HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and Huano Strawberry Latte stand out as enticing options for keyboard enthusiasts who favor linear switches. The HMX Lotus (Heavy) boasts a medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g, providing a satisfying, bouncy sensation with each keystroke, accompanied by a bright and resonant sound that can enhance the typing experience. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers an incredibly smooth keystroke feel thanks to its precision-engineered molds, featuring a balanced sound profile that strikes a comfortable middle ground—neither overwhelmingly loud nor too muted. While the Lotus (Heavy) caters to those who enjoy a more tactile, responsive feedback during typing, the Strawberry Latte appeals to users looking for a silky-smooth experience without sacrificing auditory pleasure. 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
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Huano Strawberry Latte showcase striking contrasts that affect both the acoustic profile and tactile feedback of the switches. The Lotus (Heavy) utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is renowned for creating a richer and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This characteristic allows the nylon to absorb more sound compared to harder materials, resulting in a muted and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte opts for POK (polyketone) for its top housing. While also effective for sound absorption, POK stands out for its lower friction coefficient and superior durability. This results in a crisper, more clacky sound, making these two materials fundamentally different in their contributions to the overall typing experience.
When examining the bottom housing, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Huano Strawberry Latte utilize nylon. This commonality ensures that they share similar qualities, particularly in sound and feel. The use of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches guarantees that users will experience a deeper, fuller sound profile when bottoming out the keys, as the material's properties lend themselves well to sound absorption. Therefore, despite the differences in the top housing, the nylon bottom would unify their acoustic characteristics, allowing for a consistent auditory experience when the keys are fully depressed.
Ultimately, the differing materials used for the top housing impact the overall sensory experience of each switch. The Lotus (Heavy) benefits from the soft, warm acoustics of nylon primarily in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the Strawberry Latte's POK top housing provides a distinctively smoother actuation with a brighter sound when releasing the keys. This divergence suggests that while users can achieve a similar depth of sound when keys are pressed down due to the nylon bottom housing, the characteristics experienced during key release will vary significantly based on the chosen top materials, highlighting the diversity within the keyboard switch sector.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch to the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Lotus (Heavy) requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, classifying it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of just 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This distinction makes the Strawberry Latte more suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience that allows for extended use, while the Lotus (Heavy) may appeal to those who enjoy a firmer feel under their fingers, providing more feedback with each keystroke. Thus, those seeking a lighter switch should opt for the Huano Strawberry Latte, while those desiring a heavier typing experience would gravitate towards the HMX Lotus (Heavy). Overall, these differences can significantly influence typing comfort and preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the Lotus offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Strawberry Latte has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that provides quicker response times, the Lotus might be a better choice for you due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte's longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, potentially offering a sense of depth that some find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for responsiveness versus typing comfort.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch is characterized by a bright, resonant quality that delivers a more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke. This makes it an engaging option for typists who enjoy a more vibrant sound profile while typing. Conversely, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch has a balanced sound profile, falling between quiet and overly resonant. This allows for a more subdued auditory experience, catering to users who prefer a less intrusive sound while still experiencing some acoustic engagement. It’s important to note that the overall sound will be influenced by factors such as board materials and keycap choices, which can affect the final auditory output of either switch.
When it comes to feel, the Lotus (Heavy) offers a medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g, providing a super bouncy and tactile experience that enhances the satisfaction of typing. This weight makes the switch feel robust and responsive, which many users find delightful for long typing sessions. The Strawberry Latte, on the other hand, boasts a smoothness attributed to Huano's latest molds, ensuring a fluid keystroke without any noticeable scratchiness. While it may not have the same heavy weight as the Lotus (Heavy), the smoothness can appeal to users who prioritize effortless typing and a more subdued yet pleasant tactile experience.
In summary, if you’re choosing between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, you will find distinct qualities in both sound and feel. The Lotus (Heavy) provides a bright and resonant sound along with a bouncy feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced experience. Meanwhile, the Strawberry Latte offers a balanced sound profile with super smooth action, appealing to users who prefer a more understated typing experience. Depending on your personal preference for sound and tactile feedback, you can expect to derive satisfaction from either switch, each catering to slightly different typing styles and auditory preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding actuation force and typing experience. If you enjoy a more substantial tactile experience and appreciate a slightly heavier key press, the Lotus (Heavy) with its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5 grams may be the ideal choice for you. It offers a super bouncy feel and a bright, resonant sound that can enhance your typing satisfaction, making it a fantastic option for those who love a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch that allows for effortless typing and a smoother keystroke, the Strawberry Latte’s lighter 45-gram actuation force is likely better suited to your needs. Its smooth action provides a balanced sound profile that is neither too quiet nor too resonant, making it perfect for users who prioritize a fluid typing experience. Ultimately, consider your typing style—whether you want a weighty keystroke or a delicate touch—and choose the switch that aligns with your comfort and productivity goals.
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