Huano Caramel Latte vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Lotus are two compelling linear options that cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound profile. The Caramel Latte switch is celebrated for its silky smoothness and a pronounced clacky sound, delivering a delightful auditory experience alongside a medium actuation weight of 50g; it invites typists to enjoy each keystroke with a touch of brightness. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus also boasts the same actuation weight but distinguishes itself with a bouncy, feathery feel and a slightly more resonant sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a bit more “pop” to their typing experience. While both switches promise a satisfying tactile experience and an enjoyable auditory feedback, your choice may hinge on whether you lean towards the Caramel Latte's distinct clack or the Lotus's bouncy delight. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Lotus, we see noteworthy distinctions in their top housings. The Caramel Latte utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, recognized for its exceptional durability and smoothness. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK is crafted to deliver an incredibly smooth tactile experience, which is complemented by its remarkable wear resistance and impressive shock absorption compared to materials like POM and Nylon. In contrast, the Lotus employs nylon for its top housing, a traditional material known for its softer nature and sound-absorbing properties. The nylon in the Lotus contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile but lacks the same level of shininess that POK provides in the Caramel Latte.
Interestingly, both the Caramel Latte and Lotus feature nylon as their bottom housing material, meaning they share certain auditory characteristics. The nylon bottom housing in each switch promotes a similar sound profile, creating a rounder and duller tonal quality due to its ability to absorb sound effectively. This consistent use of nylon in the lower section signifies that both switches will yield comparable bottom-out sensations and sound upon key presses, despite the differences in their top housing materials.
Ultimately, both switches offer unique experiences shaped by the interplay of their housing materials. The Caramel Latte's POK top housing lends a smooth and tactile quality, impactful during key releases, while the nylon bottom provides a familiar auditory depth. The HMX Lotus, with its all-nylon structure, delivers a slightly softer and more muted response both in terms of feel and sound. If users desire a combination of smoothness and a rich sound profile, they may find that while the overall typing experience might differ, the use of nylon in both bottom housings leads to some shared sensory outcomes in both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, we find that they both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a consistent trigger feel for both switches that is categorized as medium-light. However, the bottom out forces differ; the Caramel Latte has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Lotus has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference means that while both switches require the same amount of force to actuate, the Caramel Latte provides a slightly heftier feeling when fully pressed down, making it more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Lotus, being the lighter option overall, may be more appealing to those who favor extended use without fatigue. Overall, while the actuation forces are equivalent, the bottom out forces highlight the Caramel Latte as the heavier option compared to the Lotus.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, the Caramel Latte has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lotus measures at 3.5 mm. This means that the Caramel Latte offers a deeper and potentially more tactile feel for those who enjoy a more substantial press, catering to users who prefer a hearty depth. In contrast, the Lotus, with its shorter distance, could appeal more to gamers or those who prioritize faster response times, as shorter travel distances generally facilitate quicker activation. Ultimately, while both switches provide an excellent typing experience, the Caramel Latte may be more suited for those who enjoy a deeper travel, whereas the Lotus could be favored by users seeking responsiveness and speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus for $2.99.
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
When it comes to sound, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Lotus switches deliver a bright and clacky auditory profile that is sure to please fans of sharper, more percussive types of feedback. The Caramel Latte switches stand out with their high-pitched and clacky sound, producing a sharp and crisp sound that creates a delightful auditory experience for each keystroke. On the other hand, the Lotus switches also feature a clacky sound, noted for their crisp and bright characteristics. Given these similarities, users can expect a consistently enjoyable auditory feedback when using either switch, although individual perception may vary based on the chosen keyboard and keycap materials.
In terms of feel, the Caramel Latte switches provide a silky typing experience that minimizes resistance, allowing for smooth keystrokes that glide effortlessly. This quality is complemented by the fact that the Lotus switches also boast a silky feel, ensuring a smooth typing experience similar to the Caramel Latte. However, the Lotus distinguishes itself with its bouncy and feathery characteristics, delivering a lively spring-back sensation with each key press, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. While both switches offer smoothness, the Lotus adds a unique elasticity that may appeal to those who enjoy tactile feedback, making it distinct in terms of user experience.
In conclusion, while both the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Lotus linear switches present themselves as excellent choices for those who favor a crisp, clacky sound, they diverge in their tactile feedback. The Caramel Latte features a silky smoothness suitable for effortless typing, while the Lotus introduces a bouncy and feathery experience that enhances responsiveness. Ultimately, both switches offer a premium typing experience; the choice between them will come down to personal preference, with the Caramel Latte being ideal for those who appreciate quiet smoothness and the Lotus being perfect for those who enjoy lively and dynamic keystrokes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Lotus linear switches largely depends on your personal typing preferences and use cases. If you favor a slightly heavier switch with a smooth and silky typing experience that provides a bright and clacky sound, the Caramel Latte would be a great fit, making it ideal for both gaming and daily typing tasks where responsiveness is vital. On the other hand, if you prefer an even lighter feel with a bouncy and feathery touch that offers a playful and springy feedback combined with a similarly clacky sound, the Lotus switch is perfect, particularly for lengthy gaming sessions or extended typing, where comfort and reduced finger fatigue are essential. Ultimately, consider the nuances of each switch based on the weight, sound, and tactile sensations they provide to select the one that aligns best with your unique typing style.
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