Sarokeys BCP vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys BCP and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy contenders are the Sarokeys BCP and Huano Matcha Latte V2, both of which are linear switches, but they cater to different typing preferences and experiences. The Sarokeys BCP, drawing inspiration from the iconic Black Cherry Pies, is celebrated for its unique combination of a creamy tactile feel and a lively, clacky audio signature that enhances the typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 excels in delivering a smooth and subtle linear action, with a balanced lightness that culminates in a satisfying bottom-out feel, appealing to users who prefer a more subdued yet premium typing experience. With the BCP offering a bouncy and engaging interaction and the Matcha Latte V2 presenting a refined and consistent performance, each switch caters to distinct needs. 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
51g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-staged 20mm lengthened spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Sarokeys BCP and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 create distinct characteristics in terms of auditory feedback and tactile experience. The BCP employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings. This classic material lends a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributed to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, thereby producing a rounder acoustic experience. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 features a combination of POK material for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing. While the nylon bottom housing maintains a familiar auditory signature, the POK's nature allows for a smoother actuation and a clackier sound profile, driven by its higher durability and lower coefficient of friction compared to nylon.
The disparity between the top housing materials of the two switches is particularly noteworthy. The POK housing of the Matcha Latte V2 is designed for optimal performance with its enhanced durability and smoothness, setting it apart from the BCP's nylon top housing. POK boasts a resistance 14 times stronger than POM and significantly better shock resistance than nylon, which translates into a more resilient switch overall. The sound profile of the Matcha Latte V2, influenced by the POK material, is likely to be crisper, with a notable 'clack' as the key is released, in comparison to the duller return sound produced by the BCP's solely nylon construction.
Despite these differences, the nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures that they share a core sound profile characterized by fullness and depth. As such, both switches provide a similar sound experience during key presses, particularly during the bottom-out phase, where the impact of the nylon becomes prominent. This commonality suggests that, while the Matcha Latte V2 can excel in certain aspects due to its unique top housing, users who appreciate the acoustic qualities of nylon can find satisfaction in both models. Ultimately, enthusiasts can enjoy a balance of both smooth actuation and rich sound, depending on which switch they choose to utilize.
Weight
When comparing the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force. The BCP features an actuation force of 51 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 has a lower actuation force of 45 grams, which makes it lighter and potentially more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it requires less effort to actuate. However, the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is not provided, rendering a direct comparison regarding bottoming out impossible. As a result, if both switches are brought into play, users can expect a lighter overall typing experience with the Matcha Latte V2, while the BCP provides a heavier and more tactile feel, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial keypress. Therefore, depending on personal preferences, one could opt for the lighter Matcha Latte V2 for comfort or the heavier BCP for a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys BCP linear switch features a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm signifies that the BCP switch is the shorter option, promoting quicker actuation that can be advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced keypress, providing a deeper and more substantial feel while typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference, with the BCP geared towards those who prioritize speed and responsiveness, and the Matcha Latte V2 catering to users who appreciate a fuller keystroke experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Sarokeys BCP has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.85.
The Huano Matcha Latte V2 comes in at $3.99 per 10 switches.
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 it comes to sound, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch boasts a distinctively clacky auditory profile, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound that is both crisp and bright. This clackiness adds an engaging element to typing, enticing users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback from their keystrokes. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2's sound qualities are not explicitly detailed, suggesting that its auditory feedback may be more subdued. However, it's important to note that the overall sound experience is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's design and the choice of keycaps, which can enhance or dampen the sound produced by any switch.
Regarding the feel, the BCP excels with its unique combination of bouncy and creamy sensations. Users can expect a lively, spring-like feedback with each press, complemented by a smooth, buttery glide that makes typing a pleasurable experience. This means that the BCP not only rebounds positively with each keystroke but also allows for effortless transitions across the keyboard. On the other hand, the feel of the Matcha Latte V2 is not described in detail, but its reputation for a smooth, subtle linear experience implies that it provides a more straightforward typing sensation compared to the nuanced and dynamic feel of the BCP.
In summary, while the Sarokeys BCP linear switch provides a distinctly clacky sound and a vibrant tactile experience characterized by both bounciness and creaminess, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches appear to offer a more understated auditory feedback along with a smooth linear feel. Both switches cater to different preferences—those seeking an engaging typing experience filled with auditory and tactile variety may gravitate towards the BCP, while those who appreciate simplicity and smoothness in their keystrokes might find the Matcha Latte V2 more appealing. Regardless of your choice, the qualities of these switches reflect the diverse landscape of mechanical keyboards, ensuring that there's something for everyone based on personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Sarokeys BCP linear switches and Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use case. If you enjoy a lively typing experience with tactile responses, the Sarokeys BCP is an excellent option, offering a unique combination of a bouncy, creamy feel along with a clacky auditory feedback that elevates the typing experience. This makes it especially appealing for those who enjoy the full sensory engagement of typing, whether for gaming or writing long passages. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more subtle typing experience that prioritizes balanced performance and minimal distraction, the Matcha Latte V2 is a strong contender. Its factory lubrication and solid bottom-out feel lend themselves well to prolonged typing sessions, making it suitable for both productivity and leisure without the interruption of pronounced sound. In summary, assess what aspects of switch feel and sound matter most to you, and select accordingly to enhance your overall keyboard experience.