Akko Fairy vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Fairy and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 both stand out as excellent linear options, but each has its unique appeal. The Akko Fairy switches are tailored for office environments, providing a refined typing experience thanks to their factory-applied lubrication, which helps to produce a smooth and muted sound profile. Their medium weight offers an ideal balance, striking a perfect harmony between resistance and comfort, making them an excellent choice for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches also deliver a smooth linear experience but with an emphasis on a lighter touch and a satisfying bottom-out feel. Featuring generous lubrication and minimal stem wobble, they offer premium performance that remains budget-friendly. While the Fairies excel in creating a quiet workspace, the Matcha Latte V2's accessible performance appeals to those seeking both functionality and affordability. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that truly fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko Fairy and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 both incorporate nylon in their bottom housings, leading to similar acoustic properties when typing. The use of nylon in both switches contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that effectively absorbs sound. This shared material for the bottom housing suggests that both switches will produce a duller and rounder sound quality during key presses, resulting in a pleasant typing experience characterized by a rich acoustic feedback. This suggests that users can expect a consistent auditory experience when bottoming out on either switch, making both options appealing for those valuing sound quality in their typing.
Conversely, the top housings of the two switches diverge significantly in material choice. The Akko Fairy utilizes nylon, which offers a classic performance characterized by sound absorption and a softer feel upon actuation. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 features a POK (polyketone) top housing, known for its exceptional durability, smoothness, and distinct acoustic properties. While the Fairy's nylon top will produce a relatively subdued sound profile, the POK housing of the Matcha Latte V2 promotes a clackier output, due to its smoother surface and lower friction coefficient. Therefore, while both switches may project a lush sound at the bottom-out point from their nylon bottoms, the tonal differences will be apparent during key release as dictated by the varied materials of the top housing.
In summary, while the Akko Fairy and Huano Matcha Latte V2 share the nylon material in their bottom housings, their divergent top housing materials impart unique characteristics to the overall typing experience. Users can expect a uniformly rich auditory feedback from both switches, courtesy of the nylon bottom, but the key type feel and sound upon release will differ significantly given the contrasting top materials. Therefore, typists looking for a softer, more muted experience may prefer the Fairy, while those attracted to a smoother, more vibrant feedback might gravitate towards the Matcha Latte V2.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Fairy switch requires an actuation force of 50 grams, which provides a balanced typing experience, while the Matcha Latte V2 is lighter at just 45 grams, catering to those who prefer a less strenuous keystroke for longer typing sessions or gameplay. However, the bottom out force of the Matcha Latte V2 is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare its overall resistance when pressed fully. The Akko Fairy, with a bottom out force of 60 grams, offers a firmer feel upon reaching the end of the keystroke. This difference implies that while the Matcha Latte V2 is lighter, potentially favoring extended use, the Fairy switch provides a more robust experience with its heavier bottom out force, appealing to typists who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback. Therefore, if users prioritize a softer touch, the Matcha Latte V2 may be the better choice, while those seeking a more substantial feel might prefer the Akko Fairy switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, the differences are clear: the Fairy features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Matcha Latte V2 has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Fairy provides a shorter travel distance, which can offer gamers a quicker response time, making it a potentially better choice for those who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Matcha Latte V2, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel and hearty depth when typing. If you're looking for a responsive switch, the Akko Fairy would be the better option due to its shorter distance, while the Huano Matcha Latte V2 serves well for users who favor a more traditional, deeper keypress experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Fairy has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Fairy for $3.10.
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 Akko Fairy switches are characterized by a muted and neutral profile, making them an excellent option for quieter environments like offices. The muted quality reduces the sharper noises typically produced by mechanical keyboards, creating a more subdued auditory experience that aligns well with professional settings. This balanced sound profile ensures that they remain unobtrusive whether you're typing away at your desk or participating in a video call. Unfortunately, the specific sound characteristics of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches aren't provided, leaving us unable to compare them directly. However, it's essential to remember that sound is influenced by other factors, like the keyboard's construction and keycap materials, which can significantly alter the final auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Akko Fairy switches deliver a polished, mild, and subtle typing experience. Their factory-applied lubrication ensures smooth key travel, and the medium weight strikes a balance that accommodates extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. Typists can expect a gentle resistance and a sleek finish, making each press satisfying yet approachable for users of any skill level. On the other hand, the feel characteristics of the Matcha Latte V2 switches remain unknown, making a direct comparison challenging. However, linear switches typically favor a smooth keypress without tactile bumps, and it could be expected that the feel would be pleasant and seamless as well.
In conclusion, while the Akko Fairy linear switches excel in offering a muted sound and a polished, gentle feel, providing a comfortable and quiet typing experience suited for extended use, the characteristics of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches are not fully known for sound and feel. However, given that both switches are linear and feature factory lubrication, typists can anticipate similar smoothness and overall performance. Ultimately, each switch will cater to different preferences, with the Fairy being particularly fitting for quieter environments and those seeking a refined typing feel, while the Matcha Latte V2 may also deliver satisfying performance in its own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, your specific needs and typing environment will play a crucial role. If you often work in an office setting or require a switch that promotes a quieter, more refined experience, the Akko Fairy is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams balances comfort with resistance, making it ideal for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. This switch's muted sound profile and polished feel ensure that you can type efficiently without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, if you seek a premium typing experience at an accessible price point and prefer a lighter feel, the Huano Matcha Latte V2's subtle linear operation might be more suitable, especially if you value smoothness and minimal wobble. Although its bottom-out force wasn't specified, it tends to cater to those who enjoy a satisfying bottom-out sensation without excessive resistance. In essence, if you're after a switch that offers a refined, quiet, and professional typing experience, go for the Akko Fairy, while the Matcha Latte V2 may appeal to those who prioritize a lightweight, smooth feel. Consider your typing habits, environment, and personal preferences to make the best choice.
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