Durock Koala vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 stand out for their distinct characteristics and typing experiences. The Durock Koala, a tactile switch, is renowned for providing a pleasingly pronounced bump that strikes a perfect balance between feedback and subtlety; it’s ideal for users who enjoy a tactile sensation without being overwhelmed by noise. This switch offers a polished, low-pitched sound profile with just the right amount of resonance, making it suitable for both quiet office environments and more spirited typing sessions. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 excels as a linear switch, delivering a smooth and seamless typing experience with a well-calibrated blend of lightness and solid feedback at the bottom-out. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble ensure consistent performance, making it an excellent choice for gamers or typists seeking a refined, uninterrupted keystroke. Both switches have their unique appeal—be it the tactile delight of the Koala or the silky smoothness of the Matcha Latte V2. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Koala and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 differentiate themselves primarily through the materials used for their top housings. The Koala features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness, leading to a sharper, more resonant sound profile. This is particularly beneficial for users who prioritize sound clarity and enjoy enhanced RGB lighting effects due to the translucency of the polycarbonate material. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 opts for POK (polyketone) as its top housing material. POK is recognized for its smoothness and durability, boasting a low coefficient of friction and impressive wear resistance, which contributes to a clacky sound. While both materials yield unique sound profiles, the contrasting properties of polycarbonate and POK indicate that users may experience distinct auditory sensations when utilizing these switches.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Durock Koala and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 utilize nylon, a classic choice for switch construction. Nylon is noted for its softer texture, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is consistent across both switches. Since the bottom housing exerts a significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches will share this characteristic, providing users with a satisfying auditory experience upon key presses. The uniformity in bottom housing material demonstrates that regardless of the variations in top housing, the fundamental sound impact remains similar due to the acoustic properties of nylon.
The combined effect of these housing materials yields complementary results in terms of sound and performance. While the Koala’s polycarbonate top enhances clarity and supports RGB aesthetics, the Matcha Latte V2’s POK material emphasizes smoothness and durability. However, both switches converge in their use of nylon for the bottom housing, ensuring that users can still enjoy a rich, full sound when typing. This synergy between the differing top materials and the consistent bottom housing ensures that both switch options cater to diverse preferences while delivering satisfying performances overall.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, we notice distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Koala has an actuation force that is unspecified, while its bottom out force is measured at 67 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 has a known actuation force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option, which is often preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons due to reduced finger fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is unknown, which means we can't directly compare that aspect with the Koala. For users who appreciate a heavier typing experience, the Durock Koala may align better with their preferences, providing a more substantial feel upon keypress. Overall, those seeking a lighter and more responsive switch would likely gravitate toward the Huano Matcha Latte V2, while fans of a heavier tactile sensation would find the Koala more satisfying.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, the differences are notable. The Durock Koala features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Matcha Latte V2 measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the Koala the longer travel switch, providing a more substantial feel with each keystroke compared to the slightly shorter Matcha Latte V2. Shorter travel distances, such as that of the Matcha, are increasingly favored in gaming contexts for their quicker response times, while the Koala's longer travel may appeal to those who appreciate a more tactile and deliberate typing experience. Thus, the choice between these two switches largely hinges on personal preference for depth and feedback during use.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 Koala tactile switch is characterized by a low-pitched tone, providing a mellow and bass-heavy auditory experience. This neutral sound profile ensures that it can blend seamlessly into various environments, making it suitable for both casual and professional settings. Given that the sound of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch is not specified, it remains uncertain how its acoustic properties would compare. However, it's worth noting that sound characteristics can heavily depend on the choice of keyboard build and keycaps, allowing for variability in the user experience.
Moving on to the feel, the Koala switch stands out with its polished design, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. Its stepped tactility allows users to experience a pronounced bump at a comfortable point in the keystroke, rather than throughout the entire press, making it feel engaging without overwhelming the typist. Additionally, the Koala's stiffness requires a significant amount of force, resulting in deliberate key presses that can enhance typing confidence. In contrast, the feel characteristics of the Matcha Latte V2 switches are not detailed. However, linear switches typically provide a smoother experience overall, which may feel different when compared to the tactility of the Koala.
In conclusion, the Durock Koala tactile switch presents a low-pitched sound with a polished and stepped tactile feel that caters to users looking for a moderately tactile experience without excessive noise. On the other hand, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch remains an unknown in some areas, particularly regarding its sound profile and feel characteristics. However, for typists looking for a smooth and engaging typing experience, both switches can offer unique experiences tailored to personal preference. Choosing between them will ultimately depend on whether one prioritizes tactile feedback or a smooth linear action.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch will largely depend on your specific preferences for typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a more tactile experience, the Koala is an excellent option. It offers a pronounced bump that adds feedback without overwhelming your keystrokes, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. The low-pitched sound is also ideal if you prefer a more subdued auditory profile while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more straightforward keypress without any tactile feedback, the Matcha Latte V2 will be your go-to switch. Its polished feel and generous lubrication provide a satisfying linear typing experience that excels in fast-paced environments where quick, uninterrupted keystrokes are essential. Additionally, the Matcha Latte V2’s relatively light touch offers a pleasant comfort level for long typing sessions. In summary, choose the Koala if you're looking for a balanced tactile feel with a bit of heft, while the Matcha Latte V2 should be your pick for a sleek, linear experience that emphasizes smooth performance.
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