Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference in sound and feel, making the comparison between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 quite compelling. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, a tactile switch, stands out with its poppy and clacky sound profile, offering users a lively auditory feedback that many find satisfying. This switch is characterized by its bouncy and snappy feel, ideal for those who enjoy a bit of auditory engagement alongside tactile sensations during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Huano Matcha Latte V2, known for its linear smoothness, provides a contrasting typing experience with a subtle touch. The Matcha Latte V2's excellent factory lubrication and reduced stem wobble deliver a premium linear performance that appeals to gamers and typists who appreciate a quieter, more fluid keystroke without the tactile bump. While both switches present great value within a budget, their distinct characteristics cater to varying user preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro Tactile

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$2.88

$2.00 per 10

$3.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches exhibit distinct characteristics when it comes to their top housing materials, which significantly influence their acoustic profiles. The V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness that results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's translucency also provides visual appeal, particularly enhancing the effect of RGB lighting, contributing to a vibrant aesthetic. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 features a top housing made of POK (polyketone), recognized for its exceptionally low coefficient of friction and strong durability. While POK may foster smooth action and a clacky sound due to its material properties, it lacks the pronounced resonance that polycarbonate delivers, which could lead to different auditory experiences when typing or gaming.

Both switches, however, share similarities in their bottom housing material, as both utilize nylon. This classic material is known for absorbing sound effectively, contributing to a deeper and fuller audio profile that contrasts with the sharper notes of their respective top housings. As a result, the overall sound produced by both the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Matcha Latte V2 will have a substantial roundness and warmth due to the nylon’s inherent qualities. This common bottom housing helps balance the difference in their top housings, creating an interesting blend of acoustic properties in both switches.

Ultimately, while the differing top housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Huano Matcha Latte V2 provide unique characteristics to each switch's auditory profile, their shared nylon bottom housing serves to unify their sound experience. The polycarbonate top of the V3 enhances brightness and resonance, while the POK material's smoothness affects actuation feeling; however, both switches benefit from the deep and rounded sound created by the nylon bottom part. Thus, even with their distinguishing features, users can expect engaging performance from both switches, with each offering a unique feel and sound texture that complements their respective switch designs.

Weight

When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equal in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. This similarity suggests that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of actuation pressure, which may appeal to those who prefer a lighter feel for long typing sessions or gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Huano Matcha Latte V2 is unknown, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This indicates that the Akko switch requires more force to press all the way down compared to the Matcha Latte, which may lead to a more substantial feel during typing if the latter's bottom out force is lower or non-existent. Consequently, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is the heavier option, suitable for users who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience, while the exact characteristics of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 remain unclear, potentially making it a more adaptable choice for those who lean toward a lighter switch feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, we find that they differ significantly. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Matcha Latte V2 has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Cream Blue Pro the shorter of the two switches, potentially offering a more responsive typing experience that some gamers might prefer for its quicker actuation. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2's 3.6 mm travel distance may appeal to those who appreciate a deeper, more tactile feedback, which can feel more satisfying for general typing tasks. In essence, if you value speed and responsiveness, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro could be the better choice, whereas the Huano Matcha Latte V2 may be more suited to users who prefer a fuller travel experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro delivers a lively and distinct poppy and clacky sound profile that is particularly enjoyable for typists who appreciate audible feedback. This robust sound signature can enhance the overall typing experience, making it feel dynamic and engaging. Conversely, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 offers a more subdued linear sound profile, designed for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. While the Matcha Latte V2 lacks the auditory excitement of the Cream Blue Pro, its muted tones might appeal to users seeking a less distracting environment. Ultimately, the sound of both switches will also depend on factors such as the keyboard frame and keycap materials, which can influence the sound signature in various ways.

When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is characterized by its medium tactile feedback that strikes a balance between being touch-responsive without overwhelming the user. This switch is often described as "bouncy," providing elastic feedback with a lively sensation, thanks to its snappy and polished design that minimizes friction during typing. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 utilizes a smoother linear feel, noted for its lightness and solid bottom-out sensation, though the specific tactile qualities are not described in the same way. This gives users a performance-focused experience, emphasizing a seamless key press without the interruptions associated with tactile bumps. If you prefer a traditional tactile sensation, the Cream Blue Pro offers a more active feedback loop, while the Matcha Latte V2’s smoothness caters well to those who favor a sleek linear experience.

In summary, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Huano Matcha Latte V2 serve distinct preferences in the mechanical keyboard realm. The Cream Blue Pro is lively and tactile, boasting a pronounced sound profile along with an engaging, responsive feel that many typists find satisfying. On the other hand, the Matcha Latte V2 excels in providing a smooth, linear typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a quieter and less disruptive ambiance. Together, these switches illustrate the diverse range of mechanical keyboard switches available, allowing newcomers to select options tailored to their specific typing style and sound preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a more tactile and engaging typing experience, characterized by a distinct poppy sound and feedback that is both lively and polished, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the way to go. This switch shines particularly well in environments where auditory feedback enhances your typing, making it ideal for gamers and typists who appreciate a bit of excitement in every keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more focused linear typing experience, the Matcha Latte V2 may be more fitting for your needs. With its subtle and refined feel, coupled with a lack of noise and a lightweight touch, this switch is excellent for prolonged typing sessions or if you prioritize speed and fluidity, especially in gaming scenarios where you want to minimize distraction. Ultimately, consider these aspects to choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and environment.

Mentioned in this article

Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro Tactile

$2.88

$2.00 per 10

Learn more

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$3.99 per 10

Learn more