There’s something about tiny desk upgrades that spark joy, and this year for the Chinese / Lunar New Year celebration, that came in the form of Hong Mei Mao, an artisan keycap by teas_factory!
If you’ve been following my posts, this is actually my second keycap from teas_factory The first was Sakura the Cow Artisan Keycap, which I picked up about a year ago.
First Impressions: Orange Goodness Everywhere
Hong Mei Mao is a vibrant, festive combination of an orange and a cat that instantly feels like Lunar New Year. Her color and texture resemble a mandarin orange, the kind that is traditionally exchanged during the New Year as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune. The surface features subtle grooves that mimic the natural dimpling of a mandarin orange’s peel, which adds such a thoughtful level of detail to the design. It’s playful, intentional, and culturally fitting.
Hong Mei Mao clearly leans into that mandarin aesthetic with cute cat features. She's round, festive and symbolic.
And while we are on the topic of oranges... let's side track a bit on what’s the difference between a mandarin and a regular orange. Mandarin oranges are typically smaller, sweeter, and much easier to peel than the larger, thicker-skinned oranges many people associate with juicing. Their segments separate more cleanly, and they’re commonly eaten fresh; especially during festive seasons.
Mikan are actually a variety of mandarin, popular in Japan. They’re seedless, very sweet, and known for their loose, easy-to-remove skin. So while all mikans are mandarins, not all mandarins are mikans, and both differ from the standard larger orange.
Hong Mei Mao features tiny cat ears perched on top, along with the cutest little kitty face and delicate whiskers. The expression is subtle but full of personality. It’s this fusion of fruit and feline that makes the design feel so unique.
She's the perfect Vitamin C(ute) boost for any desk and day!
And while we are on the topic of oranges... let's side track a bit on what’s the difference between a mandarin and a regular orange. Mandarin oranges are typically smaller, sweeter, and much easier to peel than the larger, thicker-skinned oranges many people associate with juicing. Their segments separate more cleanly, and they’re commonly eaten fresh; especially during festive seasons.
Mikan are actually a variety of mandarin, popular in Japan. They’re seedless, very sweet, and known for their loose, easy-to-remove skin. So while all mikans are mandarins, not all mandarins are mikans, and both differ from the standard larger orange.
A Cat With Character
Hong Mei Mao features tiny cat ears perched on top, along with the cutest little kitty face and delicate whiskers. The expression is subtle but full of personality. It’s this fusion of fruit and feline that makes the design feel so unique.
She's the perfect Vitamin C(ute) boost for any desk and day!
The Unboxing Experience
Unboxing her was genuinely such a fun experience!
She arrived wrapped in protective packaging, including the kind of foam netting typically used for fruits. It was such an adorable and on-theme detail ever, and made the whole experience feel cohesive and thoughtfully presented.
I also loved the handwritten note and little stickers included in the package. Small touches like that make supporting artisan creators feel personal rather than transactional.
For those curious about pricing: Hong Mei Mao was S$36, with S$2 for local Singapore delivery. Once shipped, she arrived within two working days.
Matte or Shiny?
Hong Mei Mao was available in both matte and shiny finishes, and I opted for the shiny version because… why not?
The glossy surface enhances that vibrant orange and gives it a slightly more festive glow under lighting. It catches just enough light to stand out without being overpowering.
Hong Mei Mao isn’t just a seasonal keycap, she’s a tiny statement piece with just the right amount of orange and cuteness.
The glossy surface enhances that vibrant orange and gives it a slightly more festive glow under lighting. It catches just enough light to stand out without being overpowering.
Conclusion
As someone who already owns Sakura the Cow from teas_factory, I can confidently say their artisan keycaps have a distinct charm. There’s personality in each piece, and the designs feel cohesive without being repetitive.Hong Mei Mao isn’t just a seasonal keycap, she’s a tiny statement piece with just the right amount of orange and cuteness.
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