TTC Gold Silver vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Silver and Huano Matcha Latte V2 present two distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience. The TTC Gold Silver is celebrated for its rapid responsiveness, featuring a shortened travel that translates each keystroke into a decisive bottom-out. This switch combines swiftness with a resonant sound signature, creating a harmonious blend of speed and fluidity that enhances typing efficiency. On the other hand, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 excels in delivering a smooth and subtle linear feel, characterized by its lightness and satisfying bottom-out sensation. With generous factory lubrication to minimize stem wobble, it offers a premium tactile experience without breaking the bank. While both switches excel in providing linear action, their unique qualities cater to different preferences in typing feel and auditory feedback. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Huano Matcha Latte V2, notable differences can be observed in their top housings while their bottom housings share a common material. The Gold Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffness and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, making it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups due to its clear appearance. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 employs a POK (polyketone) top housing. This material offers a smooth typing experience and is known for its high durability and impressive wear resistance, resulting in a clacky sound profile. While both types of top housings aim to enhance acoustic performance, the Gold Silver's polycarbonate may produce a more pronounced brightness, whereas the POK's qualities lend themselves to a smoother and somewhat more muted experience.
Both switches, however, share a nylon bottom housing, providing a similarity that influences their overall sound and feel. Nylon is a classic choice known for its ability to absorb sound, creating a deeper and fuller acoustic profile. This shared bottom material means that users of both switches will enjoy a similar sound signature when the key is bottomed out, resulting in the inherent dampening qualities of nylon being felt across the two options. Thus, while the top housings differ significantly in their contribution to the sound experience during releases, the nylon base ensures that the richness of sound while typing is a consistent trait regardless of the brand.
Ultimately, the unique combination of top and bottom housing materials results in distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The Gold Silver's polycarbonate top creates a brighter, more resonant sound that complements its RGB capabilities, while the Matcha Latte V2's POK top offers a smoother sensation and a solid, clacky feedback. However, the consistent use of nylon for both bottom housings provides a level of uniformity in acoustic depth and sound absorption. This interplay between the materials highlights how different compositions in the housing can affect not only the sound but also the tactile feedback experienced by the user, even as they enjoy a common acoustic signature from the nylon bases.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, both exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that users will require the same amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke on either switch. This parity in actuation force suggests that those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming can find comfort in both options. However, both switches have their bottom out force listed as unavailable, which means we cannot directly compare their performance upon fully pressing the key downwards. Consequently, while users will experience similar actuation during typing, the absence of bottom out force data for both switches leaves an important aspect unassessed. Overall, with equal actuation forces, neither switch stands out as being particularly lighter or heavier in this respect, providing a consistent and familiar experience for users across both models.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Gold Silver switch is the shorter option between the two. With the Gold Silver, users may experience a more responsive feel, which is often preferred by gamers looking for rapid key presses. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more substantial typing experience, which some users prefer for a less abrupt feel. Ultimately, for those who favor responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Gold Silver will yield quicker results, whereas those who enjoy a deeper press might find the Matcha Latte V2 more comfortable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
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 TTC Gold Silver linear switch is characterized by its rich audio profile, often described as "thocky" and "low-pitched," which contributes to a deep, satisfying sound with each keystroke. This rich acoustic experience is complemented by a neutral quality, making it versatile for various settings, whether at home or in an office environment. In comparison, the Matcha Latte V2's sound characteristics remain unspecified, leaving a gap in comparison for auditory experience. However, it's important to note that key switch sound can be heavily influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, potentially narrowing the gap in sound experience between the two switches under similar conditions.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Silver shines with a polished and silky experience, providing a sleek typing sensation with minimal resistance. It is described as mild and subtle, making it approachable for both newcomers and seasoned typists. This smoothness is bolstered by factory lubrication and a tight design that reduces stem wobble. Conversely, the Matcha Latte V2 also boasts a smooth typing experience, though specific descriptors regarding its feel are absent, which makes a direct comparison challenging. However, it is known that its factory lubrication contributes to an overall premium linear effect, signaling a similar pedigree in typing comfort.
Bringing together the sound and feel of both switches, the TTC Gold Silver presents a stronger profile in terms of auditory experience and a well-rounded tactile sensation. While the Matcha Latte V2 lacks detailed sound characteristics, it offers solid performance in feel with its smooth typing experience. For newcomers, either switch can provide a satisfying typing atmosphere, but for those particularly focused on sound, the TTC Gold Silver may have the edge. Ultimately, both switches cater to unique typing preferences, yet their compatibility with different setups and users’ needs means that either can potentially deliver a pleasant typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch ultimately depends on what you value most in your typing experience. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness and a tactile finality in each keystroke, the TTC Gold Silver is your best bet. Its polished, silky feel and resonant sound signature create a typing experience that’s both satisfying and efficient, making it an ideal choice for gamers or typists who thrive on speed and precision. On the other hand, if you seek a smooth and subtle typing experience that balances lightness with a solid bottom-out feel, the Matcha Latte V2 is likely a better match. Thanks to its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, it offers a premium feel at an accessible price point, making it suitable for long typing sessions in shared workspaces. Therefore, consider your specific needs—whether it’s the need for speed and responsiveness or smooth comfort—when deciding between these two excellent options.