Huano Strawberry Latte vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Huano Strawberry Latte and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Huano Strawberry Latte and the TTC Yunhai mechanical keyboard switches, both linear options present distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Strawberry Latte is renowned for its super smooth performance, thanks to the latest molds from Huano, delivering a balanced sound profile that strikes a chord between being not too quiet and not excessively resonant. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai offers a unique typing experience characterized by a deep, rounded sound along with an incredibly light actuation force, making it ideal for typists who favor a gentle, effortless feel when typing. While both switches provide linear action for a seamless typing experience, their differing sound profiles and actuation forces appeal to various user preferences. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
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
POK
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Huano Strawberry Latte and the TTC Yunhai switches exhibit both similarities and differences that significantly influence their overall performance and sound profile. The Strawberry Latte features a POK top housing, known for its lower coefficient of friction and exceptional durability. This material enhances the smoothness of key presses and contributes to a clacky sound when released. In contrast, the Yunhai switch employs a nylon top housing, which brings a softer, deeper sound profile, absorbing sound and creating a rounder tonal quality. While the POK material excels in terms of strength and wear resistance, nylon allows for a distinct acoustic experience that many users find appealing.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to their auditory characteristics. The utilization of nylon in both the Strawberry Latte and the Yunhai provides a consistent, full-bodied sound, as nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This commonality ensures that when users bottom out on either switch, they will experience a similar depth and richness in sound, fostering a familiar typing experience across both designs. The softer nature of nylon also plays a pivotal role in the tactile feedback, enhancing the overall typing experience by providing a muted yet satisfying response during key presses.
In summary, while the Huano Strawberry Latte and the TTC Yunhai switches share a common nylon bottom housing that fosters a warm and rounded sound, they diverge in their top housing materials, leading to varied auditory sensations and experiences. The POK top housing of the Strawberry Latte contributes a more pronounced clacky sound and a smoother feel with its high durability, while the nylon top housing of the Yunhai emphasizes sound absorption, delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, understanding these material characteristics allows users to select a switch that best fits their typing preferences while appreciating the unique attributes each material brings to the overall switch performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Strawberry Latte and the TTC Yunhai linear switches, there are notable differences that cater to different user preferences. The Strawberry Latte features an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option between the two. In contrast, the Yunhai switch has a higher actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as the heavier choice. While both switches have relatively light forces, the Strawberry Latte offers a softer keystroke, which may be more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Yunhai provides a firmer push feel, appealing to those who prefer more substantial feedback when typing. Ultimately, users should consider their personal preferences for typing experience when deciding between these switches.
Travel distance
The Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch both share an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch, users will experience the same distance before reaching the actuation point. As a result, both switches will deliver a similar tactile experience in terms of travel distance, making them equally responsive during use. Therefore, whether utilizing the Strawberry Latte or the Yunhai, users can expect a consistent feel when typing or gaming.
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 Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 switch offers a balanced auditory profile that strikes a middle ground; it’s not too quiet, ensuring that typists can enjoy a satisfying audible feedback with each keystroke, yet it avoids being overly resonant, promoting a pleasant typing atmosphere. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switch features a distinct and deep, rounded sound that is more pronounced, appealing to users who appreciate a richer tonal character. The Yunhai's sound might come off as more pronounced, which can differ notably depending on the specific keyboard build and keycap materials used.
When it comes to feel, the Strawberry Latte switch is celebrated for its extremely smooth action. It benefits from Huano’s latest molds, resulting in a linear switch that provides an uninterrupted and fluid experience with each key press. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switch is lauded for its incredibly light actuation force, making it remarkably easy to type on. This effortless touch can lead to prolonged typing sessions without fatigue, but the overall feel will certainly vary from the smooth, consistent action of the Strawberry Latte to a lighter, potentially less tactile feedback experience with the Yunhai.
Overall, both switches cater to different preferences and can provide satisfying typing experiences, though they excel in different areas. The Strawberry Latte is perfect for those seeking a smooth yet balanced sound and feel, emphasizing an engaging typing experience. Conversely, the Yunhai appeals to those who prefer a lighter actuation with a deeper sound, enhancing auditory pleasure during use. Depending on personal preferences, either switch can deliver a high-quality experience; it just comes down to whether you favor sound richness, actuation force, or smoothness in typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Strawberry Latte and the TTC Yunhai linear switches, you should consider both your typing preferences and the overall sound profile you desire. If you favor a lightweight switch with a super smooth feel and a balanced sound—neither too quiet nor overly resonant—the Strawberry Latte may be ideal for you, particularly if you enjoy a bit of tactile satisfaction without the noise. Conversely, if you prefer a switch with a slightly heavier bottom-out force that offers a unique typing experience characterized by a deep, rounded sound profile, the TTC Yunhai is your go-to option. Its gentle actuation and effortless feel make it particularly suited for long typing sessions where comfort is paramount. Ultimately, assess how each switch aligns with your typing style and sound preferences, and you'll discover which one enhances your mechanical keyboard experience the most.
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