Akko Dracula vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the Akko Dracula and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Akko Dracula and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 can significantly influence your typing experience. The Akko Dracula switch stands out due to its innovative design, which includes POK material for both the top case and stem, ensuring ultra-smooth typing while enhancing durability. Its unique extra stem hole promotes airflow and further enhances performance, making it ideal for users who prioritize a seamless keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 provides a harmonious balance of lightness and firmness, delivering a smooth yet satisfying linear typing experience. With generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, these switches are designed to offer high-quality linear performance at a budget-friendly price, appealing to those who appreciate efficiency and reliability. Both switches cater to different priorities and preferences, but 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
35g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko Dracula and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches both utilize POK material for their top housing, which is known for its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, the POK material provides a slightly smoother experience when compared to LY. Moreover, POK displays significant wear resistance, outperforming POM by 14 times, and exhibits impressive shock resistance, exceeding that of Nylon and POM. This similarity in top housing material suggests that users will experience comparable performance characteristics, such as fluid typing and a satisfying clack upon bottoming out the switches. The shared POK composition allows for a consistent sound profile that is smooth and crisp, enhancing the overall typing experience.
In contrast, both the Akko Dracula and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This classic material choice lends depth and warmth to the sound profile of the switches. Nylon’s relatively softer nature facilitates sound absorption, producing a deeper and fuller auditory feedback. This aspect becomes crucial when analyzing the overall performance of the switches, as the bottom housing is more influential on the feel and sound produced during the key's bottom-out action. Consequently, even though the top housings are identical, the combination of POK top with a nylon bottom in both switches leads to a harmonized approach in crafting a rich user experience, blending smoothness with a rounded acoustic profile.
While the top housings are the same, differing materials in the bottom housings may result in subtle variances in sound and feel, reflective of each switch's acoustic properties. However, since both switches use POK on top and nylon on the bottom, users can expect a delightful typing experience characterized by smooth actuation and a cohesive sound profile. Thus, regardless of the variations in branding and aesthetics, the ultimate performance, sound characteristics, and tactile feedback will be strikingly similar. This consistency allows enthusiasts to select between the two based on aesthetic or personal preferences without sacrificing the qualities that matter most in switch performance.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force, with the Dracula being the lighter option. The Akko Dracula has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 features a higher actuation force of 45 grams, although its bottom out force is unknown. This indicates that the Matcha Latte V2 would provide a more substantial push feel, appealing to those who favor a heavier typing experience. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter switch for comfort during prolonged use, the Dracula would be the better choice, while the Matcha Latte V2 appeals to users seeking a firmer feel with its higher actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, the Dracula offers a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Matcha Latte V2 has a slightly shorter distance of 3.6 mm. This difference suggests that the Dracula switch provides a deeper feel, which may be preferable for users who appreciate a more substantial travel distance. On the other hand, the Matcha Latte V2, with its shorter travel distance, could be more appealing for gamers or those seeking quicker keypress responses, as a reduced travel distance often translates to faster actuation. Therefore, if you lean towards a more responsive experience, the Matcha Latte V2 would be the better choice, whereas the Dracula would suit those who prefer the deeper, more deliberate feel of its longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Dracula has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dracula 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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2, the Dracula switch excels in producing a subdued yet crisp acoustic character, thanks to its POK material and innovative design that incorporates an extra stem hole for improved airflow. This design enhances not only the typing experience but also contributes to a pleasant sound when the key is pressed. Conversely, the Matcha Latte V2 offers a more muted sound, characterized by a smooth keystroke that lacks unnecessary noise, resulting in a quieter typing experience. Both switches will exhibit sound variations influenced by the specific keyboard build and keycap materials, yet the core qualities can be anticipated based on their unique constructions.
In terms of feel, the Akko Dracula switch stands out for its ultra-smooth typing experience, largely attributed to the advanced POK material and enhanced durability that minimizes friction during actuation. The added stem hole for airflow also plays a significant role in creating a seamless feel. On the other hand, the Matcha Latte V2 provides a balanced feel, striking a harmonious mix of lightness and a satisfying solid bottom-out. It emphasizes comfort and feedback, featuring generous factory lubrication that minimizes stem wobble, allowing for a premium linear performance while retaining a lightweight sensation during use.
In conclusion, both the Akko Dracula and Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches offer distinct yet compatible qualities that cater to different preferences. The Dracula is ideal for those seeking an ultra-smooth and durable typing experience with a clean sound, while the Matcha Latte V2 provides a balanced, lightweight keystroke and quiet operation. Users will find similar performance characteristics in both switches, with the choice ultimately depending on whether one prioritizes a slightly crisper auditory feedback or a more muted acoustic environment. Each switch delivers an exceptional linear feel, making either a worthy addition to any mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Akko Dracula linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, consider your typing preferences and priorities. If you appreciate a light bottom-out force and seek a switch that excels in smoothness and durability, the Akko Dracula might be the better option for you. Its unique POK material and design innovations provide a delightful typing experience, particularly suited for long typing sessions or gaming where rapid key presses are beneficial. On the other hand, if you're after a high-quality linear switch that combines a balance of lightness and a solid bottom-out feel without the extra embellishments, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 is a strong contender. Known for its smooth operation and excellent factory lubrication, it offers a premium typing experience at an accessible price, making it perfect for those who value performance without extra complexity. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize innovative design and lightness with the Akko Dracula or a more traditional yet refined feel embodied by the Matcha Latte V2.
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