Durock Black Lotus vs. Huano Caramel Latte
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Huano Caramel Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence the overall typing experience, and two popular linear options are the Durock Black Lotus and the Huano Caramel Latte. The Black Lotus is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and precision, featuring a 55g actuation weight that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Its design minimizes housing and stem wobble, enhancing typing enjoyment, while the unique light column provides customizable in-switch lighting. On the other hand, the Huano Caramel Latte offers a slightly lighter touch with a 50g actuation weight, delivering a bright, clacky sound profile that adds an auditory charm to typing. Its smooth keystroke ensures a pleasurable experience, making it a favorite among gamers and typists alike. While both switches excel in providing a smooth typing experience, their distinct characteristics cater to different preferences in tactile feedback and sound. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus and Huano Caramel Latte switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials while sharing a common bottom housing. The Black Lotus utilizes a modified polycarbonate (PC) and UPE blend for its top housing, which provides a premium feel and is designed to enhance the overall smoothness during typing. This unique blend likely contributes to a refined tactile experience, creating a pleasing blend of noise and keystroke feedback. In contrast, the Caramel Latte opts for POK material for its top housing, which is recognized for its low friction coefficient and exceptional durability. The POK's strength allows it to withstand wear better than many traditional materials, resulting in a longer-lasting switch. Despite these differing materials, both switches aim to provide refined acoustics and performance, setting the stage for delightful typing experiences.
Regarding their bottom housings, both the Durock Black Lotus and Huano Caramel Latte utilize nylon, which is a common choice among switch manufacturers due to its inherently softer and sound-absorbing characteristics. This shared nylon bottom housing creates a similarity in the sound profile of both switches, contributing to a fuller and deeper auditory feedback upon key presses. Because nylon is softer than many other plastics, it helps to deaden the sound, resulting in a rounder and less harsh acoustic signature. Thus, even though the upper housings of these two switches are constructed from different materials, the nylon bottoms ensure that users will experience a comparable auditory depth, no matter which switch they choose.
In terms of how these materials impact the overall performance, it’s important to recognize that the top and bottom housings each bring their distinct qualities to the switch’s functionality. The modified PC & UPE blend with its premium feel in the Black Lotus enhances the action during the upward press, potentially resulting in a satisfying tactile feedback. The POK material of the Caramel Latte aims to bring smoothness and durability to that same upward motion. However, the nylon bottom of both switches will have a significant influence on bottoming-out sound and feel, ensuring resonant consistency across both options. Thus, while the materials differ up top, users can expect deeply satisfying acoustic performances thanks to the identical nylon bottom housing, leading to a signature quality that both switches maintain despite their top housing variations.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Caramel Latte features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light. This means that the Black Lotus requires more force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the Caramel Latte, which may lead to fatigue during extended typing sessions for those who prefer lighter switches. On the other hand, the heavier Black Lotus may provide a more tactile and substantial feel that some typists appreciate. Therefore, if you favor a lighter switch for comfort during long use, the Huano Caramel Latte would be the better choice, while the Durock Black Lotus would appeal to those who enjoy a firmer push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Black Lotus boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, aligning with the traditional depth that many users appreciate for its tactile feedback. In contrast, the Caramel Latte has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, which can cater to gamers seeking faster response times due to its more responsive nature. This shorter distance may feel more abrupt for some users, while others may find the steadier depth of the Black Lotus preferable for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, those who lean towards quick, snappy key presses may opt for the Caramel Latte, while those who value a more profound keystroke will likely favor the Black Lotus.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
The Huano Caramel Latte has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Caramel Latte for $2.75.
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 Durock Black Lotus is noted for its general quietness, allowing for a more subdued typing experience that blends well in both work and gaming environments. In contrast, the Huano Caramel Latte boasts a bright and clacky sound profile that contributes a playful and lively character to each keystroke. This distinct auditory difference means that while the Black Lotus provides a stealthy and smooth session, the Caramel Latte brings an engaging acoustic feedback that may be more satisfying for those who enjoy audible clicks during typing.
Regarding feel, the Black Lotus is renowned for its silky, buttery, mild, and polished qualities. This means you can expect an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, making the key presses feel effortless. The polished finish enhances this experience by reducing friction, resulting in a refined and sophisticated typing sensation. On the other hand, the Caramel Latte's feel is typically less emphasized in available descriptions, leaving its specific tactile characteristics somewhat unknown. However, its super smooth typing experience is consistently highlighted, suggesting that it may still provide a pleasant and enjoyable feel.
Overall, both the Durock Black Lotus and Huano Caramel Latte switches offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. If you seek a quiet, smooth, and refined feel with less sound, the Black Lotus stands out as an excellent choice. Conversely, if you're drawn to a more vibrant, clacky typing experience that still delivers smooth action, the Caramel Latte is likely to satisfy. While both are linear switches, their subjective qualities create distinctive typing environments that cater to various user preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Black Lotus and Huano Caramel Latte linear switches should be guided by your personal typing preferences and the experience you desire. If you appreciate a medium-heavy feel with a substantial bottom-out resistance of 63.5 grams, the Black Lotus will likely appeal to you. Its silky-smooth action minimizes wobble, providing exceptional precision, which makes it perfect for those who type frequently and seek a more controlled keystroke. The polished finish enhances the typing experience, giving you that refined touch you may desire in every keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, the Huano Caramel Latte, with its bottom-out force of 55 grams, might be the better option. This switch offers a bright and clacky sound profile along with a medium-light actuation weight, making it ideal for users who enjoy a snappy and lively typing experience. Its smooth action ensures that every keystroke is a delight, particularly if you favor an upbeat typing sound. Ultimately, the choice boils down to how you want to interact with your keyboard: for a more robust, precise experience, choose the Black Lotus, but if you lean toward lightness and auditory feedback, the Caramel Latte is your go-to.
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