balance between depth and responsiveness, the Strawberry Latte might be the better choice, while the Vanilla Ice Cream caters to those who prioritize speed.
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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Huano Strawberry Latte and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches, it’s clear that they present distinct auditory experiences. The Strawberry Latte offers a balanced sound profile that sits comfortably between being quietly unobtrusive and overly resonant. This makes it a versatile option for typists who seek a pleasant yet not overly pronounced sound when typing. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches provide a high-pitched, clacky sound signature that can be quite engaging. The marbly and resonant qualities of these switches contribute to a clean and crisp auditory experience, appealing to those who enjoy a sharper sound as they type.
In terms of feel, the Strawberry Latte switch maintains a reputation for smoothness due to the latest molding techniques from Huano, though specific descriptive qualities were not detailed. Contrastingly, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch excels with its buttery and creamy feel, delivering a silky-smooth keystroke experience. This effortless sensation can be attributed to the materials used, including the innovative POK in both the stem and bottom housing, which enhances the overall smoothness while typing. Users will likely find the tactile feedback of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch to be particularly satisfying, allowing for a seamless typing experience that makes the process enjoyable.
In conclusion, both the Huano Strawberry Latte and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Strawberry Latte leans towards a balanced and smooth auditory experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream excels with its high-pitched, resonant sound and creamy feel. For typists who appreciate auditory precision, the KTT switch may be more appealing, while those seeking a neutral sound with smooth operation may prefer the Strawberry Latte. Ultimately, either switch can provide a delightful typing experience, depending on personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Strawberry Latte and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches, your preferences in typing feel and sound profile should guide your choice. If you prioritize a smooth, balanced typing experience with a slightly lighter actuation force—ideal for prolonged typing sessions—the Strawberry Latte is an excellent option. Its consistent and pleasant sound profile makes it suitable for a variety of environments, providing a tactile experience without being overly distracting. Conversely, if you enjoy a bit more resistance with a richer auditory interaction, the Vanilla Ice Cream switches might be your best bet. Their high-pitched, resonant sound and creamy feel are perfect for those who appreciate a lively typing experience and don’t mind a switch that stands out a bit more acoustically. Ultimately, consider how you'll use your keyboard: for casual typing and gaming, the Strawberry Latte offers comfort and ease, while for a sensory typing journey, the Vanilla Ice Cream will deliver a unique and enjoyable experience.
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