Dareu Dream vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to exploring mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 present two compelling choices, each with its unique strengths suited for different typing preferences. The Dareu Dream is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation and clacky feedback, making it an attractive option for enthusiasts looking for an affordable yet high-quality switch that enhances fast-paced gaming and typing sessions. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 offers a smooth and creamy typing experience, characterized by its bouncy feel and solid bottom-out resistance, which provides a refined tactile richness that many users find satisfying. While both switches fall into the linear category, the Dareu Dream leans toward a lighter, more responsive touch, whereas the Matcha Latte V2 combines lightness with a premium feel due to its careful lubrication and minimal wobble. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Dareu Dream and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings, which profoundly affects their sound profiles and overall performance. The Dream features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigid structure that produces a sharper and crisper sound. This translucency not only enhances its aesthetic appeal, especially when paired with RGB lighting, but also results in a sound that resonates clearly due to the material's stiffness. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 boasts a POK (polyketone) top housing that, while also delivering a clear note, leans toward a smoother tactile experience thanks to its unique friction properties. The POK material’s higher coefficient of friction provides a slightly different type of interaction, enhancing the feel of the switch without the same level of sharpness offered by polycarbonate.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches employ nylon, a material renowned for its deep, full sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, tends to absorb sound waves more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a mellower and rounder audio feedback with a satisfying bottoming-out feel. In the case of both the Dareu Dream and the Huano Matcha Latte V2, this similarity results in a cohesive auditory experience during key presses, as users will feel a consistent depth in the sound produced during operation. The use of nylon in both models allows them to share a fundamental sound quality, ensuring that the bottom-out sounds retain that fuller, dampened character.
Ultimately, while the Dareu Dream and Huano Matcha Latte V2 differ in their top housing materials — polycarbonate versus POK — both switches share a common bottom housing made of nylon, which creates a consistent auditory experience during key presses. This design choice allows keyboard enthusiasts to experience distinct sound profiles influenced by the unique characteristics of the top housing while benefitting from the deeper, cushioned sound attributed to nylon at the bottom. Even with differing top housing materials, the overall typing experience retains some similarities, showcasing how diverse switch materials can yield different feelings and sounds based on their design and construction.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, we observe some notable differences in their actuation forces. The Dream switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, which may appeal to users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, especially during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some typists might prefer for a more pronounced keystroke. Both switches have reported bottom out forces that remain unknown, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons on that aspect. However, since the actuation forces differ, it's clear that users can expect varied experiences based on personal preference, with the Dream switch being the lighter option and the Matcha Latte V2 being the heavier choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Dareu Dream features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the most traditional distance favored by typists and users who appreciate a more pronounced depth during keypresses. Conversely, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to gamers who prioritize rapid response times and quicker actuation. Ultimately, if you're seeking a more responsive and snappy feel, the Matcha Latte V2 would be the ideal choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial keystroke, the Dream would be more suitable. Hence, the Dareu Dream is longer, while the Huano Matcha Latte V2 is shorter, presenting distinct options based on user preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Dream has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dream for $3.76.
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 Dareu Dream switch produces a clacky sound that is characterized by its sharp and snappy nature. This crisp and bright auditory feedback can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate a more percussive feel while they type. In contrast, the sound profile of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 is not explicitly described, which leaves an unknown aspect regarding its auditory characteristics. However, it's essential to note that the overall sound also heavily depends on other factors such as the keyboard build and keycap selection, meaning that even if the Matcha Latte V2 produces a different sound, the actual experience may vary based on those external elements.
Regarding the feel, the Dareu Dream switch is known for its easy-to-press and mild characteristics. The gentle resistance reduces finger fatigue, making extended typing sessions more comfortable, and the overall feel is approachable and suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 presents a bouncy and creamy feel, offering a spring-like feedback that adds liveliness to the typing experience. The creamy sensation is reminiscent of a smooth and buttery glide across the keys, likely enhanced by factory lubrication. Therefore, while the Dream provides a lighter and more gentle typing experience, the Matcha Latte V2 offers a dynamic and smooth tactile sensation.
In conclusion, both the Dareu Dream and Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Dream's clacky sound and easy-to-press, mild feel suit users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback alongside a comfortable typing experience. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2, with its undetermined sound profile but known bounciness and creamy touch, appeals to those who favor a lively and smooth interaction with their keys. Depending on your preferences, either of these options can provide satisfying results, whether you lean towards a more traditional typing experience or one that emphasizes a premium, buttery feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch largely hinges on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound. If you’re new to mechanical keyboards and are looking for a budget-friendly option that offers a very light and effortless typing experience, the Dareu Dream switches may be ideal for you. Their clacky sound profile and easy-to-press characteristics make them suitable for those who enjoy a responsive key feel without much resistance, which can reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smoother and more premium typing experience, the Matcha Latte V2 switches stand out with their bouncy and creamy feel, coupled with a solid bottom-out sensation. They are particularly well-suited for users who appreciate a more polished typing experience with minimal stem wobble and factory lubrication, making them great for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, understanding these nuances will guide you in selecting the switch that aligns with your typing style and sound preferences, ensuring you enjoy your keyboard experience to the fullest.
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