Huano Strawberry Latte vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Huano Strawberry Latte and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Huano Strawberry Latte and the TTC Venus presents an intriguing contrast in tactile experiences. The Strawberry Latte switch, renowned for its ultra-smooth operation, utilizes cutting-edge molds from Huano to deliver a balanced sound profile—elegantly bridging the gap between moist and resonant. It provides satisfying linear feedback with an emphasis on a clean typing experience, making it ideal for gamers and typists seeking speed and consistency. In comparison, the TTC Venus switch cleverly incorporates a unique internal design that promises a frictionless glide, reminiscent of the delightful texture found in chewy mochi or tapioca pearls. Its light actuation promotes rapid keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for those who engage in fast-paced typing while enjoying the muted sound signature that offers a more subdued and private typing environment. Both switches boast their unique characteristics and advantages, catering to specific user preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Strawberry Latte and the TTC Venus switches exhibit notable differences that influence their performance and sound profiles. The Strawberry Latte features a POK material top housing, which is known for its high durability and smooth operation. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK offers a tactile experience that is just slightly smoother than that of LY. In contrast, the Venus utilizes a POM material for its top housing, which is characterized by a deeper, more muted sound profile. While both materials contribute to different tactile experiences and auditory effects, the POK in the Strawberry Latte promotes a clackier feel, leading to an overall smoother keystroke, while the POM in the Venus lends itself to a sound that is soft and pleasant.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, the Strawberry Latte utilizes nylon, which is a traditional choice known for creating a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound effectively, providing a rounded and duller auditory experience that many users appreciate. The TTC Venus, on the other hand, opts for polycarbonate, which produces a sharper, crisper sound profile due to its stiffer composition. This divergence in materials highlights the different acoustic qualities these switches deliver: while the Strawberry Latte creates a more resonant and muted typing experience, the Venus ensures a clearer and more vibrant sound, appealing to users who prefer a pronounced auditory feedback.
When considering the combined effects of these differing top and bottom housing materials, it becomes clear that each switch offers unique attributes shaped by their respective constructions. The overall performance can be somewhat balanced between the two, depending on individual preferences for sound and feel. While the Strawberry Latte’s POK and nylon combine to create a smooth and deep sound experience, the TTC Venus, with its POM top and polycarbonate bottom, provides a bright and detailed clickiness. Users can expect a well-rounded keystroke across both switches with variations in auditory feedback, making both suitable options depending on the desired typing experience. In essence, even with their differing materials, the uniqueness of each switch can lead to similarly satisfying performance outcomes.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Strawberry Latte and the TTC Venus linear switches, we observe distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Strawberry Latte features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions and gaming, as it requires less effort to register keystrokes. In contrast, the TTC Venus has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, presenting a medium-light feel. This makes the Venus a better fit for users who prefer a bit more resistance and a more substantial typing experience. While the Strawberry Latte's lighter force caters well to those who prioritize comfort and endurance, the Venus's slightly heavier forces might appeal to individuals looking for tactile feedback in their typing. Overall, the Strawberry Latte is the lighter switch, while the Venus is heavier, providing different experiences depending on user preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, the two exhibit a noticeable difference. The Strawberry Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Venus features a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Strawberry Latte is the shorter option, catering to those who prefer a more responsive experience, which is often favored by gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the TTC Venus, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial, hearty feel that some users appreciate. Thus, while both switches aim to deliver quality performance, the choice between them largely hinges on individual preferences regarding depth and responsiveness during typing or gaming sessions.
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 TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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 it comes to sound, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch offers a balanced sound profile that sits comfortably between quiet and overly resonant. It provides a pleasant auditory experience that is not too intrusive, making it suitable for various environments. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch is characterized by its low-pitched, muted, and subdued sound signature. This results in a soft and bass-heavy tone that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. While both switches offer a pleasant sound experience, the Strawberry Latte leans slightly towards being more audible, whereas the Venus will provide a more hushed typing environment.
In terms of feel, the Strawberry Latte is known for its smoothness, a quality enhanced by the latest manufacturing techniques used by Huano. This results in a seamless typing experience, though specific descriptors were not provided. On the other hand, the TTC Venus excels with its frictionless glide and the unique sensation of "Q-texture," reminiscent of biting into chewy mochi. The Venus also features buttery keystrokes, resulting in a seamless, fluid typing experience that many find exceptionally enjoyable. The Venus offers a combination of light actuation and a mild, polished feel, which can be particularly appealing for those who prefer a softer touch.
In conclusion, while the Huano Strawberry Latte and TTC Venus linear switches share an emphasis on smoothness and an enjoyable typing experience, they cater to slightly different sound and feel preferences. The Strawberry Latte leans towards a balanced auditory experience, whereas the Venus offers a more muted, subdued sound with a unique tactile sensation during typing. Ultimately, if you desire a smooth typing experience with a muted sound profile, both switches could yield satisfactory results, albeit with some distinction in auditory characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches and TTC Venus linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a lightweight feel and a super smooth typing experience with a balanced sound profile, the Strawberry Latte is a fantastic option. Its 45-gram bottom-out force allows for effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for users who type quickly or prefer a more sensitive touch. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly firmer key feel with a unique tactile quality reminiscent of chewy textures, the TTC Venus, with its 52-gram bottom-out force, delivers a well-rounded experience. Its internal design offers a smooth and frictionless glide paired with a muted, low-pitched sound, which can be particularly beneficial in quieter environments or shared spaces. Therefore, you should choose the Strawberry Latte for light, fast typing and an engaging sound experience, while the Venus is your go-to for a more balanced and textured feel that accommodates sustained typing sessions.
Mentioned in this article
