Kailh Box Royal vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between tactile and linear switches can significantly impact your typing experience. The Kailh Box Royal is celebrated for its sharp and pronounced tactility, offering a nearly aggressive feedback that helps typists feel each keystroke with clarity. Its high-pitched sound profile adds an additional layer of auditory feedback that some users may find satisfying. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 provides a smooth and subtle linear typing experience, characterized by its bouncy and creamy feel. With generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, these switches are designed to deliver a premium typing performance while maintaining a gentle touch, making them a great choice for those who prefer a quieter and smoother experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences and typing style; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$6.25 per 10

$3.99 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the Kailh Box Royal and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches, one can see a notable distinction in the materials used for their top housings. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This performance is largely due to nylon's relatively soft nature, which allows it to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 utilizes a POK (polyketone) top housing, known for its smoothness and durability. The POK material offers a higher coefficient of friction, making it one of the smoothest options available, while also presenting a more pronounced clacky sound due to its inherent characteristics. Thus, the choice of top housing material directly influences the acoustic profile, with each switch producing different auditory qualities during typing.

However, the bottom housings of both switches share a commonality that contributes to their sound profiles. Both the Kailh Box Royal and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 feature nylon as their bottom housing material. This similarity means that when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel—which is primarily affected by the bottom housing—the two switches will yield comparable results. The nylon composition provides that familiar softness, leading to a deeper, fuller bottom-out sound that users of both types can expect. This commonality is crucial especially for those who appreciate the tactile feedback and acoustic depth that nylon offers.

Ultimately, the overall typing experience will be a synthesis of both the top and bottom housings. While the Kailh Box Royal’s nylon top delivers a deeper sound, the Huano Matcha Latte V2's POK top provides a smoother and somewhat sharper auditory feedback. However, since both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, the enduring qualities of sound absorption and tactile feedback will unite their performances at the moment of bottom-out. Thus, even though the top housings are different and influence the overall character of each switch, the consistent nylon material in the lower section promises a shared experience in acoustics and feel, offering typists a satisfying journey through each keystroke.

Weight

The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch exhibit some similarities as well as notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, which means they require the same amount of force to register a keystroke, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the Box Royal has a defined bottom out force of 70 grams, indicating that it provides a more substantial push feel once fully depressed, appealing to those who favor a heavier typing experience. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is unknown, leaving its overall tactile experience somewhat ambiguous. Consequently, while the Kailh Box Royal is considered medium-heavy due to its clear bottom out force, the Matcha Latte V2's lack of a specified bottom out force prevents a direct comparison in terms of overall feedback and resistance when fully pressed.

Travel distance

Both the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressed, both switches travel the same distance from the top to the bottom, providing a similar keystroke experience. Because of this equal travel distance, users can expect consistent results in terms of key responsiveness and actuation, regardless of which switch they choose. Therefore, for those looking for either tactile feedback or a smooth linear feel, both switches will deliver a comparable performance in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch emits a distinctive high-pitched sound, producing a sharp and crisp auditory feedback with each press. This makes it suitable for those who prefer a more pronounced auditory response rather than the deeper, bass-heavy tones associated with other switches. In contrast, while the specific sound profile of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 is not explicitly defined, it is worth noting that linear switches typically maintain a quieter operation compared to tactile switches. Thus, if you favor a sound signature that is more subdued and less intrusive, the Matcha Latte V2 would likely align with your preferences.

In terms of feel, the Box Royal is characterized by its sharp and aggressive tactile feedback. Users can expect a strong and distinct bump on each keystroke, providing a high level of tactile intensity that reinforces confirmation with every press. Conversely, the Matcha Latte V2 switches offer a bouncier and smoother typing experience, enhanced by generous factory lubrication. This provides a creamier sensation that makes typing feel effortless, as keys offer a delightful rebound and glide under the fingers. Thus, while the Box Royal excels in tactile feedback intensity, the Matcha Latte V2 shines in providing a smooth and pleasant linear experience.

In conclusion, selecting between the Kailh Box Royal and Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches offers distinct experiences across sound and feel. The Box Royal’s high-pitched sound and sharp tactile feedback cater to those seeking aggressive tactile sensations, while the Matcha Latte V2’s smooth, light typing experience and quieter operation appeal to users who prioritize a more mellow and fluid keystroke. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prefer an assertive tactile response or a silky, linear feel under your fingers, as each switch caters to different typing preferences effectively.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switches and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding feel and sound profile. If you are someone who enjoys a pronounced tactile feedback and a sharp, crisp sound with each keystroke, the Box Royal would be an excellent fit for your mechanical keyboard. Its medium-heavy 70-gram bottom-out force provides a tactile experience that can be both satisfying and engaging, making it ideal for typers who like to feel a distinct response from their switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more subtle typing experience that emphasizes fluidity and quiet operation, the Matcha Latte V2 linear switches are the way to go. With their buttery, bouncy feedback and generous factory lubrication, these switches can provide a delightful experience for gamers and typists alike who seek a seamless flow in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style, whether you seek the aggressive tactility of the Box Royals or the creamy smoothness of the Matcha Lattes.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$6.25 per 10

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Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$3.99 per 10

Learn more