TTC Gold Red vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Red and Huano Matcha Latte V2 are two popular linear options that offer unique characteristics appealing to different typing preferences. The Gold Red is celebrated for its buttery smooth actuation and a light-medium resistance that provides an enjoyable and refined typing experience; its snappy sound profile adds a subtle touch of personality without overwhelming your workspace. On the other hand, the Matcha Latte V2 excels in delivering a satisfying blend of lightness and a firm bottom-out feel, enhanced by generous factory lubrication, minimizing stem wobble for an even more premium experience—all at an accessible price point. While both switches undoubtedly cater to those who appreciate linear performance, the choice between them can significantly impact your typing comfort and enjoyment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches feature distinct materials for their top housings, showcasing the diversity in switch design and acoustic output. The Gold Red employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This characteristic allows for a clearer and more resonant sound, particularly beneficial for users who appreciate the use of RGB lighting, as polycarbonate's translucency enhances the visual experience. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 utilizes a polyketone (POK) top housing, which, while smooth and durable, produces a different auditory effect. POK's slightly higher coefficient of friction (0.04) contributes to a unique sound and tactile experience, positioning it as a desirable option for those seeking both smoothness and resilience in their switches.
Despite the differences in the top housing materials, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a shared acoustic signature. Nylon is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is less resonant than polycarbonate. This softness in the nylon allows it to absorb vibrations, thereby creating a duller and rounder tone. This similarity in bottom housing material means that users of both switches can expect a comparable bottom-out sound and feel, as nylon's characteristics dominate the auditory experience when a key is pressed down fully.
When considering the overall performance of the TTC Gold Red and the Huano Matcha Latte V2, it becomes evident that while the top housings differ significantly in terms of material and sound signature, the nylon bottoms create a unifying auditory experience. The contrast between the sharper sound of the polycarbonate top and the fuller sound from the nylon bottom housing will lead to distinct experiences, with the Gold Red offering a cleaner emission on release while the Matcha Latte V2 provides a smooth tactile experience. As a result, although the overall switch sound profile will vary between the two, users can find comfort in the fact that the nylon bottom housing consistently contributes to the roundness and depth of the sound across both models.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 remains unknown. The Gold Red switch features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, supporting longer typing sessions or gaming marathons, appealing to those who prefer less strain during extended use. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, potentially offering a more substantial feel for typists who favor a stronger push. However, without a specified bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2, a direct comparison is difficult. The Gold Red's bottom out force of 50 grams signifies a clear endpoint with added feedback upon striking the bottom, further enhancing its suitability for users who favor a lighter overall experience. In summary, if you're after a lighter switch with a known bottom out force, the TTC Gold Red would be a better choice, while the Matcha Latte V2's unknown bottom out force leaves its overall feel somewhat uncertain.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Gold Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Matcha Latte V2 offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This signifies that the Gold Red is a better option for those who appreciate a traditional, more pronounced keystroke, providing a heartier depth that some typists may find more satisfying. On the other hand, the Matcha Latte V2, with its reduced travel distance, caters to gamers or users seeking faster response times, as its shorter actuation can facilitate quicker key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference: those who prefer a more abrupt feel should opt for the Matcha Latte V2, while those who appreciate greater depth will likely favor the Gold Red.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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
The sound profile of the TTC Gold Red linear switch is characterized as thocky and low-pitched, producing a deep, rich sound when pressed that provides a satisfying auditory feedback. This neutral sound makes it versatile for various environments, allowing it to be suitable whether you're at home or in a shared workspace. The Matcha Latte V2, while equally linear, does not have a specified sound profile, leaving the auditory experience somewhat unknown. It's important to note that the final sound will heavily depend on your keyboard and keycap choices, so while you can anticipate a difference in sound characteristics, the lack of a defined profile for the Matcha Latte V2 keeps it a bit of a mystery.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Red switch is known for its mild, silky, and polished typing experience. This combination not only provides a gentle resistance but also enhances the overall smoothness with minimal friction, making each keypress incredibly pleasant. The subtle nature of the switch allows for a comfortable typing experience in any setting. In contrast, while the Matcha Latte V2 is mentioned to offer a balanced linear feel with a satisfying bottom-out experience and factory lubrication, the specific descriptors that would help define its tactile and overall typing feel are not provided. Thus, the Matcha Latte V2’s feel is also a bit ambiguous, though it’s suggested to deliver a premium performance.
In conclusion, while both the TTC Gold Red and Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches fall into the linear category and promise a smooth typing experience, the Gold Red provides a more defined sound and feel profile. The Gold Red’s thocky sound and silky touch cater to a broader audience, while the Matcha Latte V2 offers a more subtle typing performance that is less clearly articulated. Therefore, if you choose one over the other, you're likely to have a satisfying experience with both, but the TTC Gold Red may come with a more defined character to both sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch should be guided by your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you prefer a lighter switch with a gentle resistance and enjoy a typing experience characterized by a silky smooth feel and a modest yet engaging sound profile, the Gold Red is likely the better fit for you. These switches are particularly suitable for casual use, gaming, or in shared spaces where a non-intrusive sound is beneficial. On the other hand, if you're seeking a balance of lightness and solid feedback in your keystrokes, alongside a refined feel thanks to generous factory lubrication, then the Matcha Latte V2 may be your go-to option. This switch excels in providing a luxurious typing experience without being prohibitively priced, making it ideal for individuals who seek premium performance during long typing sessions. Ultimately, considering these factors will help you choose the switch that enhances your overall typing experience.
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