Are there any major differences between the latex and acrylic modified thinsets? All the literature I can find treats these as a single category of "modified" thinsets but does not go into any detail on how the latex thinset differs from the acrylic. Thanks for any input in advance!

There are dozens of different acrylic and latex formulas but the main difference is quality acrylic polymers are better. They can reduce slake times, mix more consistantly, provide better bond strengths.

First indications of superior thinsets is obviously seen in the pricing. They are usually the most expensive.

Latex mixes require longer mixing times and slaking just to get them to emulsify. Acrylic polymers don't.
Latex works, but is inferior to really good acrylics.

This may be a bit off topic. Laticrete is adding "kevlar" to some of it's products, namely:

Laticrete 255 Multimax
Laticrete 125 Sound and Crack Adhesive

Anyone know why?