Durock Ice King Linear vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches can make a significant difference, and two noteworthy contenders in the linear switch category are the Durock Ice King Linear and the Huano Matcha Latte V2. The Ice King Linear is renowned for its silky smoothness and a frictionless feel, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, resulting in a truly polished typing experience. Its subdued characteristics make it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a seamless and creamy keystroke without any distraction. On the other hand, the Matcha Latte V2 offers a subtly balanced linear experience, providing a light touch combined with a solid bottom-out feel. This switch also benefits from minimal stem wobble and ample lubrication, delivering premium performance while maintaining an accessible price point. Both switches have their unique appeal, catering to different preferences in feel and performance. 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
52g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
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
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Linear and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 feature distinct materials for their top housings, which contribute to their overall sound and performance characteristics. The Ice King Linear's top housing is made from nylon, a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is relatively soft, allowing it to absorb sound and create a duller, rounder acoustic experience. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which possesses a slightly higher coefficient of friction, lending to a smoother typing experience. While the nylon top encourages a more muffled acoustic sound, the POK material produces a more clacky sound, offering diversity in auditory feedback. Therefore, the two switches may satisfy different preferences regarding acoustic qualities, despite both featuring bottom housings made from nylon.
When examining the bottom housings of both the Ice King Linear and the Matcha Latte V2, they both incorporate nylon, which contributes similarly to the sound profile when bottoming out. Since nylon has the same sound-absorbing characteristics in both switches, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound when the key is pressed down. This commonality in material allows for consistency in the lower-end auditory feedback, ensuring that players who enjoy that sound profile will find satisfaction regardless of their top housing material selection. This shared bottom housing characteristic plays a crucial role in unifying the performance of the two switches, despite the disparities found in their upper compositions.
In summary, while the top housings of the Durock Ice King Linear and Huano Matcha Latte V2 utilize different materials—nylon versus POK—their bottom housings are both made from nylon, resulting in similar sound profiles when keys are bottomed out. This interplay between the top and bottom housings leads to a division of auditory characteristics where the Ice King Linear lends a deeper sound and the Matcha Latte V2 offers a crisper auditory experience. Ultimately, players can achieve varied tactile and auditory experiences based on their upper housing choice while enjoying a consistent sound quality from the nylon bottom section of both switches. Thus, each switch caters to different user preferences without sacrificing the beloved characteristics that come from nylon.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Ice King Linear features an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a medium weight typical of many linear switches. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to press and potentially more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is unknown, leaving a gap in understanding how it compares when fully pressed down. This means that while the Ice King Linear provides a more substantial feel due to its heavier force, the Matcha Latte V2’s lighter actuation force may appeal to those seeking a softer touch for prolonged use. Consequently, users should choose according to their preferences for typing experience: those who prefer a lighter switch may gravitate toward the Matcha Latte V2, whereas those who appreciate a beefier response may opt for the Ice King Linear.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King 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 indicates that the Matcha Latte V2 offers a marginally deeper key press compared to the Ice King, potentially providing a more pronounced tactile experience. For gamers and users who prioritize responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Ice King may be the better choice, as it can facilitate quicker actuation and improved reaction times. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing might favor the Matcha Latte V2 due to its longer travel distance, which could enhance the depth of each keystroke. In summary, while both switches are close in travel distance, the Ice King is the shorter option, and the Matcha Latte V2 is the longer one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 Durock Ice King Linear switch is characterized by its subdued audio profile. This means it produces a dampened sound when pressed, which can create a more gentle auditory environment, especially in shared spaces or during long typing sessions. While it is not completely silent, its subtle sound signature makes it less intrusive compared to many other switches. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch remain unknown, but it is worth noting that the overall sound is influenced by the keyboard plate, construction, and keycap choice, which means users may find similar sound profiles depending on their specific configurations.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Linear switch shines with a range of descriptors that collectively highlight its luxurious typing experience. Described as silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished, these switches are designed to offer exceptional smoothness, minimal resistance, and a fluid keystroke that makes typing feel effortless. The combination of full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication enhances this experience, allowing for a refined and enjoyable interaction. Conversely, the feel attributes of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 are not provided, so an exact comparison in terms of tactile experience cannot be made. Nevertheless, the Ice King Linear's variety of appealing qualities suggest it will satisfy users seeking a premium typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Ice King Linear switch presents a compelling option for those looking for a smooth, quiet, and enjoyable typing experience, attributed to its subdued sound and refined feel. While the sound profile of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 remains unknown, its description hints at a similar goal of delivering a satisfying linear performance. Typists seeking a delectable blend of quiet operation and a silky experience might find the Ice King Linear to be the better choice, but until more is known about the Matcha Latte V2, the Ice King offers a robust, complete package for linear switch enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch that offers a medium actuation force and a silky smooth, frictionless experience with a subdued sound, the Ice King Linear would be an excellent choice. It’s particularly well-suited for those who type frequently and enjoy a refined feel thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, which results in a creamy and polished touch. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that maintains a good balance between lightness and a solid typing feel, the Matcha Latte V2 is a worthy alternative. While it may not have a specified bottom-out force, it promises a smooth, premium performance with minimal stem wobble. Therefore, if you want to enjoy a quiet yet satisfying typing experience without breaking the bank and still appreciate smoothness, the Matcha Latte V2 is an ideal choice. Ultimately, make your decision based on how you value sound, feel, and force as you curate your perfect keyboard setup.
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