KTT Hyacinth vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often vary based on desired typing feel and overall experience. The KTT Hyacinth, known for its unique 3.5mm travel distance, seeks to enhance user comfort by minimizing the often jarring sensation of bottoming out. With its single-stage elongated spring, this switch delivers a consistent force curve that balances tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction, making it appealing for those who appreciate a refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 distinguishes itself by offering a smooth, light-action typing experience bolstered by generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble. This ensures a premium feel at a more accessible price point, ideal for users seeking quality without breaking the bank. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, their distinct features provide different user experiences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Hyacinth Linear

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

$3.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Hyacinth and the Huano Matcha Latte V2, we see notable differences, particularly in their top housings. The Hyacinth utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. This characteristic arises from the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, allowing it to resonate much more efficiently. Additionally, its translucency makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting, as it enhances the overall aesthetic by allowing light to shine through beautifully. On the contrary, the Matcha Latte V2 opts for a POK (polyketone) top housing, which, while also providing a high-quality sound experience, emphasizes smoothness due to its lower coefficient of friction. Although both materials serve distinct purposes, they cater to different auditory preferences—one focusing on clarity and brightness, while the other emphasizes a smooth tactile feel.

Examining their bottom housings reveals a shared identicality, as both the Hyacinth and the Matcha Latte V2 use nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a richer and fuller sound profile, characterized by its ability to absorb sound effectively. Because nylon is softer compared to harder plastics, both switches will produce sound characteristics that are more muted and rounded, regardless of the differences found in their top housings. Consequently, while the tactile and auditory experience may differ when pressing down the keys, both switches ensure a deep and satisfying bottom-out sound, reinforcing a more consistent typing experience.

Ultimately, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials results in a nuanced auditory experience that distinguishes the switches while also providing similarities. The Hyacinth's polycarbonate top housing will yield clearer sounds during key release, while its nylon bottom, alongside the Matcha Latte V2's identical bottom housing, contributes to that pleasant resonance felt when bottoming out. Thus, while the Hyacinth's strong and bright top sound may contrast with the Matcha Latte V2's smoother handling and slightly softer top sound, the shared nylon material guarantees a robust fundamental experience. Both switches highlight the role that each material plays in the overall performance, ensuring that users can enjoy qualities from both the clacky and smooth ends of the auditory spectrum.

Weight

The KTT Hyacinth and Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches exhibit a similarity in actuation force, with both requiring 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This shared actuation force allows users to experience a similar level of responsiveness when typing or gaming, making either switch suitable for extended use without excessive strain. However, the Hyacinth has a measurable bottom out force of 56 grams, indicating that it provides a more substantial feel when the key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 lacks a specified bottom out force, leaving its overall feedback somewhat ambiguous. As a result, the Hyacinth can be categorized as the heavier option due to its higher bottom out force, while the Matcha Latte V2 may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch, depending on its actual performance which remains unknown. Ultimately, users seeking a solid and defined typing experience may lean towards the KTT Hyacinth, while the Matcha Latte V2 may cater to those who prioritize lighter actuation without fully knowing its bottoming out characteristics.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Hyacinth linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, we find that the Hyacinth has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Matcha Latte V2 has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Hyacinth the shorter option, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking faster response times, as its reduced travel distance allows for quicker actuation. Conversely, the Matcha Latte V2, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more traditional feel with a little more depth in each keystroke. Thus, while both switches can provide satisfying tactile experiences, the choice between the two ultimately hinges on personal preference for either a snappier response or a more substantial feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When examining the sound profiles of the KTT Hyacinth and Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches, the Hyacinth switch offers a neutral sound, which is balanced enough for a variety of environments, making it suitable whether you're using it at home, in an office, or in a shared space. This moderate auditory presence facilitates a typing experience that won’t disrupt those around you. The sound profile of the Matcha Latte V2, however, is not specified, leaving an open question on how its acoustic signature might compare to the Hyacinth. The sound of both switches can also be influenced by setup factors, including the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, which means that users may achieve similar overall sound experiences depending on their configuration.

In terms of feel, the KTT Hyacinth distinguishes itself with a silky smoothness, offering an exceptionally fluid typing experience that minimizes resistance during key presses. This is complemented by a subtle lightness that allows for a pleasant typing experience without being overly soft or insubstantial. The Hyacinth's unique design with a single-stage elongated spring helps achieve this smoothness while reducing the chances of bottoming out harshly thanks to its 3.5mm travel distance. Conversely, the feel of the Matcha Latte V2 is not explicitly described, leaving its tactile characteristics somewhat ambiguous. However, the overall performance of both switches, assuming user preferences align with their design goals, should result in a similarly enjoyable typing experience.

In conclusion, while the KTT Hyacinth linear switch offers defined auditory and tactile qualities, the unknowns surrounding the Huano Matcha Latte V2 suggest there is still much to explore. The Hyacinth's neutral sound and silky, subtle feel cater to a range of users, making it adaptable for various use cases. If the Matcha Latte V2 aligns well with similar performance metrics, it could also provide a smooth and balanced typing experience, particularly if paired with suitable board and keycap choices. Ultimately, newcomers in the mechanical keyboard space may find that either switch could satisfy their requirements, though personal preference and experimentation will play a critical role in finding the perfect match.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the KTT Hyacinth and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches should depend on your typing style and environment preferences. If you’re looking for a switch that offers a smooth and silky typing feel with a moderate bottom-out force of 56 grams, the KTT Hyacinth is an excellent option. Its shorter travel distance and unique single-stage spring provide a balanced experience, making it ideal if you want to minimize the harshness of bottoming out. This switch is also versatile enough for both casual and professional settings, thanks to its neutral sound profile, which can suit a variety of environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a lightweight, smooth, and subtly responsive switch that focuses on a premium linear performance without much resistance or noise, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 may be the better choice. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble ensure that your typing experience remains fluid and satisfying. Ultimately, consider your personal preferences in typing feel and the environments where you'll be using your keyboard to make the best decision for yourself.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Hyacinth Linear

$4.03

$3.75 per 10

Learn more

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$3.99 per 10

Learn more