Huano Caramel Latte vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Huano Caramel Latte and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options to consider are the Huano Caramel Latte and the Durock White Lotus. The Caramel Latte, a linear switch, is known for its smooth feel and medium weight of 50g at bottom-out, making every keystroke satisfying with its bright, clacky sound profile. This switch is perfect for gamers and typists who appreciate a clean, uninterrupted keypress without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus is a tactile switch designed for comfort during extended typing sessions, featuring a delicate tactile bump that feels satisfying without being intrusive. Its removable light column enhances the aesthetic appeal, allowing for a visually captivating RGB lighting experience. While the Caramel Latte caters to those who enjoy a seamless, linear feel, the White Lotus is ideal for typists seeking a bit of feedback without an overwhelming presence. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Caramel Latte and the Durock White Lotus, we note distinct characteristics that inform their overall performance. The Huano Caramel Latte utilizes a top housing made from POK (polyketone), which is recognized for its exceptional smoothness and high durability, boasting a coefficient of friction slightly higher than LY. This unique material provides a clacky and smooth typing experience due to its impressive wear and shock resistance. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus features a modified blend of PC and UPE for its top housing. While this blend offers a premium tactile experience, it lacks the same level of durability and smoothness as POK. Therefore, users may notice a slight difference in feel and acoustics between the two switches due to their respective top housing materials.
However, both switches have the same bottom housing material—nylon—which is a staple in switch manufacturing known for its sound-absorbing properties. Nylon's tactile characteristics contribute significantly to the acoustic profile of both switches, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typed upon, thanks to its softer texture. The consistency in bottom housing material ensures that the sound signature is somewhat similar across both models, emphasizing the deeper tones that nylon is known to produce. The uniformity in this aspect leads to an overall roundness in sound, regardless of the differences present in the top housings.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials will influence the switches' performance distinctly, but the shared nylon bottom housing will create a cohesive sound experience for users. Since the bottom housing notably impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, both the Huano Caramel Latte and the Durock White Lotus will deliver a satisfying and deep acoustic response, even though the typing experience may vary when pressing down and releasing keys. The combination of a durable top housing in the Caramel Latte with the smoother action of POK against the more premium feel of the modified PC and UPE blend in the White Lotus leads to unique yet enjoyable experiences for typists, showing how housing materials can define the switch character while still resulting in similarities in sound performance due to the consistent use of nylon for the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, both exhibit similar characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Caramel Latte requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the White Lotus has slightly higher values, with an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-light category, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch to enhance typing comfort during extended sessions. While the Caramel Latte is marginally lighter at both actuation and bottom out forces, the difference is minimal, meaning users may find comparable typing experiences with either option. Ultimately, those who favor a lighter switch may lean towards the Caramel Latte, while the White Lotus offers a slightly firmer feel, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial push during typing or gaming.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, the Caramel Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the White Lotus comes in at 4 mm. This makes the Caramel Latte the shorter option, catering to gamers and users who appreciate quicker response times due to its reduced travel distance. In contrast, the White Lotus, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, offers a more pronounced feel that some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences; those seeking responsiveness should consider the Caramel Latte, while those who appreciate a deeper, more tactile feedback might lean towards the White Lotus.
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 Durock White 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 White Lotus for $4.57.
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 Huano Caramel Latte linear switch is characterized by a bright, clacky sound profile that provides auditory feedback and adds a lively personality to your typing experience. This contrasts with the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, which offers a low-pitched, neutral tone. The White Lotus is designed to emit a mellower sound, making it suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. Both switches can produce distinct sound signatures based on the keyboard they are installed in and the choice of keycaps, but their inherent characteristics make the Caramel Latte a more vibrant option while the White Lotus remains more subdued.
In terms of feel, the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch offers a smooth typing experience, allowing for effortless key presses that appeal to those who prefer linear action. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch is specifically designed as a light tactile option, providing gentle resistance during key presses that enhances comfort and reduces fatigue during extended typing sessions. The White Lotus strikes a balance with its easy-to-press and mild tactile feedback, making it approachable for users of all experience levels. While the Caramel Latte focuses on a purely linear experience with smooth key transitions, the White Lotus introduces a subtle tactility that helps users feel more connected to their typing activity.
In summary, both the Huano Caramel Latte and Durock White Lotus switches present distinct experiences for typists, catering to different preferences. The Caramel Latte stands out with its bright sound and smooth linear feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy an energetic typing experience. In contrast, the White Lotus excels as a light tactile option, prioritizing comfort and a more muted sound profile, making it better suited for long sessions or shared workspaces. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you seek a lively typing experience or a gentle, tactile one that enhances comfort.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, your choices will largely depend on your typing preferences and environments. If you are looking for a smooth and clacky typing experience, the Caramel Latte’s medium-light actuation force makes it an excellent choice for both casual and competitive typing, lending a joyful tactile feedback that enhances your keystrokes. Its bright sound profile can add some personality to your keyboard setup, making it ideal if you enjoy audible switches and don’t mind the noise in your environment. On the other hand, if you prioritize a more subdued and refined experience, particularly during long typing sessions, the Durock White Lotus is likely the better option. Its gentle tactile feedback provides just enough resistance without overwhelming your fingers, making it suitable for extensive work or study periods. Plus, with its low-pitched sound profile, the White Lotus is less likely to disturb others nearby, making it more appropriate for shared workspaces. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you want a lively, expressive typing experience or a calm, moderate tactile feel for productivity.
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