Akko Botany vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany 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, two compelling options come to the forefront: the Akko Botany and the Huano Matcha Latte V2, both classified as linear switches yet offering distinctly different experiences. The Akko Botany switch is celebrated for its crisp, lively clacky sound, making it an enticing choice for enthusiasts who enjoy a more acoustic typing experience. On the other hand, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches provide a smooth and subtle linear typing experience characterized by their balance of lightness and a satisfying solid bottom-out feel. With generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, the Matcha Latte V2 positions itself as a premium yet accessible option for those seeking straightforward linear performance. While each switch offers unique benefits catering to different preferences—be it auditory feedback or a silky typing sensation—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that will enhance your typing experience.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon Pro
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
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Huano Matcha Latte V2, it's important to note the differences between their top housings while recognizing their similarities in bottom housings. The Botany utilizes a nylon top housing, which is well-known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This softer material is adept at absorbing sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 features a POK top housing, which is highly regarded for its smoothness, durability, and strength. With a slightly higher coefficient of friction, POK still allows for a clacky sound but brings a different texture to the tactile experience, emphasizing speed and response.
On the bottom housing front, both switches employ nylon as their material of choice, creating a consistent auditory experience. The nylon bottom housing in both the Botany and Matcha Latte V2 delivers the same deeper sound profile characterized by its ability to absorb sound effectively. Since both switches share this bottom housing material, users can expect a similarity in the bottom-out sound and overall feel while typing. This shared aspect allows the Botany's softer sound qualities to shine through even more distinctly, while the Matcha Latte V2 maintains the balance of smooth and clacky feedback, creating a reliable experience in terms of sound.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend largely on user preference for tactile feedback and acoustic profile. While the Botany offers a consistently warm and rounded sound signature thanks to its nylon top housing, the Matcha Latte V2 introduces a more dynamic sound with its POK top housing, leading to potentially richer variations in the typing experience. However, since both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, typists will appreciate the familiar qualities in sound and feel when they bottom out, thus making it evident that both switches, despite their top housing differences, can still yield similar results in terms of overall auditory engagement when in use.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force. The Botany switch has an actuation force of 38 grams, making it a lighter option that is well-suited for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 requires a stronger actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel in their keystrokes. Regarding bottom out force, the Botany's bottom out force is 45 grams, indicating that it offers a consistent and reliable tactile response when fully pressed down. Meanwhile, the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 remains unknown, leaving a gap in the comparison. However, based on the known actuation forces, users seeking a lighter feel would gravitate towards the Akko Botany, while those who enjoy a heavier push should consider the Huano Matcha Latte V2.
Travel distance
The Akko Botany linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable feel when pressing down on the keys of both switches, resulting in similar actuation responses and typing experiences. Since both switches share the same travel distance, users will find that both provide a consistent key press depth, which can contribute to a uniform feel across different keyboards that utilize these switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Botany has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Botany for $3.11.
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 Akko Botany switches produce a crisp and lively clacky noise that is pleasing and engaging straight out of the box. The distinct auditory feedback can add a sense of satisfaction during typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches offer a more subdued linear sound, delivering a smooth and less prominent audible feedback. While the Botany's sound is vibrant and expressive, the Matcha Latte V2 maintains a quieter profile, which may appeal to those who prefer a more understated typing experience. However, it's important to note that the overall sound produced can vary significantly depending on the specific keyboard, mounting style, and keycap material used.
Regarding the feel of the switches, the Akko Botany switches are likely to offer a traditional linear experience that emphasizes a smooth actuation without the tactile bump found in tactile switches. Conversely, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches stand out with their described bouncy and creamy characteristics. The bouncy nature provides an elastic feedback sensation that can energize each stroke, while the creamy quality ensures a silky typing experience. This combination allows for a lively and pleasant touch that makes the Matcha Latte V2 delightful to use, particularly for extended typing or gaming sessions.
In conclusion, while both the Akko Botany and Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches serve different auditory and tactile preferences, they are both capable of enhancing your mechanical keyboard experience. The Botany is ideal for those who appreciate a more vibrant sound and straightforward linear feedback, while the Matcha Latte V2 is perfect for users seeking a smooth, bouncy, and buttery typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, consider your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you prefer a dynamic and engaging typing experience with a crisp sound, the Akko Botany might be the right choice for you. Its lighter 45-gram actuation force makes it suitable for those who enjoy a responsive feel, particularly if you spend long hours typing and want to minimize finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother, more balanced linear experience with a touch of pleasant feedback, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 is worth considering. This switch offers a creamy typing sensation combined with a bouncy rebound, which can enhance comfort during extensive typing sessions. If sound levels are a priority for you, keep in mind that the Botany’s lively clack might be more suitable for a vibrant desk setup, while the Matcha Latte V2's understated noise will be more appropriate for quieter environments. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and the intended use of your keyboard, so weigh these factors carefully before making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
