Huano Sakura vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Huano Sakura and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Huano Sakura and the Durock White Lotus can greatly influence your typing experience. The Huano Sakura switches are known for their feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making them a superb option for long typing sessions where comfort is key. Their linear design ensures a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump, offering a fluid typing experience that some users prefer for rapid key presses and gaming. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus switches provide a gentle tactile feedback, delivering a satisfying yet subtle response that caters to those who enjoy the feeling of a slight bump while typing. These switches not only enhance your typing experience but also include a removable light column that allows for dynamic RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to your setup. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Sakura prioritizing lightness and smoothness, while the White Lotus emphasizes a tactile sensation and aesthetic vibrancy. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
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
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Huano Sakura and Durock White Lotus switches exhibit both distinct differences and notable similarities. The Sakura's top housing is made from POK (polyketone), a material recognized for its smoothness and high durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it provides a slick feel that enhances the typing experience, while also being significantly more durable than traditional materials such as Nylon and POM, boasting exceptional wear and shock resistance. Conversely, the White Lotus features a modified blend of PC (polycarbonate) and UPE, which, while also engineered for premium performance, does not mention specific friction properties. This distinction suggests that while both switches aim for a high-quality feel, the Sakura’s POK may offer a marginally smoother and more robust typing experience due to its superior friction and durability characteristics.
On the other hand, both switches utilize Nylon for their bottom housing, which gives them a shared acoustic and tactile quality. Nylon’s reputation as a classic material in switch manufacturing is well-deserved; it is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and ability to absorb sound. This trait contributes to a satisfying typing experience that many users appreciate. Since the bottom housing material is identical in both the Sakura and White Lotus switches, one can expect a similar sound signature when bottoming out the keys, further enhancing the overall acoustic performance of either switch.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials leads to a diversified experience between the two models. The impact of the POK top housing of the Sakura is likely to yield a snappier release and a distinct sound when lifting off the keys, attributing to the typing experience's overall clackiness. In contrast, the modified PC & UPE blend of the White Lotus, while premium, may bring about a different acoustic profile upon release. Together, these aspects illustrate how the unique characteristics of each top housing material will influence the resulting sound and feel during interaction, while the shared nylon bottom ensures that both switches deliver a resonant and satisfying conclusion in their keystrokes.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, distinct differences emerge in their characteristics. The Sakura switch features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for prolonged use, such as typing at work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the White Lotus switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. While both switches offer a relatively enjoyable typing experience, the Sakura switch is the lighter option, providing a softer touch, while the White Lotus is medium-light, offering a more defined resistance. Ultimately, those seeking a lighter switch would find the Huano Sakura more suitable, whereas those favoring a firmer press might gravitate towards the Durock White Lotus.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we find that they differ significantly. The Huano Sakura has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock White Lotus features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Sakura switch offers a shorter and potentially more responsive pressing experience, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the White Lotus, with its deeper travel distance, could provide a more tactile and satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a hearty feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding speed versus depth in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, distinct differences emerge between the two. The Sakura is designed to offer medium acoustics, providing a balanced sound that is not too harsh or too quiet, making it a reasonable choice for those who type for extended periods. On the other hand, the White Lotus is characterized by a low-pitched sound profile that leans towards a bass-heavy and mellow tone, complemented by a neutral sound signature. This neutrality makes it versatile for various environments, ideal for both beginners and advanced users. Although both switches are tailored for quiet operation, personal preference for sound characteristics may lead to a preference for one over the other.
In terms of feel, the Huano Sakura switch delivers a feather-light touch, promoting a fluid and effortless typing experience that is especially favorable for prolonged use. Conversely, the Durock White Lotus switch offers an easy-to-press mechanism with gentle resistance, which requires minimal force to actuate. The mild and subtle characteristics of the White Lotus provide a comfortable tactile sensation without overwhelming the user, allowing for a gentle typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue. While both switches are geared toward comfort during extended typing sessions, the Sakura tends to emphasize lightness, whereas the White Lotus balances gentle tactility with an engaging tactile response.
In summation, the Huano Sakura and Durock White Lotus switches both cater to typists looking for comfortable, prolonged use, yet they do so through different approaches. The Sakura’s medium acoustics and feather-light feel promote effortless typing, ideal for those who prioritize smooth key presses. In contrast, the White Lotus’s low-pitched sound and gentle tactility appeal to those who appreciate a light yet responsive experience without overwhelming sensory feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to personal preference for sound and feel, as both are excellent options for a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and the environments in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you find yourself leaning towards an exceptionally light touch and enjoy a quieter experience, the Sakura switches may be your ideal pick, especially for long typing sessions where comfort is paramount. Their lighter 45-gram bottom-out force provides an effortless typing experience, making them great for those who prioritize speed and minimal fatigue. On the other hand, if you value a gentle tactile feedback that provides a satisfying yet subtle sensation, the Durock White Lotus switches could be the better choice for you. With a slightly higher bottom-out force and low-pitched sound profile, these switches offer a refined typing experience that balances responsiveness and comfort, making them suitable for both professional settings and casual use. Furthermore, their capability to support vibrant RGB lighting allows you to customize your aesthetic while enjoying a low-impact typing feel. In essence, consider the nature of your activities and choose the switch that will enhance your overall typing experience to suit your needs.
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