HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 present two intriguing linear options, each with its unique characteristics tailored to different typing preferences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke. Its attributes of being bouncy and creamy contribute to a bright and engaging typing experience, perfect for those who relish the tactile sensation of a heavier switch. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 excels in delivering a smooth and subtle linear typing experience, striking a balance between lightness and a satisfying bottom-out feel. With generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, it offers a premium performance that remains accessible in price, appealing to users looking for consistency and reliability in their typing experience. Both switches have distinct qualities that cater to varying preferences; the HMX Cloud for a more vibrant and tactile feel, and the Matcha Latte V2 for a smooth and refined experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
56g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Nylon
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-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 offer a fascinating study in contrasts, particularly in their compositions and the auditory experiences they provide. The Cloud - 63.5g utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound energy than harder materials. This results in a typing experience characterized by a duller and rounder sound, which many users appreciate for its muted acoustics. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 features a POK top housing, which, while also providing a smooth typing experience, emphasizes durability and a different auditory profile. POK, or polyketone, is engineered to be exceptionally strong and wear-resistant, contributing to a more clacky sound, which contrasts with the muted profile of nylon.
Despite the differences in the top housing materials, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, leading to some similar outcomes in terms of sound characteristics. The nylon bottom housing for both switches will elicit that deeper sound profile, ensuring that users enjoy a rounded experience when bottoming out the keypress. This shared nylon characteristic means that users of both switches will perceive similar sound qualities when engaging a key fully, though the feel and sound will diverge when releasing due to the POK's influence on the top housing of the Matcha Latte V2. Thus, the tactile and auditory experiences of both switches at the bottoming-out stage can be considered relatively aligned, even while different materials create unique influences during key release.
In examining the overarching experience, while each switch’s housing materials clearly define their individual characteristics, the shared nylon bottom housing serves to unify some aspects of their performance. Users looking for a solid and rich auditory experience upon bottoming out will be satisfied with both configurations. Moreover, the disparity in the top housing indicates that users might prefer one switch over another based on their specific typing preferences—those seeking more silence might lean toward the Cloud - 63.5g, while those desiring a vibrant and lively keystroke may gravitate toward the Matcha Latte V2. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, underscoring that even with shared components, materials can greatly influence the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The Cloud switch features an actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that provides a more substantial typing feel. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to press, which is ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is unknown, complicating a direct comparison regarding the complete actuation experience. As a result, users seeking a lighter feel might prefer the Matcha Latte V2, while those desiring more resistance in their key presses may gravitate towards the heavier Cloud switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch to the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Cloud - 63.5g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Matcha Latte V2 has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Matcha Latte V2 offers a quicker actuation, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times during gameplay. On the other hand, the Cloud - 63.5g, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for those who appreciate a deeper keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference: those who favor speed and responsiveness might lean towards the Matcha Latte V2, while those who enjoy a more pronounced depth will likely prefer the Cloud - 63.5g.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 63.5g for $2.99.
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 HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is characterized by its clacky and high-pitched sound profile. This sharp and snappy acoustic feedback creates a bright typing experience that can be quite satisfying for enthusiasts who prefer a more pronounced auditory element to their typing. The clacky nature means that each keystroke is not only heard but felt as a distinct percussive note, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a lively and engaging sound. In contrast, the characteristics of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switch’s sound profile remain unspecified, leaving a gap in comparative analysis of auditory experience between the two switches.
In terms of feel, the Cloud - 63.5g excels with a combination of bouncy and creamy sensations. The bouncy aspect provides an elastic feedback that gives a lively and responsive typing experience, while the creamy texture ensures a smooth, buttery glide with every keystroke. This dual quality makes for a satisfying tactile feedback, allowing for long typing sessions without fatigue. The Matcha Latte V2, however, lacks specific descriptors about its tactile feel in the provided information, making a direct comparison difficult.
In summary, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch offers a distinct clacky sound profile paired with bouncy and creamy tactile feedback, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 remains more enigmatic in its acoustic and tactile offerings. For those who value a bright and lively typing sound along with a plush, smooth feel, the Cloud - 63.5g is a clear choice. However, without detailed sound and feel descriptors for the Matcha Latte V2, it's difficult to equate them directly, and potential users might need to sample both to determine their personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch primarily depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch that delivers a bright and clacky sound profile, the Cloud - 63.5g might be ideal for you. Its bouncy and creamy feel provides both satisfaction and feedback with every keypress, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience and the engaging auditory feedback that accompanies it. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smooth and subtle linear typing experience that emphasizes lightness and minimal resistance, the Matcha Latte V2 would be your go-to option. With its generous factory lubrication contributing to low stem wobble, this switch offers premium performance while remaining accessible, making it a great choice for users who prioritize a more understated and peaceful typing environment. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how you prefer your keyboard to feel and sound while you type.
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