Durock Black Lotus vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the Durock Black Lotus and the Huano Strawberry Latte provide distinct advantages for various typing experiences. The Durock Black Lotus is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and exceptional precision, thanks to its design that minimizes housing and stem wobble, ensuring maximum typing pleasure. With a 55g actuation weight, this switch strikes a balance between a satisfying resistance and comfortable responsiveness, making it ideal for gamers and typists alike. Additionally, the unique light column allows for vibrant in-switch lighting, adding a visual flair to your setup. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte stands out with its super smooth operation, refined through the latest mold technology from Huano. Its well-balanced sound profile offers a pleasant audible feedback that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant, catering to users who appreciate a moderate auditory experience while typing. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Black Lotus with its focus on precision and aesthetics, and the Strawberry Latte with its smooth actuation and balanced 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

Durock Black Lotus Linear

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Black Lotus and Huano Strawberry Latte switches showcase distinct top housing materials, each contributing unique characteristics to the typing experience. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend that offers a premium feel, enhancing the overall aesthetics and performance. In comparison, the Strawberry Latte utilizes POK material, which is known for its smoothness due to a low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability, being significantly stronger than POM. While both materials are engineered for high performance, the tactile sensation and acoustic qualities they introduce differ. Users of the Black Lotus may find the modified PC housing provides a firmer and potentially more responsive feel with a premium touch, while those opting for the Strawberry Latte will experience the silky smoothness and strong acoustics that POK contributes.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Durock Black Lotus and Huano Strawberry Latte use nylon, a well-regarded material in switch construction. Nylon is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon in the bottom housing across both switches means that the bottom-out feel and sound are similarly affected, giving both switches a distinctively muted and rounded sound when pressed down. Therefore, regardless of the differences in top housing materials, users can expect a comparable auditory experience stemming from the nylon bottom, which helps to alleviate any jarring auditory disturbances during typing.

In summary, the combination of materials in the Black Lotus and Strawberry Latte switches means that both switches will yield a familiar and satisfying typing experience, albeit with some differences in the nuances of sound and feel. While the top housing sets the tone for the switch's responsiveness and acoustic properties, the nylon bottom housing maintains a consistent foundation for sound absorption and tactile feedback. Ultimately, users can expect an engaging and enjoyable typing experience from both switches, benefiting from the unique attributes of each top housing combined with the familiar sound profile derived from the nylon bottom.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there is a clear distinction in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Black Lotus requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, which may appeal to typists who prefer a more substantial feel during their typing experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte boasts a lighter actuation force of just 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those looking to type for extended periods with less effort, which can be particularly favorable during long gaming sessions or work hours. This means that the Durock Black Lotus will provide a firmer push feel while the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a more forgiving touch, ideal for someone seeking lighter resistance. Overall, those who favor a strong and noticeable keystroke will align with the Black Lotus, while those who seek comfort in their typing experience may gravitate towards the Strawberry Latte.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the Black Lotus stands out with its 4 mm travel distance, while the Strawberry Latte measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm indicates that the Black Lotus offers a more traditional and deeper keystroke, which can provide a satisfying tactile feedback for users who appreciate a heavier pressing feel. On the other hand, the shorter 3.6 mm travel of the Strawberry Latte is more aligned with modern gaming preferences, where quicker response times can enhance gameplay. Therefore, if responsiveness is a priority, the Strawberry Latte is the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial depth will likely favor the Black Lotus. Ultimately, the distinction in travel distance reflects the user's personal preference for either a deeper, more deliberate keystroke or a quicker, less pronounced press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch has not been explicitly characterized, leaving its acoustic profile somewhat of an enigma. However, it is essential to remember that the sound of a switch can vary based on factors such as the keyboard it is mounted in and the type of keycaps used. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch offers a balanced sound profile: it is neither overly quiet nor too resonant, creating a pleasant auditory feedback that suits various typing preferences and environments.

When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus is known for its silky, buttery, mild, and polished characteristics. The silky aspect refers to an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance during keystrokes, while the buttery quality enhances this with a fluid and effortless sensation. The mild designation suggests that it provides a gentle typing experience that is approachable for nearly all users. Lastly, the polished feel indicates a refined and smooth finish that enhances overall key travel comfort. On the other hand, the subjective qualities of the Strawberry Latte’s feel are not specified, leaving that aspect open for further exploration or personal experience.

Overall, both switches cater to distinct preferences, with the Durock Black Lotus standing out due to its silky and polished attributes that contribute to a refined typing experience. Meanwhile, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers an appealing sound profile that may suit those who prefer a balanced auditory feedback. While the Black Lotus provides a rich tactile experience, the sound characteristics of the Strawberry Latte, though more defined, create a different dimension to consider. Ultimately, both switches can be excellent choices with different strengths, and your selection could boil down to whether you prioritize a silky feel or a balanced sound in your typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Durock Black Lotus and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches will largely depend on your preferences for actuation force, typing feel, and overall sound profile. If you enjoy a medium-heavy switch that offers a silky and polished typing experience with minimal housing and stem wobble, the Black Lotus is an excellent choice. Its substantial actuation weight and smooth keystrokes provide unparalleled precision, making it suitable for both typing and gaming, especially if you prefer a more deliberate key press. On the other hand, if you incline towards a lighter touch that allows for rapid typing with a balanced, smooth sound profile, the Strawberry Latte will likely suit you better. Its lighter actuation force makes it great for extended typing sessions without fatigue, while its sound profile strikes a pleasing balance between not too quiet and not overly resonant. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you seek a heavier, more tactile feel or a lighter, breezier typing experience, allowing you to tailor your keyboard to best fit your specific needs.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more