Huano Acacia vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, one might consider the Huano Acacia and the Huano Matcha Latte V2, both of which are linear switches designed to enhance the typing experience. The Acacia is renowned for its medium-light weight and excellent factory lubrication, providing a satisfying feel right out of the box, perfect for those who prioritize effortless keystrokes and minimal stem wobble. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 offers a smooth and subtle linear typing experience, blending lightness with a solid bottom-out feel, catering to users who seek a balance between a gentle touch and tactile feedback. Both switches deliver premium linear performance, making them appealing options for typists and gamers alike. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Acacia Linear

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$3.39 per 10

$3.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The Huano Acacia and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 differ notably in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their sound profiles and overall performance. The Acacia utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material praised for its stiffness that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This clarity is enhanced by polycarbonate's translucency, making it an excellent choice for RGB lighting effects. Conversely, the Matcha Latte V2 incorporates POK (polyketone) in its top housing, known for its superior smoothness and durability. While POK offers a different sonic quality that results in smooth, clacky sounds, it compromises slightly on the high-pitch clarity seen with polycarbonate. This fundamental difference signals that even though both switch types may yield a pleasing aural experience, the character of that experience varies based on the distinct properties of the top housing materials.

When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Huano Acacia and Huano Matcha Latte V2 share the same material: nylon. This consistency means that, when it comes to producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, both switches will perform similarly in this respect. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder sound quality that is less harsh than that produced by harder plastics. Since the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, users can expect a consistent and satisfying experience when actuating these switches, regardless of their top housing differences.

In summary, the contrasting top housing materials between the Huano Acacia and Huano Matcha Latte V2 lead to distinct sound characteristics, while their shared nylon bottom housing ensures a common auditory foundation. The polycarbonate top of the Acacia reinforces clarity and brightness in sound, whereas the POK top of the Matcha Latte V2 focuses more on smoothness and durability. However, both switches' ability to provide a fuller tonal experience remains consistent due to the shared nylon bottom, allowing users to enjoy a deep, rich sound irrespective of their choice. This interplay between the materials exemplifies how varied sound signatures can arise from different combinations while maintaining certain core qualities.

Weight

The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch offer interesting comparisons in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the Acacia has a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial feedback when the key is fully pressed, while the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is currently unknown. This means that while the Acacia may feel firmer upon bottoming out—giving it a slightly heavier overall feel—the lack of bottom out data for the Matcha Latte V2 leaves its full typing experience in question. If the bottom out forces were comparable, users might find similar experiences between the two switches; however, with the Acacia being confirmed as medium-light and the Matcha with an unspecified bottom out force, the Acacia is the clearer choice for those who value a defined tactile response.

Travel distance

The Huano Acacia linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of just 0.1 mm means that the Acacia will provide a slightly more responsive feel, making it a better choice for gamers who prefer quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Matcha Latte V2, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience and prefer the feeling of depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, if you're looking for faster response times, the Acacia might be ideal, whereas if you prefer a more substantial keystroke, the Matcha Latte V2 would likely suit your needs better.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch is relatively quiet, making it suitable for environments where noise may be a concern. Its well-lubricated internals contribute to a muted, pleasant sound profile that avoids harsh pinging or clacking noises, delivering a smooth acoustic experience. The Huano Matcha Latte V2, while also designed for minimal sound, emphasizes a subtle linear typing experience, which means its acoustic output is similarly subdued. Both switches are engineered to ensure a relatively silent operation, but the final sound profile will also depend on the specific keyboard construction and keycap choice.

When it comes to feel, the Huano Acacia linear switch provides a medium-light weight that balances responsiveness with control, offering a satisfying typing experience right out of the box. The generous factory lubrication enhances the smoothness of the keystroke, while the minimal stem wobble aids in a solid and consistent feel. On the other hand, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 also boasts a smooth linear feel, characterized by a gratifying balance of lightness and a robust bottom-out sensation. Much like the Acacia, its factory lubrication ensures a silky typing experience, and the minimal stem wobble contributes to an overall premium feel.

In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and Matcha Latte V2 linear switches provide excellent typing experiences with their smoothness, lubrication, and minimal wobble. While the Acacia leans slightly towards a quieter sound profile, the Matcha Latte V2 offers its own subtlety in sound, making them well-suited for users seeking a soft and tranquil typing environment. As both options deliver satisfying tactile responses and overall quality, newcomers can expect positive results from either choice based on their preferences in sound and feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, consider your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a medium-light switch that provides a solid and consistent feel right out of the box, the Acacia is an excellent choice. Its thoughtful design offers a balanced typing experience, making it well-suited for both typing and gaming, especially if you appreciate a switch that doesn't require extensive modification. On the other hand, if you’re seeking a switch that emphasizes smoothness and a satisfying bottom-out feel, the Matcha Latte V2 delivers a premium linear experience at an accessible price. It’s particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a slightly lighter touch with an effortless typing experience, enhancing both comfort and speed. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on what qualities resonate most with your typing style—whether it's the solid consistency of the Acacia or the smooth, light experience of the Matcha Latte V2.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

Learn more

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$3.99 per 10

Learn more