Durock Blue Lotus vs. Huano Caramel Latte
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Huano Caramel Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often hinges on personal preferences regarding tactile feedback and sound. The Durock Blue Lotus, celebrated for its tactile intensity and responsiveness, features a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, which enhances its snappy feel, making it an attractive choice for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile bump during typing. Additionally, the detachable light column allows for vibrant RGB lighting that not only boosts performance but also adds visual flair to the keyboard. In contrast, the Huano Caramel Latte offers a linear experience with a medium actuation force of 50g and a bright, clacky sound profile, creating a smooth and enjoyable typing experience that resonates with those who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted keystroke. While both switches have unique advantages—tactile feedback and visual appeal for the Blue Lotus versus the smooth, satisfying feel of the Caramel Latte—it’s essential to delve deeper into their characteristics to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 long spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and Huano Caramel Latte switches present an intriguing contrast in their top constructions while sharing a commonality in their bottom housing. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing, which is noted for its premium and unique feel, reminiscent of the luxury associated with other high-quality switches. In comparison, the Caramel Latte utilizes POK material for its top housing. POK is recognized for its exceptionally low coefficient of friction, contributing to a smooth typing experience, but it does not quite offer the same premium sensation associated with the Blue Lotus. These distinctions indicate that while both switches prioritize smooth operation, the overall tactile experience might differ, especially in terms of the "premium feel" versus smoothness during typing.
On the other hand, both the Durock Blue Lotus and the Huano Caramel Latte share nylon as their bottom housing material. Known for its classic application in switch design, nylon produces a deep and full sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs sound rather than amplifying it, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience. Therefore, regardless of the contrasting top materials, both switches possess a similar auditory characteristic on the bottom-out, owing to the shared nylon bottom housing. This commonality implies that typists will experience a consistent sound profile on the lower half of each switch, a crucial aspect for those seeking specific auditory feedback during keystrokes.
In synthesis, the differences in top housing materials between the Durock Blue Lotus and Huano Caramel Latte may lead to varying tactile and sound experiences, with the Blue Lotus potentially offering a more premium feel and aesthetic, while the Caramel Latte excels in low-friction smoothness. Nonetheless, the synchronization of nylon as the bottom housing material ensures that both switches deliver a rich and full-bodied sound profile upon bottoming out. As a result, users can expect a familiar auditory experience when pressing either switch, making the choice heavily reliant on preference for the nuances of the top housing materials and their individual tactile sensations.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch offer distinct actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different typing preferences. The Blue Lotus features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. In contrast, the Caramel Latte is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This difference implies that typists seeking a lighter switch for longer typing sessions might prefer the Caramel Latte, while those who favor a more substantial feel and are comfortable with a stronger push may gravitate towards the Blue Lotus. The disparity in forces suggests that the actuation and bottom out experiences will be noticeably different between the two switches, allowing users to choose based on their personal comfort and typing style preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch, it's evident that the Blue Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Caramel Latte measures at 3.6 mm. This difference may seem minimal, but it could influence the overall typing experience. Gamers, who often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, might lean towards the Caramel Latte for its slightly reduced travel. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing may favor the Blue Lotus for its greater depth. Ultimately, the choice between these switches reflects personal preference regarding travel distance: the Blue Lotus offers a more pronounced keystroke, while the Caramel Latte caters to those seeking a quicker engagement.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue 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 Blue 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switches provide a rich and immersive auditory experience characterized by a bassy quality. This deeper sound profile enhances the tactile feedback during use, offering a robust acoustic sensation with each keystroke. In contrast, while the Huano Caramel Latte's sound profile is described as bright and clacky, no specific descriptors are available to further elaborate on its acoustic characteristics. This suggests the Caramel Latte offers a more lively sound, possibly resonating with a higher pitch, but specifics about its depth or richness remain unknown.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switches shine with their balanced tactile performance. Described as accented, snappy, and stepped, they deliver a unique typing experience that strikes a harmonious balance between noticeable tactile feedback and responsiveness. The slight reduction in travel distance also contributes to their quick actuation, making them feel alive and engaging. Conversely, the feel of the Caramel Latte switches remains less defined, lacking descriptions of tactility or responsiveness. This leaves their overall typing experience ambiguous in comparison, though their renowned smoothness implies a pleasant keystroke.
In summary, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switches offer a well-defined, bassy auditory signature and an engaging tactile feel, making them ideal for those who appreciate a marked tactile response and snappy performance. The Huano Caramel Latte switches, while praised for their smoothness and bright sound, lack specific tactile and auditory descriptors, making them less distinct in this comparison. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, but users can expect enjoyable results from either option, with the Blue Lotus offering a more defined tactile experience while the Caramel Latte focuses on smoothness.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch, your specific preferences and typing style will guide your decision. If you appreciate a tactile response with a bit of resistance, the Blue Lotus is your best bet; its 65g bottom-out force provides a satisfying, snappy feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback without being overwhelming. This switch's rich, bassy sound and slightly reduced travel add to its appeal, especially for gamers or typists who thrive on responsiveness and visual flair thanks to its RGB compatibility. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, lighter touch while typing or gaming, the 55g bottom-out force of the Caramel Latte will likely suit you better. Known for its clacky sound profile and silky typing experience, this linear switch offers a more subdued feedback that can be perfect for lengthy typing sessions or quieter environments. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you lean towards tactile feedback or a smoother, lighter feel—both switches offer unique and enjoyable experiences tailored to different typing preferences.
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