HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g 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, enthusiasts often gravitate towards the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Huano Matcha Latte V2, both of which are linear switches but offer distinct experiences. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its clacky sound profile, which adds a unique auditory dimension to the typing experience, making it ideal for those who seek a bright, lively feedback with a silky smooth feel. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 excels in providing a more subtle, linear typing experience that strikes a satisfying balance between lightness and a solid bottom-out feel, complemented by generous factory lubrication that minimizes stem wobble. While the Cloud - 50g is perfect for users who enjoy a more vibrant auditory feedback, the Matcha Latte V2 caters to those who value a premium performance at an accessible price point without the distraction of noise. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Huano Matcha Latte V2, one notable difference lies in the top housing material. The Cloud - 50g utilizes nylon for its top housing, renowned for its ability to absorb sound and create a deeper, more resonant sound profile. This characteristic makes the Cloud - 50g ideal for users seeking a typing experience that emphasizes a soft and rounded auditory response. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 employs POK (polyketone), which not only offers a smooth feel due to its low coefficient of friction but also delivers a sharper, clackier sound due to its durability and strength. While both materials are designed to enhance the user experience, the differing acoustic properties mean that users might experience contrasting sound profiles when typing.
On the bottom housing front, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 utilize nylon. This uniformity in material results in a shared sound profile for the bottom-out experience, characterized by the fuller and deeper tones that nylon provides. As both switches retain this classic housing material for the bottom, they also provide a consistent typing feel. The shared characteristics of the nylon bottom housing ensure that, regardless of the differences in the top housing, both switches maintain a certain level of auditory warmth and dampening effect, which can appeal to users who prefer a muted typing experience as opposed to a more piercing one.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials establish distinct sound and tactile experiences for each switch while the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a common ground in their sound profiles. For users aiming for a balanced typing experience, this means that while they may encounter different auditory outputs when pressing the keys, the overall impact of the bottom-out sound will be similar across both switches due to the nylon material. Thus, while each switch has its unique attributes shaped by its top housing, the similarities in the bottom housing help bridge the gap, offering users an amalgamation of both worlds.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, the differences in actuation force reveal distinct preferences for typists and gamers. The Cloud - 50g switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option favorable for long typing sessions or extended gaming, as it requires less effort to register a keystroke. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams; however, its bottom out force remains unknown, making it difficult to completely assess its overall resistance when pressed fully. This higher actuation force indicates that the Matcha Latte V2 might appeal more to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, while both switches cater to different user experiences, the Cloud - 50g is the lighter option, ideal for prolonged use, whereas the Matcha Latte V2’s uncertain bottom out force may lead to a heavier feel upon full depression.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, there is a notable difference that could influence user preference. The Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Matcha Latte V2 has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users who favor a more responsive experience, such as gamers looking for quicker key actuations, might gravitate towards the Matcha Latte V2 for its shorter travel. Conversely, those who appreciate a deeper, more substantial feel when typing may prefer the HMX Cloud - 50g, which offers that additional depth. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences regarding responsiveness and typing experience, with the Matcha Latte V2 being the shorter option and the Cloud - 50g providing a longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 50g 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 - 50g 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g features a clacky sound profile that adds a distinctive character to the typing experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate a bright auditory response with each keystroke. This lively sound can create an engaging atmosphere for typing, especially suited for enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 is noted for its smooth and subtle linear sound, which results in a quieter typing experience without the clack, ideal for users who prefer a more understated auditory feedback. Both switches will still convey different tonal qualities when paired with various keycap materials and keyboard builds, influencing the overall sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its silky smoothness, providing an enjoyable tactile sensation that enhances the typing experience without any noticeable friction. This smooth action is likely to appeal to users looking for fluidity in their key presses. Conversely, the Matcha Latte V2 is characterized by its smooth performance as well, but it introduces a solid bottom-out feel that gives a satisfying sense of feedback when keys are fully pressed down. While both switches prioritize smooth operation, the Matcha Latte V2 stands out for providing a more pronounced tactile finish at the bottom of each keystroke.
Overall, both switches cater to different preferences, with the HMX Cloud - 50g offering a lively clack and silky feel, while the Huano Matcha Latte V2 presents a quieter and more subtle experience with a satisfying bottom-out. Depending on what qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard, either option can provide a high-quality typing experience. The final choice may ultimately depend on individual taste in sound and feel, with both options ensuring a premium performance that caters to different user expectations.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and tactile needs. If you favor a lighter switch that provides a clacky sound profile and a bright typing experience, the Cloud - 50g is the ideal choice for you. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it suitable for enthusiastic typists who enjoy a response that's both quick and tactile. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more subtle linear feel with excellent stability and a solid bottom-out experience, the Matcha Latte V2 is the way to go. Its premium linear performance, accentuated by generous factory lubrication, offers a refined experience that many users find appealing, especially at its accessible price point. Therefore, consider how you type and what sounds and feels best for you; this will guide you in choosing the switch that enhances your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
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