Durock Black Lotus vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the Durock Black Lotus and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 present compelling options, each with its unique qualities suited to different typing preferences. The Durock Black Lotus stands out with its silky smooth feel and a precision-engineered design that minimizes housing and stem wobble, providing an exceptional typing experience. With a moderate actuation weight of 55g, it strikes a balance that appeals to typists who seek a refined touch without excessive resistance. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 offers a more subtle yet equally satisfying linear typing experience, characterized by its generous factory lubrication and a solid bottom-out feel, making it an appealing choice for users searching for excellent linear performance at an affordable price. While the Black Lotus entices with its unique in-switch lighting and polished attributes, the Matcha Latte V2 impresses with its accessibility and premium feel without breaking the bank. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your personal typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Huano Matcha Latte V2, notable differences and similarities emerge. The Durock Black Lotus features a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UPE) for its top housing, creating a unique tactile experience. This material is known for its premium feel, allowing for an enjoyable typing experience, while also contributing to a distinct sound profile upon key release. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 boasts a top housing made from polyketone (POK), a material celebrated for its smoothness due to its low coefficient of friction of 0.04. The POK's durability outshines many traditional materials, making it an exceptional choice for longevity and a premium feel, although it delivers a slightly different acoustic quality compared to the Black Lotus.
Both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, which is a common choice but has its shared benefits, particularly when it comes to sound. The nylon used in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more noise than harder plastics. This uniformity in bottom housing materials means that users will experience similar acoustic outcomes when bottoming out on either switch. However, the contrasting top housing materials will influence the sound characteristics experienced upon releasing the keys, wherein the Black Lotus may present a sharper and more defined release sound due to its PC-UPE blend, while the Matcha Latte V2's POK top may yield a smoother, albeit more muted sound.
In conclusion, while the Durock Black Lotus and Huano Matcha Latte V2 differ in their top housing materials—PC and UPE blend versus POK—their shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches produce a rich, rounded bottom-out sound profile. The individual properties of the top housings will ultimately shape the overall typing experience, with the Black Lotus leaning towards a more premium and responsive feel, while the Matcha Latte V2 offers unparalleled durability and smoothness. Thus, even with the differing materials, both switches can provide satisfying key feedback and performance, appealing to users in search of quality mechanical keyboard experiences.
Weight
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch present notable differences in their actuation forces, which will impact the overall typing experience. The Black Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel that may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, suggesting a gentler touch that could be more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is unspecified, making direct comparisons in that regard challenging. Overall, while the Black Lotus is heavier and may provide a firmer keystroke, the Matcha Latte V2 offers a weight advantage, making it potentially more suitable for those who favor lighter switches for long periods of use.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference highlights the contrasting experiences these switches offer: the Black Lotus provides a more pronounced feel with its longer travel, making it ideal for users who enjoy the depth of each keypress. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2, with its shorter 3.6 mm travel, caters to gamers or users who prefer quicker response times and a more abrupt actuation. Therefore, if you prioritize a more responsive experience, the Matcha Latte V2 would be your better choice, while those who favor a fuller press should opt for the Black Lotus.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black 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 Black Lotus for $4.57.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Black Lotus switch is characterized by a quiet yet refined profile, producing a gentle thock upon bottoming out, which contributes to a pleasant acoustic experience without being overly loud. This makes it suitable for both office environments and home setups where noise levels are a consideration. The Huano Matcha Latte V2 switch, on the other hand, offers a similarly subdued sound signature, delivering a subtle thock that shares a close resemblance to the Black Lotus. While exact sound characteristics can vary based on the keyboard's construction and the keycap material, both switches are designed to provide a softer auditory feedback, making them appealing for users who prefer a quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Black Lotus switch stands out with its silky and buttery smoothness, making each keystroke feel effortlessly smooth. The minimal housing and stem wobble, combined with its mild actuation force of 55g, creates a highly enjoyable typing experience that is both secure and gentle. The Matcha Latte V2 switch also excels in this area, providing a polished typing sensation with a solid bottom-out feel that rivals the Black Lotus. It features generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, which enhances its smoothness and overall performance. Both switches cater to users looking for a refined touch, showcasing their premium build quality and superior typing experiences.
In conclusion, both the Durock Black Lotus and Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches offer exceptional qualities that make them suitable choices for newcomers to mechanical keyboards. They share similar sound profiles, providing a quiet yet satisfying auditory feedback, while also boasting smooth, refined feels that cater to users seeking that perfect linear switch experience. Ultimately, whichever switch you choose will depend on your specific preferences, but rest assured that both options promise a high level of performance and comfort.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and what aspects of a switch you value most. If you prioritize a smooth, luxurious typing experience with a notable weight to every keystroke, the Black Lotus stands out with its silky feel and polished finish. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams provides a sense of control and precision that's ideal for typists who enjoy a bit more resistance and a solid feedback when typing. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch without sacrificing performance, the Matcha Latte V2 presents an exceptional option. Known for its factory lubrication and subtle linear experience, this switch allows for effortless typing that feels both accessible and satisfying. Ultimately, if you appreciate a rich sound profile combined with a high level of craftsmanship, the Black Lotus will likely meet your expectations. But if you seek a wallet-friendly switch that still delivers on smoothness and reliability, the Matcha Latte V2 will serve you well. Consider what matters most to you, and you'll find the right fit for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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