Huano Strawberry Latte vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two notable options in the market are the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Strawberry Latte switches are celebrated for their buttery smooth actuation, making them an excellent choice for those who value fluid key presses without a jarring sound profile; they strike a balance that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer a tactile sensation that is both bold and vibrant, boasting a thuddy and punchy character that enriches each keystroke while providing satisfying feedback. With their pronounced tactility, these switches cater to users looking for added engagement without becoming overwhelming. Whether you prefer the seamless fluidity of the Strawberry Latte or the invigorating tactile response of the Viola Tricolor, both switches cater to different typing preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches demonstrate notable differences in their top housings, which significantly affect the overall sound and tactile experience of the switches. The Strawberry Latte utilizes polyketone (POK) for its top housing, a material known for its smoothness and durability, with a coefficient of friction of 0.04 and remarkable wear resistance—14 times stronger than POM and substantially more shock-resistant than Nylon. This results in a switch that not only feels smooth during operation but also delivers a robust and clacky sound profile. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor's top housing is made from polycarbonate, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffness. The translucency of polycarbonate also adds an aesthetically pleasing element, particularly beneficial for setups featuring RGB lighting. Thus, while the Strawberry Latte's POK material contributes to a smooth and clacky interaction, the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate delivers a clearer and more resonant auditory experience.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Strawberry Latte and the Viola Tricolor utilize nylon, a classic choice for switch construction. Nylon is proven to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile because of its relatively softer nature, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This shared material means that irrespective of the differences in the top housings, both switches will produce a similar sound characteristic on the bottom end of their performance spectrum. Hence, while the top housings influence the overall tonal quality in distinct ways, the nylon bottom housing ensures a continuous and muffled feel across both switches.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials result in contrasting sound profiles, while the shared nylon material for the bottom housing allows for a cohesive acoustic experience. The interaction between the POK top housing of the Strawberry Latte and the nylon bottom creates a smooth, yet clacky typing experience, while the combination of polycarbonate top with nylon bottom in the Viola Tricolor generates a distinctively sharp and clear sound. However, since both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, their deep sound characteristics provide a commonality that brings a familiar underlying fullness to both switches, showcasing how variances in housing materials can be balanced to yield desirable overall performance.
Weight
The Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch differ significantly in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Strawberry Latte has a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor lacks a specified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classified as medium-heavy. This indicates a heavier resistance, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial keystroke feel. Consequently, while the Strawberry Latte is the lighter of the two with its lower forces, the Viola Tricolor may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile response. Overall, the choice between these switches will hinge on personal preference for either a softer or firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
The Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a slightly greater travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Strawberry Latte the shorter option and the Viola Tricolor the longer one. For those who prioritize responsiveness and quick key presses, the Strawberry Latte is more suitable due to its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster actuation. Conversely, the slightly deeper travel of the Viola Tricolor may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback during key presses, providing a more substantial feel that some may find more satisfying. Overall, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sensitivity and tactile feedback in typing or gaming scenarios.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 linear switch is characterized by a balanced sound profile that strikes a middle ground. It’s not overly quiet, but it also doesn’t crossover into being excessively resonant. This quality allows for a pleasant typing experience, where the sound becomes a companion rather than a distraction. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch is known for its thuddy and punchy sound. The Viola Tricolor produces a bassy, low-pitched sound that adds richness to each key press, enhancing the overall auditory experience. The ascribed sound characteristics of both switches provide distinct auditory sensations tailored to different preferences—either maintaining a more subtle profile or delivering a more pronounced sonic impact.
In terms of feel, the Strawberry Latte is notably smooth, benefiting from advanced mold technology that imparts a seamless keystroke experience. This creates a typing sensation where keystrokes glide effortlessly, allowing for quick and fluid typing. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor offers an accented tactile feedback that is defined as medium tactile. It provides a satisfying level of tactility without being overly harsh or scratchy, making each keystroke feel invigorating and responsive. The combination of prominent feedback and a moderate actuation force ensures a dynamic typing experience that can keep typists engaged while still feeling comfortable over longer periods.
In conclusion, while both the Huano Strawberry Latte and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches cater to different preferences with their unique sound and feel profiles, they each offer distinct benefits that can enhance the typing experience. The Strawberry Latte grants a smooth, balanced auditory experience paired with effortless keystrokes, perfect for those who prioritize fluidity. Meanwhile, the Viola Tricolor provides a rich sound and invigorating tactility that creates an engaging typing environment. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on personal preference for sound and tactile feedback, as both switches promise to deliver nuanced and enjoyable experiences for users.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and use cases. If you favor a lighter touch and seek a smooth, almost effortless keystroke experience, the Strawberry Latte is an excellent option for both typing and gaming. Its balanced sound profile makes it versatile for different environments, allowing for comfortable prolonged use without causing fatigue. This makes it ideal for users who appreciate a streamlined experience without intense feedback. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more engaging typing experience with distinct feedback, the Viola Tricolor is the way to go. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force and satisfyingly thuddy sound profile add a tactile dimension that many enthusiasts crave. These switches excel for individuals who desire that extra sensory connection while typing, particularly for those who type extensively and appreciate the sensation of a pronounced tactility. Therefore, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a smooth, lightweight response or a more invigorating, tactile interaction with your keyboard.
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