HMX Lotus vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, and two compelling options to consider are the HMX Lotus and the Huano Strawberry Latte, both of which are linear switches. The Lotus switch boasts a medium weight of 50g bottom out, delivering a bright and resonant sound along with a delightful bouncy feel that enhances the typing experience with every key press. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte is designed for a smoother experience, utilizing the latest molds from Huano to provide a balanced sound profile that strikes a sweet spot between quiet and overly resonant. While the HMX Lotus embodies a clacky and feathery feedback that appeals to those who enjoy a more dynamic feel, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a silky typing experience that may be preferred by users seeking understated performance. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Huano Strawberry Latte, it becomes evident that they utilize different materials for their top housings but share a common material for their bottom housings. The HMX Lotus employs nylon for its top housing, which is known for its softer plastic properties that absorb sound, resulting in a deep and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is particularly important for users who prefer a subtler, rounded audio experience while typing. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte opts for POK material as its top housing. POK is recognized for its smoothness and strength, providing not only a clackier sound but also enhanced durability compared to nylon due to its superior shock resistance.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Lotus and the Strawberry Latte utilize nylon, a choice that reinforces their capability to produce a harmonious sound profile. The consistency in using nylon for the bottom housings means that while the top housings may contribute differently to the overall auditory experience, the tactile feedback and sound when bottoming out a key will exhibit similar attributes across both switches. Since nylon is adept at absorbing sound, the characteristics imparted by this material in the bottom housing create a unified auditory signature that is consistently deep and rounded in both models.
The different top housing materials lead to distinctive experiences when typing, as the POK material of the Strawberry Latte provides a smoother transition and a crisper sound compared to the softer, deeper tones of the Lotus's nylon top. However, since both switches feature nylon for their bottoms, those who prioritize sound feel can expect similar outcomes during key presses. This means that despite the variance in top housing materials, users will likely enjoy a consistent auditory experience when fully pressing down on the keys, bolstered by the shared properties of the nylon that serve to balance out the overall acoustic performance.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lotus switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Strawberry Latte is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This indicates that the Strawberry Latte is the lighter option, which could benefit users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions, making it a great choice for those who often travel with their keyboard. Conversely, the HMX Lotus, with its higher forces, may appeal more to users who enjoy a more substantial push feel in their typing experience. Overall, while both switches are on the lighter side of the spectrum, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a marginally lighter touch, potentially leading to a more comfortable experience for long durations.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Lotus is the shorter option, allowing for a quicker response time that may appeal to gamers seeking enhanced speed during play. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte, with its longer travel distance, provides a more pronounced tactile experience, which some users may prefer for a fuller keypress. The differences in travel distance, albeit minimal, suggest that users seeking snappy responsiveness might lean towards the Lotus, whereas those who appreciate a bit more depth in their key presses could opt for the Strawberry Latte. With both switches falling close to the traditional 4.0 mm standard, they reflect the current trend of offering distinct preferences in travel distances to cater to varying user needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Lotus linear switch stands out with its bright and resonant tone, characterized by a clacky quality that produces sharp, snappy sounds with every keystroke. This results in a crisp and percussive auditory feedback that many typists and gamers find satisfying. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte has a balanced sound profile, striking a middle ground between being overly quiet and resonant. While the exact sound characteristics of the Strawberry Latte aren’t detailed, it is likely to provide a less pronounced auditory experience compared to the Lotus yet still offers a pleasant sound suitable for various environments. Overall, if you prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing, the Lotus will likely align better with your preferences.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lotus switch is designed to deliver an exceptional tactile experience. With a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, it offers a bouncy sensation that feels lively and engaging, providing a satisfying rebound upon pressing. This is complemented by its feathery and silky traits, which contribute to minimal resistance and enhanced smoothness, making it perfect for long typing sessions or intense gaming marathons. On the other hand, the feel of the Huano Strawberry Latte isn't specified, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. However, given that it uses advanced molds, it's reasonable to anticipate that it may offer a smooth experience as well, although specific tactile qualities remain unknown.
In conclusion, the HMX Lotus linear switch offers a bright and clacky sound coupled with a lively, bouncy feel and an overall smooth typing experience, making it an exciting choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback and engaging keystrokes. The Huano Strawberry Latte, while undefined in tactile feedback, promises a balanced sound profile, likely providing comfort for longer typing sessions. Depending on your priorities—be it an engaging sound or a potentially smooth feel—the choice between these two switches will greatly influence your typing and gaming experience. If you prioritize lively feedback and sound, the Lotus is your go-to, while the Strawberry Latte might suit those seeking a more subdued auditory experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, consider your typing preferences and intended usage. The Lotus, with its light 50g bottom-out force, delivers a bouncy and feathery feel that can invigorate a typing session, making it perfect for those who enjoy a more engaging and lively experience. Its clacky sound adds a bright and resonant quality that can be particularly satisfying for gamers and typists looking for auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more balanced typing experience, the Huano Strawberry Latte, with its 45g bottom-out force, might be the better choice. While it may lack the clackiness of the Lotus, it offers a consistently smooth and delightful typing experience without being overly loud or intrusive. Ultimately, if you value tactile feedback and sound, the Lotus may be for you; however, if you prioritize smooth typing above all else, the Strawberry Latte should meet your needs effectively.
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