HMX Deep Navy vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 are two notable options that cater to different preferences and typing experiences, despite both being linear switches. The Deep Navy is celebrated for its rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, reinforced by its durable full nylon construction and meticulously designed Ly stem, making it an excellent choice for those who value acoustic feedback and a luxurious typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 focuses on providing a smooth, subtle linear typing experience with a satisfying balance of lightness and a solid bottom-out feel. With generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, these switches boast premium performance at an accessible price point, appealing to users who prioritize both budget and quality. Both switches have their unique strengths, catering to different preferences in sound, feel, and performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Deep Navy Linear

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$3.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches, significant contrasts and similarities emerge. The Deep Navy features a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deep and rich sound profile due to nylon's softness, which absorbs sound better than harder plastics. This results in a noticeable dullness and roundness to the sound, making typing on these switches more immersive, particularly in quieter environments. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 employs a POK material for its top housing, which, while contributing to a smoother typing experience, yields a clackier response due to its superior structural properties. The POK material's slightly higher coefficient of friction provides a different tactile feel compared to nylon, making it distinct in its typing characteristics.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches share the same nylon material. With nylon's inherent sound-absorbing qualities, the bottom housing of both the Deep Navy and Matcha Latte V2 provides consistency in sound output, delivering that same deeper and fuller audio experience when bottoming out. This shared material ensures that, despite the differences in the upper housings, both switches still retain a similar acoustic result at the base level. The nylon bottom housing's impact on the overall typing feel and sound is significant, reinforcing that while the top housings vary in material and effects, the bottom housings provide a unifying auditory experience.

In summary, the key differences between these switches lie primarily in their top housings, where the nylon of the Deep Navy engenders warmth and depth, while the Matcha Latte V2’s POK material lends itself to a crisper and more interesting typing texture. Yet, the shared nylon in both bottom housings ensures that their sound profiles converge, particularly during the bottoming out phase of typing. Thus, while the user experience may vary due to the top housing characteristics, the fundamental tonal qualities during key presses remain consistent across both models, providing a satisfying auditory feedback during use.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, we observe distinct differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is unspecified. The HMX Deep Navy features a light actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, which is ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, offering a more substantial feel that some users might prefer for a tactile experience. The bottom out force of the Deep Navy is 45 grams, indicating a consistent push feel all the way down, while the lack of data for the Matcha Latte V2's bottom out force leaves a gap in comparison. Overall, if you favor lighter switches for comfort during extended periods of use, the HMX Deep Navy would be the better option, whereas the Huano Matcha Latte V2 provides the heftier feel favored by some typists and gamers.

Travel distance

The travel distance of both the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch is identical, measuring at 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, users will experience the same distance of travel for both switches, resulting in similar tactile feedback and actuation experience. Since both switches have the same travel distance, they can provide comparable performance in terms of key responsiveness and feel, making either choice suitable for users who prioritize a consistent typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX Deep Navy linear switch is noted for its rich and sharp sound profile, providing a unique auditory experience that can enhance typing enjoyment. This distinct sound quality, coupled with the full nylon construction of the switch, contributes to a more resonant acoustic output. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches are characterized by a smooth and subtly quieter sound, offering a balanced auditory feedback that remains satisfying without being overwhelming. The sound experience with either switch can vary based on the choice of keyboard and keycaps, but generally, the Deep Navy will deliver a more pronounced audio characteristic, while the Matcha Latte V2 maintains a more subdued and refined profile.

When it comes to the tactile feel, the Deep Navy switches are celebrated for their silky smooth keystrokes provided by the Ly stem, which offers a seamless experience across the keyboard. This smooth actuation is complemented by the switch's construction, allowing for a fluid typing rhythm. On the other hand, the Matcha Latte V2 switches also prioritize a smooth typing experience but balance this with a solid bottom-out feel, making each keystroke feel lighter yet substantial. Additionally, the factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble in the Matcha Latte V2 contribute to a tactile performance that users might find pleasing, though it lacks the ultra-smooth aspect of the Deep Navy.

In conclusion, while the HMX Deep Navy linear switch excels in delivering a richer sound and a smoother keystroke feel, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 offers a balanced mix of sound quality, lightness, and solid tactile feedback at an accessible price point. Depending on your preferences, you may find value in either switch, as each provides a distinct typing experience that can cater to different styles of keyboard use. Both switches can ultimately offer a satisfying linear typing experience, but the choice will hinge on whether you prioritize sound richness or smooth, balanced feedback in your mechanical keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, consider your typing preferences and desired sound profile. If you appreciate a lighter keystroke with an intricate sound experience, the Deep Navy switch may be your best bet. Its 45-gram bottom-out force ensures a responsive feel, and the full nylon construction provides a rich, sharp sound profile that enhances your typing experience, making it excellent for those who enjoy auditory feedback in their work or gaming environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and subtle typing experience paired with a solid bottom-out feel, the Matcha Latte V2 serves as a fantastic option. Its generous factory lubrication reduces stem wobble, resulting in a consistent and enjoyable typing experience at an accessible price point. Consider what aspects are most important to you—be it sound quality or overall smoothness—and choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, both switches have distinct advantages that cater to different typing styles and tactile experiences, making it essential to identify what matters most in your mechanical keyboard journey.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$3.99 per 10

Learn more