Outemu Lotus vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard, two popular linear switches that often come up for consideration are the Outemu Lotus and the Huano Strawberry Latte. The Outemu Lotus, while not heavily defined by standout features, offers a straightforward linear experience suited for users who appreciate a reliable and consistent keystroke without distractions. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte distinguishes itself with its exceptionally smooth operation, utilizing the latest mold technology from Huano to deliver a balanced sound profile that strikes a pleasant middle ground—not too quiet and not overly resonant. While both switches cater to those who prefer linear feedback, the Strawberry Latte may appeal more to users seeking an enhanced tactile and auditory experience, while the Lotus serves as a no-frills option for those who value simplicity. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Lotus Linear

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Lotus and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches, notable distinctions arise between their top housings. The Lotus employs a nylon top housing, which is revered for its sound characteristics, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory feedback when typing. Nylon's inherent properties allow it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, producing a rounder sound profile that many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts appreciate. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte features a POK top housing, recognized for its exceptional smoothness and durability. The POK material has a slightly higher coefficient of friction than nylon, contributing to a distinctive clacky typing experience. Consequently, while both switches provide satisfying auditory sensations, the Lotus leans towards a muted, warm sound, whereas the Strawberry Latte offers a sharper, more pronounced acoustic profile.

Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housings, as both utilize nylon. This similarity ensures that the bottom-out experience when pressing the keys remains consistent between the two models, delivering a deeper and fuller sound similar to their top housings due to the nylon's effective sound absorption properties. As the bottom housing significantly influences the typing feel and sound when fully depressed, the usage of nylon in both switches solidifies a uniformity in this respect. Typists will find that, regardless of the differences in the top housings, the bottom-out effect remains rich and resonant, enhancing the overall typing experience.

Ultimately, the blend of materials leads to different typing characteristics between the two switches. The combination of a nylon bottom housing in both models results in a familiar typing foundation that supports the distinct top housing materials, allowing typists to experience varying auditory signatures when pressing and releasing keys. While the Outemu Lotus adopts a softer, more muted sound with its nylon top housing, the Huano Strawberry Latte introduces a sharper, more vibrant response through its POK top. This contrast emphasizes how the interaction of materials in mechanical switches can create a unique experience, appealing to diverse preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

The Outemu Lotus and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches both exhibit a similar actuation force of 35 grams, making them equally light in terms of triggering a keystroke. This lightweight characteristic can be beneficial for users who engage in long typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to actuate the keys. However, the bottom out forces differ between the two switches, with the Lotus having a bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the Strawberry Latte's 45 grams. This means that while both switches are light to actuate, the Lotus provides a slightly heavier feel when fully pressed down. Users who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Lotus for its increased bottom out resistance, while those who value a smoother and lighter touch might find the Huano Strawberry Latte to be more appealing.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, it becomes clear that the two differ slightly. The Outemu Lotus features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. As a result, the Lotus offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more appealing for gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the longer 3.6 mm travel distance of the Strawberry Latte may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper keystroke, offering a less abrupt experience. Thus, if you're looking for responsive performance, the Lotus would be the preferable choice, whereas if you appreciate a more traditional depth, the Strawberry Latte is likely the better option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Lotus switch remains an enigma, as there are no prominent characteristics mentioned. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch is celebrated for its balanced sound profile. It strikes a middle ground—neither too quiet nor excessively resonant, providing an enjoyable auditory experience without being distracting. However, it's essential to note that the perceived sound can be influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps used alongside the switches.

Regarding feel, the Outemu Lotus switch lacks specific descriptions, leaving its tactile sensations unknown. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte is noted for its exceptional smoothness, making it a pleasure to type on. This smooth performance contributes to a satisfying experience when executing long typing sessions or gaming marathons, setting a high bar for linear switches.

In summary, while the Outemu Lotus switch's qualities remain largely undefined, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch offers a balanced and smooth typing experience. If you are seeking a switch that promises a pleasurable sound and feel, the Strawberry Latte stands out, while the Lotus remains a mystery. As such, potential users may find it challenging to evaluate the Lotus switch fully without more information, whereas the Strawberry Latte provides clear advantages for tactile enthusiasts.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, you'll want to consider your specific preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you prioritize a slightly lighter bottom-out force and are drawn to a super smooth operation with a balanced sound that isn't too quiet or overly resonant, the Strawberry Latte may be the better choice for you. Additionally, the quality of the molds used in the Strawberry Latte contributes to its overall refined typing experience, which could be particularly appealing if you often type for extended periods. On the other hand, if you find yourself unsure about the characteristics of the Lotus or if you haven't had the chance to experience its nuances, keep in mind it also presents a relatively light bottom-out force, making it responsive for keystrokes. While it's not particularly known for specific features like the Strawberry Latte, its performance can still be satisfactory for casual use. Therefore, the decision largely hinges on whether you seek the advanced smoothness and sound profile of the Strawberry Latte or if you're open to the heavier, more general experience offered by the Lotus.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Lotus Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more