Durock Blue Lotus vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus 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 popular options stand out: the Durock Blue Lotus and the Huano Matcha Latte V2. The Blue Lotus, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its striking blend of tactile intensity and quick responsiveness, boasting a shorter travel distance of 3.7mm that enhances its snappy feel. It not only provides a satisfying typing experience but also features a detachable light column that elevates its aesthetic appeal with vibrant RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Matcha Latte V2 offers a smooth and subtle linear typing experience, striking a perfect balance between lightness and a solid bottom-out feel. With its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, it ensures a premium linear performance without breaking the bank. While the Blue Lotus is ideal for those who crave tactile feedback and visual flair, the Matcha Latte V2 appeals to users who prefer a seamless and uninterrupted keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Huano Matcha Latte V2, it becomes clear that both switches employ a unique approach to their top housings while using a consistent bottom housing material—nylon—in both cases. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC (polycarbonate) and UPE (ultra-high performance engineered plastic) blend for its top housing. This combination results in a premium feel, creating a smooth actuation that is characteristic of high-quality switches. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 utilizes POK (polyketone) as its top housing material, renowned for its exceptional smoothness and strength. With a lower coefficient of friction compared to typical materials, the POK top of the Matcha Latte V2 promises quick, responsive key presses, making it one of the smoothest options available.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both the Durock Blue Lotus and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 share the same nylon bottom housing. Nylon is well-regarded in the mechanical keyboard community for its ability to contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This softness enables the nylon housing to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounded acoustic quality during typing. Since both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, the bottom-out sound and feel will exhibit a very similar richness, making the auditory experience of typing on both switches quite alike.
Ultimately, while the top housing materials of the two switches differ, the shared nylon bottom housing provides a common foundation that enhances the overall typing experience. The variances in sound produced while releasing a key will be influenced by the respective top housing materials, with the Blue Lotus's modified PC & UPE blend potentially offering a different acoustic character compared to the Matcha Latte V2's POK. However, the impact of the nylon bottom housing creates a unifying characteristic that promises a pleasant typing experience, delivering a satisfying, deeper sound profile regardless of the top shell's material. This combination offers users a harmonious blend of durability and sound quality, whether they favor the premium touch of the Blue Lotus or the smooth responsiveness of the Matcha Latte V2.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force. The Blue Lotus has a firmer actuation force of 55 grams, contributing to a more substantial typing experience favored by users who prefer a heavier switch. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, which is ideal for extended typing sessions, making it more comfortable for everyday use and gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 remains unspecified, while the Blue Lotus has a bottom out force of 65 grams, further emphasizing its medium-heavy feel. Therefore, for those who favor a lighter switch for long-term comfort, the Matcha Latte V2 is the preferable choice, whereas those who enjoy a stronger push should opt for the heavier Blue Lotus.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, there is a slight difference worth noting. The Blue Lotus features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Matcha Latte V2 has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Blue Lotus the preferred choice for those who favor a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes, which can provide a more satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the Matcha Latte V2, being the shorter switch, may appeal to gamers or users seeking quicker response times, as the reduced travel distance may facilitate faster actuation. Both switches offer a departure from the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance, aligning with the contemporary trend towards shorter actuation mechanisms. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue 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 Blue 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switches deliver a distinctive, bassy tone with each keystroke. This deeper sound profile not only adds an enjoyable auditory element to typing but can also create a more immersive experience, particularly for users who appreciate the auditory feedback of their switches. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches have no specific sound characteristics documented, which suggests they may produce a quieter, more muted sound than the Blue Lotus. However, it's important to note that the overall sound can be influenced by additional factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap material, meaning sound results could vary between the two switches.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switches shine with their accented tactile feedback, delivering a pronounced, yet not overpowering tactile experience. Their snappy nature enhances this feel, allowing for rapid key presses that contribute to an energetic typing experience. Additionally, the stepped characteristics of the Blue Lotus provide a unique two-stage sensation throughout the keystroke, making for a stimulating and engaging interaction with the keyboard. Conversely, the Matcha Latte V2 switches are known for their smooth and subtle linear feel, boasting generous factory lubrication that minimizes stem wobble. This results in a seamless typing experience, promoting a consistent bottom-out feel that can be quite satisfying, especially for those who prefer linear switches.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switches offer a more pronounced sound and tactile feedback, with snappiness and depth that can enhance the typing experience for users who enjoy tactile interactions. Meanwhile, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches provide a smooth linear action focused on a subtle yet satisfying performance. Both switches cater to different typing preferences, so the choice will ultimately depend on whether one values tactile feedback and a deeper sound or a smooth, linear experience. Regardless of your choice, both switches deliver quality performance that can meet the needs of various users in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, your decision should largely depend on your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a more tactile experience with pronounced feedback, the Blue Lotus is a fantastic choice. Its medium-heavy actuation and snappy response make it ideal for typists who appreciate the combination of both tactile intensity and a quick feel, particularly when it comes to typing tasks that benefit from clear keystroke engagement, such as touch typing or coding. Additionally, the bassy sound profile adds depth to your typing experience, enhancing the overall ambiance, especially for those who enjoy the rhythm of their typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience with minimal resistance, the Matcha Latte V2 is the way to go. Though it has a notably light feel, it emphasizes a linear switch's seamlessness, making it perfect for gaming or extended typing sessions where fatigue may be a concern. The factory lubrication and reduced stem wobble further enhance its smoothness, granting a premium feel without being taxing on your fingers. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your goals: whether you seek engaging tactile feedback or a buttery-smooth linear performance, both options will serve you well in different contexts.
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