Huano Caramel Latte vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Caramel Latte and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) both present compelling options for users who prefer a linear feel, but they cater to slightly different preferences and typing experiences. The Caramel Latte switches, with a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, are celebrated for their smoothness and bright, clacky sound profile, making every keystroke enjoyable and satisfying. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches have a heavier actuation force at 62.5g, which provides a bouncier sensation and a bright, resonant sound that enhances the tactile feedback of each press. While the Caramel Latte is ideal for those who appreciate light and smooth typing with a lively auditory element, the Lotus (Heavy) is tailored for users who prefer a more substantial touch and deeper acoustics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
The Huano Caramel Latte and HMX Lotus (Heavy) exhibit distinct characteristics in their choice of top housing materials, particularly with the Caramel Latte utilizing polyketone (POK) and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) employing nylon. The POK material in the Caramel Latte is noted for its impressive mechanical properties, boasting a low coefficient of friction at 0.04 and exceptional durability. This gives the switches constructed with POK a notable smoothness and wear resistance, which is 14 times greater than that of POM materials. The shock resistance surpasses that of nylon by about 2.3 times as well. On the contrary, the HMX Lotus (Heavy), with its nylon top housing, offers a different tactile experience. Nylon's relatively softer nature leads to a squishier feel and contributes to a deeper, rounder sound profile when typing, making it a time-tested choice among switch enthusiasts.
In contrast to the differences in their top housing materials, both the Huano Caramel Latte and HMX Lotus (Heavy) share nylon as their bottom housing material. This uniformity results in a similar auditory experience as both are designed to absorb sound effectively, yielding a full, muted sound profile. The combination of the nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures that the bottom-out feel and sound will be consistent across the two models. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, users can expect a textured sensation and more pronounced auditory feedback when bottoming out, regardless of the top housing difference.
Overall, the contrasting materials used for the top housing of each switch yield unique qualities that affect user experience, while the same nylon material for the bottom housing ties their performances together. In practice, this means that even though the Caramel Latte’s POK top enhances smoothness and durability, the nylon bottom will still provide that signature sound absorption characteristic to both switches. Thus, users can enjoy a blend of tactile sensations and auditory experiences—smooth and clacky with the Caramel Latte and deeper and rounder with the HMX Lotus (Heavy)—without sacrificing the familiar acoustic benefits of the nylon bottom.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch to the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The Caramel Latte features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, which can be particularly beneficial for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. Its bottom out force of 55 grams also falls into the medium-light category, providing a softer landing when keys are fully pressed. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, requiring more effort to initiate a keystroke, and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, which gives it a more substantial and robust feel. This difference means that while the Caramel Latte is suited for users who prefer a lighter touch, the Lotus (Heavy) is ideal for those who appreciate a firmer feedback during typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference—those favoring lighter switches may seek the Caramel Latte, while those who like a more pronounced typing experience might lean towards the Lotus.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, the Caramel Latte features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lotus (Heavy) has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Caramel Latte the longer option by a marginal 0.1 mm. Both switches are designed with the aim of enhancing responsiveness, particularly appealing to gamers who often favor shorter travel distances for quicker reaction times. However, the Caramel Latte may provide a more substantial feel, owing to its longer travel distance, which some users may appreciate for a hearty depth during use. Conversely, gamers and those who prefer rapid key responses might lean towards the Lotus (Heavy) due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, balancing between rapid response and tactile feedback.
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 (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) 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
In terms of sound, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch features a bright, clacky sound profile that lends itself to a playful auditory experience. This lively sound can enhance the tactile engagement one feels while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) also boasts a bright, resonant sound that captivates the user with its depth and richness. While both switches deliver enjoyable sound characteristics, the Caramel Latte’s clackiness may appeal more to those who appreciate a slightly sharper auditory feedback, while the Lotus (Heavy) offers a fuller, more resonant tone, balancing well with its heavier actuation force.
When it comes to feel, the Caramel Latte offers a smooth typing experience thanks to its medium weight of 50g at the bottom out, allowing for a fluid transition between keystrokes. This smoothness makes it an excellent choice for those who favor a seamless typing experience during long sessions. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) provides a bouncier sensation due to its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g. This added weight can give typists a sense of feedback that encourages a more deliberate keystroke, making it ideal for users who enjoy a tactile connection with their typing. While the Caramel Latte invites smoothness, the Lotus (Heavy) offers a zest of responsiveness.
In conclusion, both the Huano Caramel Latte and HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches bring distinctive auditory and tactile experiences. The Caramel Latte's bright and clacky sound, combined with a smooth feel, makes it suitable for those who enjoy a lively typing experience. Conversely, the Lotus (Heavy) features a resonant sound and bouncy feel that rewards typists with a satisfying feedback mechanism. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, but both options promise to deliver a gratifying typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch primarily depends on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you find yourself favoring a lighter touch and enjoy a smooth, clacky sound profile combined with a bottom out force of 55 grams, the Caramel Latte is likely to enhance your typing experience, making it particularly suitable for prolonged typing sessions or casual gaming. Its medium-light resistance allows for effortless actuation, which can be beneficial when speed and comfort are your priorities. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial tactile feedback and don’t mind a little more resistance for a feeling of control, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch with its 62.5 grams bottom out force offers a bouncier feel that allows for satisfying keystrokes, making it an excellent option for those who may be engaging in more competitive gaming or typing with more deliberate force. In essence, your choice should align with whether you favor a lighter, smooth experience with the Caramel Latte or a heavier, more pronounced engagement with the Lotus.
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