Aflion Blue Sky vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blue Sky 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 switches, two popular options stand out: the Aflion Blue Sky and the Huano Matcha Latte V2, both of which are linear switches. The Blue Sky is celebrated for its long pole stem that provides a clear and refreshing typing experience, characterized by a high-pitched, polished sound profile and an exquisitely smooth push feel. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 offers a subtly different take on linearity, delivering a creamy and bouncy performance with a satisfying balance between lightness and a solid bottom-out feel, coupled with generous factory lubrication that minimizes stem wobble. While the Blue Sky might appeal to those seeking an elevated auditory and tactile experience, the Matcha Latte V2 is ideal for users who value a smooth typing experience without breaking the bank. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials utilized in the Aflion Blue Sky and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches exhibit both distinct characteristics and similarities, which play a crucial role in their respective sound profiles and overall performance. The Aflion Blue Sky features a top housing made of polycarbonate, known for its crisp and clear sound profile. Polycarbonate's rigidity allows it to produce a sharper tone when the switch is actuated, making it an optimal choice for users who appreciate a bright, resonant auditory experience. The material's translucence also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switch, especially when paired with RGB lighting, allowing for vivid illumination to shine through.
In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 employs a top housing crafted from POK material, which excels in smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction lower than some comparable materials and exceptional wear resistance, the POK housing contributes to a clacky sound that is both enjoyable and tactile. While POK does not match the sheer clarity of polycarbonate, its unique composition results in a satisfying type feel and sound, emphasizing a smoother typing experience. Consequently, while the sound profiles differ due to their distinct materials, both switches maintain a quality feel and deliver satisfactory auditory feedback, aligned with their respective design intents.
Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which provide a deeper and more rounded sound profile common to nylon. This similarity in bottom housing leads to a cohesive experience when both switches are bottomed out, as they absorb sound effectively, creating a fuller auditory response. Therefore, while the Aflion Blue Sky and Huano Matcha Latte V2 utilize different materials for their top housings—with polycarbonate offering clarity and POK prioritizing smoothness—the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that users will experience a similarly rich and deep sound when pressing the switches down. Ultimately, the variation in the top materials diverges their sound profiles, yet their nylon bases harmonize the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Blue Sky has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it a medium force switch, while the Matcha Latte V2 is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams. This lighter force can make the Matcha Latte V2 more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to engage each keystroke. However, the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is unknown, while the Blue Sky has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that once bottomed out, the Blue Sky switch requires a stronger push than the Matcha Latte V2, suggesting that users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the heavier Blue Sky switch. In summary, for those seeking a lighter typing experience, the Matcha Latte V2 is the better option, whereas those who appreciate a stronger tactile response might lean towards the Blue Sky switch.
Travel distance
The Aflion Blue Sky linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Blue Sky, with its more traditional travel distance, may provide a sensation of deeper engagement when pressing down on a key, offering a more substantial feel that some users appreciate. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2, with its shorter travel distance, may cater more to gamers or those who prefer quicker response times, making it feel more immediate and less drawn out. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for either a deeper, more deliberate keystroke with the Blue Sky or a faster, more responsive action with the Matcha Latte V2.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Blue Sky has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Sky for $4.07.
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 Aflion Blue Sky linear switch produces a sparkling sound profile characterized by its high-pitched tones. This sharp, crisp sound appeals to users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback without the deeper, bass-heavy tones of some other switches. On the other hand, while the specific sound qualities of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 have not been detailed, it generally falls within a linear category, suggesting a quieter operation compared to tactile or clicky switches. However, the matcha switches can also be expected to provide a neutral sound experience based on their characteristics, making them suitable for office or home use without dominating the acoustic space.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blue Sky offers a polished and mild typing experience, allowing for effortless actuation with a gentle touch. The long pole stem contributes to a refined key travel, reducing friction for smoother performance. Conversely, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 presents a unique combination of bounce and creaminess. The bouncy nature provides an elastic feedback, resulting in a lively typing sensation, while the creamy aspect offers a buttery smoothness that enhances overall user satisfaction. Together, this fusion allows for a delightful interaction with the keys that contrasts with the polished and mild sensation of the Blue Sky switch.
Overall, while both switches excel in their specific ways, the Aflion Blue Sky linear switch is more tailored for those who appreciate a polished and crisp auditory experience along with smooth key travel. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 appeals to users seeking a lively feedback sensation paired with silky smoothness. Ultimately, if you prefer an exciting feel with a balanced sound, either option could satisfy your needs, but they cater to slightly different preferences in the mechanical keyboard landscape.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Aflion Blue Sky and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you appreciate a clear, high-pitched sound and enjoy a medium actuation force of 60 grams, the Blue Sky switch might be the right fit for you, especially if you prefer a polished typing experience with refined key travel and a mildly gentle feedback. This switch is ideal for a crisp and engaging typing experience that still remains approachable, making it a great choice for both casual and prolonged use at work or home. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a smoother, bouncier feel, the Matcha Latte V2 could be more appealing. Its creamy texture and lightweight, elastic feedback provide a fun and lively typing sensation, potentially enhancing your speed and comfort during long typing sessions. This switch is particularly appealing if you value a budget-friendly option without sacrificing premium performance, so consider what aspects of feel and sound are most important to you when making your decision.
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