Huano Strawberry Latte vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often hinges on personal preferences regarding typing feel and sound profile. The Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes, making it a delight for those who prioritize a swift and fluid typing experience. With a balanced sound that avoids both excessive noise and dull muteness, it caters well to gamers and typists seeking an uninterrupted flow. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers a unique experience with its gentle tactile feedback, perfect for individuals who relish a bit of responsiveness while typing. Designed for comfort during prolonged use, its light tactility helps maintain focus without overwhelming the senses, and the added benefit of vibrant RGB illumination elevates the aesthetic of any keyboard setup. Both switches present compelling reasons for selection, whether you lean towards the smoothness of linear switches or the subtle feedback of tactile options. 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
40g
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
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Durock White Lotus, significant differences emerge in their top housing components, while both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material. The Strawberry Latte utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, a material known for its incredibly low coefficient of friction and remarkable durability. With a wear resistance 14 times stronger than POM and shock resistance that exceeds Nylon by 2.3 times, POK contributes to a smooth, clacky switch feel, ideal for users seeking enhanced performance and longevity in their typing experience. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus employs a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and UPE for its top housing, which offers a premium tactile experience, highlighting the quality of the switch without emphasizing the same level of shock resistance as POK.
Despite the differences in their top housings, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, providing similar sound characteristics during use. Nylon is celebrated for its softer texture, which absorbs sound efficiently, creating a deeper and fuller acoustic profile. The profound impact of the nylon bottom housing contributes to a muted sound as users type, enhancing the overall sensory experience of both switches. This alignment in bottom housing materials allows both the Strawberry Latte and the White Lotus to deliver a distinctly warm and rounded sound, even if the tactile and auditory responses of the top housings may differ dramatically.
In terms of overall performance, the distinctive qualities of the top housing materials significantly shape the switches' attributes when pressed. While the Strawberry Latte benefits from the advanced properties of POK, leading to a more refined and responsive feel when keys are released, the Durock White Lotus offers a balance of unique tactile sensations and a premium touch through its modified PC and UPE blend. However, both switches share common ground with their nylon bottom housings, ensuring users who enjoy a deeper and richer typing experience will find satisfaction no matter which switch they choose. This combination of housing materials plays a crucial role in the overall sound profile and feel of each switch, ultimately influencing the typing experience without sacrificing quality.
Weight
The Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch differ notably in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Strawberry Latte boasts a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for individuals who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the White Lotus features a higher actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This makes the White Lotus more suitable for users who appreciate a firmer, more substantial feel while typing. Consequently, if you're someone who enjoys a lighter switch for longer durations, the Strawberry Latte would be preferable, while those seeking a stronger push experience would lean towards the White Lotus.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Huano Strawberry Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock White Lotus measures at 4 mm. This makes the Strawberry Latte the shorter switch, appealing to those who favor a more responsive feel, ideal for gamers looking for quicker actuation. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus, with its longer travel distance, provides a more substantial keypress experience that some users may find more satisfying for typing or general use. Thus, if you prefer a more abrupt response, the Strawberry Latte might be the better choice; however, if you value a deeper and more deliberate keystroke, the White Lotus would be more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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
In terms of sound, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch is characterized by a balanced profile, offering a typing experience that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant. This makes it a versatile option in a variety of environments. The Durock White Lotus, on the other hand, produces a low-pitched sound that is mellower and bass-heavy, complemented by a neutral characteristic that provides a moderate and consistent sound profile. Both switches emphasize a sound that is appropriate for workplace settings, catering to typists who may require a quieter yet satisfying auditory experience while typing.
Regarding feel, the Strawberry Latte switch provides a super smooth typing experience, facilitating effortless keystrokes ideal for those who favor linear switches. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus switches offer a light tactile sensation with gentle resistance, making them incredibly easy to press. This switch is specially designed to minimize finger fatigue during extensive typing sessions, providing a comfortable and approachable experience for all users. While the Strawberry Latte is known for its smoothness, the White Lotus's mild tactile feedback strikes a pleasing balance for those who enjoy a bit of feel without aggressive resistance.
Overall, both the Huano Strawberry Latte and the Durock White Lotus switches cater to different preferences while focusing on smooth and comfortable typing experiences, optimal for both casual and professional use. The Strawberry Latte excels in delivering a smooth linear action with a balanced sound, while the White Lotus combines light tactility with vibrant RGB effects and a soothing auditory presence. Depending on personal preferences for tactile feedback and typing experience, both switches can provide satisfying outcomes, whether you're looking for an ultra-smooth keystroke or a gentle tactile response.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch hinges primarily on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you prefer a lightweight switch that provides a super smooth feel and a balanced sound profile, the Strawberry Latte is ideal for you, especially if you lean towards gaming or casual typing sessions where speed and responsiveness are key. Its lower actuation force of 45 grams allows for swift key presses, making it perfect for high-paced environments. Conversely, if you find satisfaction in a tactile experience with a bit more feedback, the Durock White Lotus is your go-to option. With its 56 grams of bottom-out force, it offers a gentle tactile bump that can enhance your typing experience without overwhelming you, making it particularly suitable for work or prolonged typing sessions. The White Lotus also shines with its low-pitched sound profile, providing a more mellow auditory experience, and it accommodates stunning RGB lighting, adding a captivating aesthetic to your keyboard. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you value a smooth, lightweight touch or a tactility that supports your focus and engagement during long typing bouts.
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