KTT Strawberry vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the KTT Strawberry and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Strawberry and Huano Strawberry Latte both present compelling options for enthusiasts of linear switches, yet they offer distinct experiences. The KTT Strawberry is celebrated for its pleasing aesthetic, featuring attractive pink and clear housings, as well as its silky, frictionless actuation that provides a buttery smooth typing experience. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize a comfortable feel and reliable performance in their daily typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte stands out with its super smooth actuation, utilizing the latest molds from Huano to deliver a balanced sound profile that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant—making it a versatile choice for a variety of users. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts and offer a satisfying typing feel, their unique characteristics may appeal to different 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
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Strawberry and the Huano Strawberry Latte showcase distinct differences in their housing materials that influence both their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The KTT Strawberry utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate ensures that the vibrations produced when typing are clear and resonant, allowing for an articulate experience. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for users who wish to implement RGB lighting, as it can effectively transmit light and accentuate the aesthetic appeal of the switch.
In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte employs a combination of POK material for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The POK material, known for its smoothness and durability, results in a sound profile that is both clacky and clear, offering a tactile satisfaction while typing. However, due to the nylon bottom housing, which is softer and absorbs sound, the overall sound profile becomes deeper and fuller. As a result, the combination of these two materials leads to a more rounded auditory experience, with the nylon housing mitigating the sharper tones derived from the POK top.
The differences in materials greatly influence how each switch performs, yet there are similarities that could lead to comparable outcomes. While the KTT Strawberry’s polycarbonate construction delivers a consistent sharpness, the blending of the POK and nylon in the Strawberry Latte creates a unique duality. The top housing impacts the sound upon releasing a key, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out feel and sound; thus, both switches can offer satisfying results despite their differing materials. Ultimately, both designs emphasize clarity, but the interplay of their respective materials leads to distinctive auditory and tactile experiences that cater to diverse preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, notable differences emerge. The KTT Strawberry has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte is lighter, with an actuation force of just 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that typists or gamers looking for a softer touch will find the Strawberry Latte to be more suitable for longer sessions, while those who prefer the tactile feedback of a heavier keystroke might gravitate towards the KTT Strawberry. In summary, the KTT Strawberry is the heavier option, offering a more substantial typing experience, while the Huano Strawberry Latte's lighter forces would likely provide a quicker, less tiring typing feel.
Travel distance
The KTT Strawberry linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the KTT Strawberry offers a more traditional and deeper feel when pressed, which may appeal to those who prefer a substantial key press. In contrast, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Strawberry Latte enables quicker actuation, making it potentially more suitable for gamers seeking faster response times. For users who enjoy a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the Huano Strawberry Latte is the better option, while those who appreciate a more pronounced key depth might favor the KTT Strawberry. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference for key travel characteristics, with one switch offering a deeper feel and the other providing a snappier response.
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 Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Strawberry linear switch produces a low-pitched tone, known for its bass-heavy and mellow character, which can provide a more subdued auditory experience during typing. This can be particularly comforting for users who prefer a quieter workspace without the sharpness of higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, while the sound profile of the Huano Strawberry Latte isn’t explicitly defined, it is noted to have a balanced sound that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant. This suggests that the Strawberry Latte may complement a variety of setups well, providing a pleasing auditory experience while still maintaining an efficient typing environment.
In terms of feel, the Strawberry switch shines with its frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished characteristics, creating an exceptionally smooth typing experience. The design and quality of the materials used in the Strawberry ensure that users experience little to no resistance during key presses, making for a fluid and enjoyable interaction with the keyboard. In contrast, the feel profile of the Huano Strawberry Latte isn’t detailed, leaving it unknown how it compares in terms of smoothness or tactile feedback. Therefore, while the KTT Strawberry switches provide a luxurious typing sensation, the Strawberry Latte's tactile quality remains a mystery.
In conclusion, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch is celebrated for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and a low-pitched sound profile, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a balanced sound experience but lacks detailed feedback on its tactile feel. If you value a tactile experience that is undeniably smooth and a sound profile that leans toward the mellow side, the KTT Strawberry is a fantastic choice. However, if you prefer a more balanced auditory experience and are open to exploring the tactile qualities of the Huano Strawberry Latte, you may also find satisfaction in that switch. Ultimately, both options have their merits, and your choice might come down to personal preference regarding sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a heavier, more deliberate keystroke, then the KTT Strawberry, with its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, would likely suit you better. Its smooth and frictionless feel, complemented by a low-pitched sound profile, offers a refined typing experience that many find enjoyable, particularly for typing tasks that require focus and comfort. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 45 grams, the Huano Strawberry Latte may be your ideal switch. Its effortless actuation can enhance speed and agility, making it perfect for rapid typing or gaming. While the Strawberry Lattes may not boast the silky smoothness of the KTT Strawberry, they deliver a balanced sound profile that strikes a great compromise between audible feedback and silence. In summary, choose the KTT Strawberry for a robust and smooth typing experience, and opt for the Huano Strawberry Latte if you prefer a lighter feel with responsive actuation.
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