Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options are the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Huano Matcha Latte V2, both of which are linear switches. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, providing a responsive and crisp touch that some users may find invigorating, especially for fast typists or gamers seeking rapid keystrokes. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 switches offer a smoother typing experience with a balanced feel that combines lightness with a satisfying bottom-out sensation, ideal for those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience and a sense of stability in their keystrokes. With their generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, the Matcha Latte V2 ensures a high-quality performance that is accessible to a broader audience. Both switches present their own unique advantages depending on your typing style and preferences; 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Y3X
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Huano Matcha Latte V2, one can observe distinct characteristics in the top housings while noting similarities in the bottom housings. The Chiikawa - 45g features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffer nature enhances resonance, making it particularly effective for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 is constructed with a POK (polyketone) top housing, offering exceptional smoothness with significant wear and shock resistance. While the Chiikawa emphasizes the clarity and brightness of key presses, the Matcha Latte caters to seamless keystrokes, resulting in a unique auditory experience for each switch—one that is sharper versus one that is smoother.
However, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, ensuring a consistent element in their overall sound profiles. Nylon is known for its softer, noise-dampening qualities, which lend a deeper and fuller sound to the typing experience. This material contributes to a more muted and rounded auditory feedback when bottoming out on the switches. Therefore, despite the contrasting materials used in the top housings, the nylon bottom housing in both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Matcha Latte V2 provides a shared foundation for a fuller sound when keys are pressed, resulting in a somewhat unified experience during use.
Ultimately, the combination of distinct top housing materials with a consistent nylon bottom creates varying yet complementary auditory and tactile sensations in typing. The polycarbonate top of the Chiikawa - 45g ensures brighter auditory feedback upon key release while the POK of the Matcha Latte V2 offers smooth key presses. These differences in top housing materials yield unique outcomes, but the common nylon base helps anchor the experience, allowing users to enjoy a rich and fuller sound throughout both switch types. By understanding the roles of each housing material, one can appreciate how they interact to produce diverse but cohesive sound profiles.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light and suitable for those who prefer a softer keystroke, which can be advantageous for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. However, the comparison diverges when it comes to bottom out force; the Chiikawa switch has a measurable bottom out force of 51 grams, indicating a slightly heavier feel when pressing the key all the way down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is currently unavailable, leaving its performance in that regard uncertain. Overall, while both switches offer comparable actuation forces, the Chiikawa's defined bottom out force implies a more tactile feedback experience at the key's travel limit, making it the heavier option between the two.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch is the same, at 3.6 mm for both. This similarity means that users can expect similar tactile feedback and performance when pressing down on keys featuring either switch. Since both switches have identical travel distances, they will provide comparable typing experiences in terms of the depth and responsiveness of the keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Chiikawa - 45g for $3.29.
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 Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is characterized by a bright and crisp auditory profile, emitting a high-pitched tone that is quite pronounced when typing. This makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy auditory feedback as part of their typing experience. On the other hand, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 offers a more subtle sound, allowing for a smoother and less intrusive typing experience. While the Chiikawa switches are vibrant in sound, the Matcha Latte V2 leans toward a more refined and muted acoustic signature. It’s worth noting that the overall sound can also be influenced by the keyboard's build and the keycaps used, so individual experiences may vary.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch boasts a very light actuation force, making it notably responsive and easy to press. This lightness contributes to a quick typing experience, albeit potentially at the expense of some tactile feedback. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 provides a balanced typing experience that maintains a solid bottom-out feel while still being relatively light. Its generous factory lubrication minimizes friction, resulting in a smooth keystroke that can enhance overall typing comfort and precision. The Matcha Latte V2 is geared more towards users who appreciate a sleek linear feel without compromising on a sense of weighty completion at keypress.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches cater to slightly different preferences in sound and feel. The Chiikawa’s bright sound and very light actuation force make it ideal for those who enjoy an energetic typing experience, while the Matcha Latte V2’s subtle sound and balanced tactile feedback appeal to those looking for a smooth, premium linear experience. Both switches have their unique qualities, and your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize a lively auditory experience or a refined, cushioned feel while typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch that offers a light actuation force and produces a bright, crisp sound while typing, the Chiikawa - 45g may be the right fit for you. Its medium-light feel and responsiveness make it ideal for those who enjoy fast-paced typing, such as gamers or anyone who types extensively on a keyboard. On the other hand, if you seek a more muted acoustic profile combined with a smoother, more substantial typing experience, the Matcha Latte V2 would likely suit your needs better. Its accessible balance of lightness and a solid bottom-out feel, paired with generous factory lubrication, enhances overall typing comfort and performance. Evaluating what matters most to you—whether it's sound, actuation force, or tactile feedback—will guide you towards the switch that enhances your typing experience.
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