TTC Flame Red vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of different options based on their personal preferences and typing needs. The TTC Flame Red switches stand out for their stunning aesthetics, particularly their dazzling light diffuser, making them an excellent choice for those who want an RGB keyboard that dazzles visually. In addition to their eye-catching design, they provide a weighty smoothness and a distinct clacky sound profile that's categorized as 'Neutral,' 'Mild,' and 'Polished,' appealing to gamers and typists alike. On the other hand, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches excel in offering a smooth and subtle linear typing experience characterized by a bouncy, creamy feel. Their generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble ensure a premium performance while remaining accessible in price. Each switch brings unique attributes to the table: the Flame Reds appeal for their visual flair and sound, whereas the Matcha Latte V2s are favored for their refined typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Flame Red Linear

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

$3.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The TTC Flame Red and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their overall sound profile and typing experience. The Flame Red features a nylon top housing, known for its softer plastic characteristics that absorb sound effectively. This leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile, creating a typing experience that is rounded and mellow. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 utilizes POK material for its top housing. While the POK also offers a smooth typing sensation and emits a clacky sound, it contrasts with the Flame Red's softer tones due to its higher coefficient of friction and superior durability, offering a more robust response during typing sessions. Thus, the choice of top housing material results in distinct auditory experiences when utilizing these switches.

Both switches use nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a unified auditory experience in terms of sound absorption and tactile feedback. Since nylon is a classic switch housing material, both the Flame Red and Matcha Latte V2 will produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out. The nylon's properties lend a consistent quality that dampens the sound during key presses, ensuring that both switches share a common auditory foundation despite their differing top housings. Consequently, typing on either switch will still evoke similar acoustic responses when considering the full assembly, particularly during the bottom-out phase.

The combination of the different top housing materials results in a unique blend of qualities for each switch. While the Flame Red emphasizes warmth and fullness due to its nylon top, the Matcha Latte experiences a more vibrant, clacky sound thanks to POK's smoother surface and heightened durability. Nonetheless, the shared usage of nylon in both bottom housings ensures that users will still experience resonance and consistency in sound absorption, providing a satisfying experience akin to what is found in both types of switches. Therefore, although distinct in their construction, both the TTC Flame Red and Huano Matcha Latte V2 can yield gratifying results for typing enthusiasts looking for a balanced tactile and auditory experience.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, we find that both switches exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally suited for users who prefer a lighter touch for typing or gaming over extended periods. This similarity ensures that users will have comparable experiences when it comes to initiating keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Flame Red switch has a bottom out force of 54 grams, providing a noticeable resistance when the key is fully depressed. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is listed as unknown, which leaves its overall feel less defined in this aspect. Given this information, the Flame Red can be considered the heavier option overall due to its measurable bottom out force, while the Matcha Latte V2 remains ambiguous. Thus, if a substantial typing experience is desired, the TTC Flame Red is the better choice, while the Matcha Latte V2 may appeal to those who prefer a more indistinct feel at the bottom of the keystroke.

Travel distance

The TTC Flame Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a traditional choice that offers a more substantial feel when pressed. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who prefer quicker response times often favored by gamers. While both switches provide a tactile experience, the Flame Red allows for a deeper, more resonant press, which some users may prefer for its balanced feedback. On the other hand, the shorter 3.6 mm distance of the Matcha Latte V2 may feel more abrupt, appealing to those who prioritize fast actuation. Therefore, if you value responsiveness, the Matcha Latte V2 would be the better option, whereas the Flame Red switch is ideal for users seeking a fuller press. Overall, the Flame Red has a longer travel distance compared to the Matcha Latte V2.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Flame Red linear switch offers a neutral profile, characterized by moderate actuation force and a balanced auditory presence. This quality makes it versatile for a range of environments, suitable for both casual home use and professional office settings, ensuring it won’t be disruptive during typing. The Huano Matcha Latte V2, while lacking a specific characterization for sound, would generally follow a similar trend for subdued acoustics due to its smooth, linear nature. Many linear switches tend to produce less noise compared to tactile or clicky options, so it is reasonable to expect the Matcha Latte V2 to provide a relatively quiet typing experience as well.

In terms of feel, the TTC Flame Red is noted for its mild and polished characteristics. This means it offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable for users of all levels, coupled with a smooth and refined action that minimizes friction for comfortable keystrokes. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 is characterized by its bouncy and creamy sensation. The bounciness provides an elastic feedback sensation, creating a lively typing experience with a reassuring rebound upon actuation. The creamy texture of the switch ensures a buttery smooth interaction, making every keystroke feel effortless and pleasing. This difference highlights the Flame Red's focus on a stable, moderate feedback compared to the more dynamic and soft response of the Matcha Latte V2.

In conclusion, while the TTC Flame Red and Huano Matcha Latte V2 shares a linear switch design that typically translates to smooth operation, their subjective qualities diverge significantly in terms of feel. The Flame Red offers a mild and polished typing experience, optimizing for a neutral, comfortable feel with moderate sound, while the Matcha Latte V2 emphasizes bounciness and creaminess, ensuring a delightful tactile response. Both switches appeal to different preferences, so understanding these distinctions can significantly enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when deciding between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, several factors should guide your choice based on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a switch that shines visually and offers a satisfying, somewhat clacky sound profile, particularly for backlit or RGB setups, the Flame Red is an excellent option. Its medium-light actuation force and polished, mild feel make it approachable for both beginners and seasoned users alike, ensuring that you enjoy a balanced typing experience without overwhelming sound or feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a more nuanced and smooth typing experience with a touch of elasticity, the Matcha Latte V2 is tailored for you. Its bouncy and creamy characteristics, coupled with its factory lubrication, provide a silky-smooth feel that enhances your overall engagement with the keyboard, ideal for both gaming and extended typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should reflect the typing experience you prioritize—whether it’s the visual flair and mild performance of the Flame Reds or the refined, bouncy ease of the Matcha Latte V2.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Flame Red Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

Learn more

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$3.99 per 10

Learn more