Huano Strawberry Latte vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often boil down to personal taste and intended use, and two noteworthy linear switches that exemplify this are the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Outemu Yellow Silver. The Strawberry Latte is celebrated for its super smooth keystrokes, utilizing the latest molds from Huano to provide a balanced sound profile—not too quiet but also not overly resonant, catering to users who appreciate a refined auditory experience. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch stands out with its light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, making it a favorite among gamers and typists alike for its speed and responsiveness. While the Strawberry Latte offers a textured typing experience that some may find preferable for longer sessions, the Yellow Silver prioritizes quick actuation—ideal for fast-paced gaming. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Huano Strawberry Latte and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches exhibit contrasting characteristics in their top housing materials, which significantly influence the overall performance and acoustic qualities of each switch. The Strawberry Latte utilizes polyketone (POK) for its top housing, offering a smoothness and durability that stands out in comparison to both nylon and polycarbonate. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, slightly higher than polycarbonate's 0.03, POK supports a consistent feel during typing while delivering a clacky sound profile thanks to its inherent strength and resistance to wear. In contrast, the Yellow Silver's top housing, crafted from polycarbonate, produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound that translates to a more crisp auditory experience. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances resonance, making it an ideal choice for those who value sound clarity, particularly in RGB-lit setups where the material's translucency can enhance visual appeal.
Both switches share an identical bottom housing material: nylon. This uniformity results in a shared auditory foundation, whereby typing on either switch yields a deep and full sound profile characteristic of nylon's softer texture. The material's sound-absorbing properties contribute to a rounder auditory experience that can soften the impact of keystrokes. While the top housings differentiate the sonic qualities—POK providing a more clacky effect and polycarbonate a sharper sound—the nylon bottom housing remains a constant factor that ensconces both switches in a fuller sound landscape. This commonality presents an intriguing point of contrast with regard to how the switches resonate as a whole, with the top and bottom characteristics blending to yield a distinct typing experience for each switch.
In terms of overall performance, both switches will achieve compatible results in their respective sound profiles, albeit manifested in distinct ways. The difference in their top housing materials ensures that the distinct qualities of sound and feel emerge from the switch, with the nylon bottom housing unifying both designs under a shared tonal foundation. Users can expect a unique typing experience based on their personal preference for either the clacky smoothness of the Strawberry Latte or the crisp acoustics of the Yellow Silver, while the deeper fuller sound from the nylon bottom remains a consistent feature. Ultimately, the combination of materials provides a delightful avenue for customization based on tactile and auditory preference, promising an engaging experience regardless of the choice made.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Strawberry Latte features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a more comfortable option for extended typing sessions, such as in work or long gaming scenarios. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. This variance indicates that the Strawberry Latte is the lighter switch, appealing to those who favor ease of use, while the Yellow Silver is heavier, catering to users who prefer a firmer push feel. Thus, users looking for a more relaxed typing experience should gravitate toward the Strawberry Latte, whereas those wanting greater resistance may find the Yellow Silver more to their liking.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, there is a notable difference: the Strawberry Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Yellow Silver measures 4.0 mm. This means that the Strawberry Latte offers a shorter travel distance, which can appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster keystrokes. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver's longer 4.0 mm travel distance may provide a more substantial feel for those who appreciate a deeper actuation. In this case, choosing between the two switches boils down to personal preference regarding the balance between responsiveness and tactile feedback.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
The sound profile of the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch is balanced, striking a harmonious middle ground that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant. This makes it versatile for a variety of settings, whether at home or in a more formal environment. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch features a neutral sound profile, which is characterized by its moderate actuation force and sound level. This neutrality lends itself well to a diverse range of uses without drawing too much attention to itself, making it suitable for both casual gamers and typists.
When it comes to feel, the Strawberry Latte is known for its exceptionally smooth operation, achieved through the latest molds from Huano, which contribute to a refined typing experience. The Yellow Silver switch, on the other hand, boasts a light actuation force that is designed to enhance speed and responsiveness, making it particularly favorable for those who engage in fast-paced activities or gaming. While their exact tactile feedback qualities may differ, both switches aim to provide comfortable, enjoyable typing experiences tailored to specific needs.
Overall, the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches cater to different preferences while offering their own advantages. The Strawberry Latte shines with its smoothness and balanced sound, making it an excellent choice for general use. Meanwhile, the Yellow Silver offers a light touch and neutral sound that can be appealing for gamers and typists alike. Depending on your intended use, either of these switches could provide a satisfying experience, making them both worthwhile options to consider for anyone new to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, your decision should ultimately align with your typing or gaming preferences. If you desire a switch that offers a lighter touch with a smooth feel and a balanced sound profile, the Strawberry Latte is your ideal choice. Its 45-gram actuation force will make rapid key presses feel effortless, which is particularly beneficial for both gaming and extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that strikes a balance between being responsive and offering a slightly heavier feel, the Yellow Silver might be more suitable. With a 55-gram actuation force, it caters well to gamers and typists alike, providing a touch of resistance that can enhance your accuracy. Additionally, its neutral sound profile makes it versatile enough for use in various environments, whether at home, work, or during intense gaming marathons. Ultimately, your selection should match your tactile preferences and the context in which you plan to use your keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
