Kailh BCP vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the nuanced characteristics of each option. The Kailh BCP switch stands out due to its innovative design that mirrors the iconic Black Cherry Pies, providing a creamy, elastic typing experience marked by a distinctive poppy and clacky sound. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate tactile feedback and a bit of auditory stimulation while typing. On the other hand, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 offers a more subdued yet smooth linear experience, striking a balance between lightness and a satisfying bottom-out feel. With generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, the Matcha Latte V2 is perfect for users looking for a premium linear performance without breaking the bank. Both switches have their unique merits, catering to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
POM
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
20mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Kailh BCP switches and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches, one of the most striking differences lies in the composition of their top housings. The BCP switch features a nylon top housing, a material renowned for its ability to create a deep and fuller sound profile due to its relatively soft structure. This quality allows the nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a dull and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2's top housing is made from POK material, or polyketone, which is recognized for not only its strength and durability—being 14 times more wear-resistant than POM—but also its smoother typing experience, thanks to a lower coefficient of friction. While both materials contribute to creating a pleasant typing sound, the nylon's sound absorption properties differ significantly from the POK's capacity to offer a more clacky feedback.
In terms of bottom housings, however, both switches demonstrate an alignment in their material choice, as both the Kailh BCP and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 utilize nylon. This uniformity in the bottom housing means that both switches will share qualities related to sound profile and tactile feedback when pressing down. Since nylon is commonly associated with producing a deeper, fuller sound, users can expect similar auditory experiences when bottoming out on both switches. Thus, while the top housings diverge in material, the consistency in the bottom housing ensures that at least part of the typing experience will resonate similarly across both switches.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials of the Kailh BCP and Huano Matcha Latte V2 will lead to distinct typing experiences, particularly in terms of sound and feel. The BCP's nylon top promotes a muted sound profile, while the Matcha Latte V2's POK housing encourages a smoother and more pronounced auditory feedback. However, since both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, users will experience a cohesive tactile response during keystrokes, with an emphasis on low-end acoustics. Therefore, switching between these two types can yield similar typing sensations in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, despite their differing top materials impacting the overall sound profile during key release.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch with its actuation force of 52 grams and bottom out force of 63.5 grams to the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, which features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams but lacks a defined bottom out force, distinct differences emerge. The BCP, being heavier at both actuation and bottom out forces, offers a more substantial typing experience, making it suitable for users who prefer a firmer key press during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the lighter actuation force of the Matcha Latte V2 may appeal to those seeking a more effortless keystroke, ideal for long work hours or gaming. Since the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is unspecified, it’s difficult to ascertain its total resistance when bottoming out, but the lower actuation weight suggests that it may feel lighter overall. Therefore, for those who enjoy a heftier feel, the BCP is the preferred choice, while users favoring ease and minimal effort may gravitate toward the Matcha Latte V2.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, the BCP measures 3.5 mm, while the Matcha Latte V2 slightly exceeds this at 3.6 mm. This means that the Kailh BCP provides a shorter travel distance compared to the Matcha Latte V2, making it a better option for users who prioritize quicker response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Matcha Latte V2 may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress, offering a feeling of greater depth and potentially leading to a more satisfying typing experience. Thus, depending on your preference for either responsiveness or keypress depth, one switch may suit you better than the other.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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
In terms of sound, the Kailh BCP linear switch stands out with its signature poppy and clacky sound profile, offering a lively auditory experience that many typists find engaging. This is in stark contrast to the Huano Matcha Latte V2, which favors a more subdued auditory output. The Matcha Latte V2's sound is characterized by a smooth and subtle acoustic presence, providing a quieter environment while typing. Keep in mind that these auditory qualities can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard’s build materials and the specific keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh BCP switch delivers a unique typing experience with its creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy characteristics. This tactile sensation can make every keypress feel more dynamic and responsive. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 offers a smooth and balanced linear typing experience with a solid bottom-out feel, emphasizing ease of keystroke and reduced resistance. The generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble further enhance its premium performance, making for a very different yet satisfying typing experience.
Ultimately, both switches offer distinct experiences catering to different preferences. The Kailh BCP is great for those who enjoy an expressive sound and a lively, bouncy feel, while the Huano Matcha Latte V2 appeals to those seeking a more muted audio experience with a smooth and refined keypress. Depending on what qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch, either option could serve you well, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the overall experience you seek. If you enjoy a medium-heavy switch that delivers a unique tactile experience with a poppy and clacky sound, the Kailh BCP may be the right choice for you. Its creamy, elastic, and bouncy feel can make for an engaging typing experience that many enthusiasts appreciate, especially if you're looking for a switch that provides a hint of character and personality. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, subtler typing experience that balances lightness with a solid bottom-out feel, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 would be a suitable option. With its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, it offers premium linear performance, making it an excellent choice for long typing sessions without any fatigue. In essence, choose the Kailh BCP for a lively and tactile experience, and the Matcha Latte V2 for a refined and seamless linear feel.
Mentioned in this article
