HMX Blue Topaz vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the HMX Blue Topaz and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 offer unique attributes that cater to a variety of typing preferences. The Blue Topaz is celebrated for its lightweight and super smooth actuation, making each keystroke a breeze, while its visually appealing glittery housing adds an aesthetic touch alongside a clacky sound signature that provides an engaging auditory feedback. Contrarily, the Matcha Latte V2 focuses on delivering a linear typing experience characterized by a satisfying balance between lightness and a solid bottom-out feel, enhanced further by its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, ensuring a premium performance at an accessible price. While the Blue Topaz might be ideal for those who enjoy an audible and tactile experience, the Matcha Latte V2 caters to users who prefer a quieter, yet still enjoyable typing feel. 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Blue Topaz and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 showcase distinct materials in their construction, particularly concerning their top housings. The Blue Topaz features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This sound clarity is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which allows for a more resonant audio experience—ideal for those looking to enhance the sound quality in their keyboard, especially when using RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 opts for a POK (polyketone) top housing, which contributes to a smooth, clacky sound due to its high coefficient of friction and impressive durability. Although both materials aim to elevate sound quality, they do so in different ways; polycarbonate provides that bright clarity, whereas POK aims for smoothness and durability.
When we shift our focus to the bottom housings, the comparison becomes more straightforward as both the Blue Topaz and the Matcha Latte V2 utilize nylon for their respective bottom housings. Nylon is renowned for delivering a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, effectively absorbing impact and producing a rounder sound. This shared material characteristic means that regardless of the differences in their top housings, both switches will share a similar tactile experience when it comes to bottoming out. The nylon's sound absorption plays a significant role in providing a cohesive feel during typing, offering a more muted sound that appeals to those favoring a softer auditory feedback.
Ultimately, while the HMX Blue Topaz and Huano Matcha Latte V2 leverage different materials for their top housings, allowing them to create distinct sound profiles, they converge in their use of nylon for the bottom housing, ensuring a consistent auditory experience upon keystrokes. This combination indicates that even with differing top housing materials, users can expect a similar depth of sound and tactile feedback during key presses. The blend of polycarbonate and POK at the top contributes to an engaging and varied auditory landscape, while the nylon bottom guarantees that the overall typing experience remains rich and full. Hence, keyboard enthusiasts can find enjoyment in the nuances of sound profiles while still relying on the consistent performance associated with nylon.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, we can see some notable differences in their actuation force, although the bottom out force of the Matcha Latte V2 remains unknown. The Blue Topaz has an actuation force of 40 grams, making it the lighter option, which can be advantageous for users who prefer to type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions without experiencing fatigue. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 has a higher actuation force of 45 grams, catering to users who enjoy a firmer push feel for a more substantial typing experience. While the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte is not provided, the Blue Topaz bottoms out at 48 grams, indicating a clear sense of completion when pressed down fully. Overall, users looking for a lighter and more forgiving switch may prefer the HMX Blue Topaz, while those seeking a heavier and potentially more tactile experience may gravitate towards the Huano Matcha Latte V2, despite the unknown bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Blue Topaz features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Matcha Latte V2 has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Matcha Latte V2 the more responsive option, ideal for gamers who favor quicker response times. On the other hand, the Blue Topaz, with its longer travel distance, offers a fuller and deeper feel, which may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference—whether one values speed and responsiveness or a more substantial keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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
The sound profile of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is characterized by its clacky nature, which creates a sharp and snappy auditory response during typing. This crisp and bright sound signature adds an enjoyable sensory dimension to the typing experience, contributing to a more engaging atmosphere when using the keyboard. On the other hand, the sound qualities of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 remain unspecified, making it challenging to draw direct comparisons. However, the overall sound experience can vary significantly based on the keyboard construction and choice of keycaps, meaning that either switch could potentially be paired with components that influence the audio output positively.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Blue Topaz stands out for its easy-to-press characteristic. This means that it requires minimal force to activate, allowing for fluid and effortless typing, which is ideal for extended sessions without contributing to finger fatigue. The Matcha Latte V2 also shares a reputation for smooth actuation and a balanced feel between lightness and solid bottom-out feedback due to its factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble. Although specific descriptors for the Matcha Latte V2 are not provided, the overall description suggests a premium typing experience that matches the pleasant feel described in the Blue Topaz.
In conclusion, both the HMX Blue Topaz and Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches offer unique yet satisfying typing experiences. The Blue Topaz brings a delightful clacky sound along with an easy-to-press feel that facilitates comfortable typing. While the Matcha Latte V2's sound qualities are not discussed, its smooth and balanced feel suggests it could also provide a high-quality typing experience, albeit potentially with a different auditory character. Newcomers can expect that, despite the differences, both switches are crafted to enhance the user's typing journey through smooth actuation and satisfying feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you lean towards a lively and engaging typing experience, the Blue Topaz is the ideal candidate, thanks to its light bottom-out force of 48 grams and its distinct clacky sound profile that adds an enjoyable auditory layer to your keystrokes. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who prioritize a breezy, light feel while typing, reducing finger fatigue during long sessions. On the other hand, if you favor a more subtle and refined typing experience, the Matcha Latte V2 is an excellent option. Its smooth action, premium linear performance, and solid bottom-out feel offer a satisfying balance, enhanced by generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, which contributes to a quieter and more focused environment. Ultimately, if you're someone who enjoys the auditory feedback and lightness of typing, you may prefer the Blue Topaz, while those who value a more understated and smooth sensation might gravitate towards the Matcha Latte V2. Choose based on what enhances your typing comfort and enjoyment the most.
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