Neo Lavender HE vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the diverse world of mechanical keyboard switches, two prominent options emerge: the Neo Lavender HE and the Huano Matcha Latte V2, each offering unique attributes that cater to different user preferences. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its clean, low sound profile and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, making it an excellent choice for gamers seeking precision and a quiet operation. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2, a linear switch, excels in delivering a smooth and satisfying keystroke experience, characterized by its light actuation force and solid bottom-out feel, enhanced by generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble. While the Lavender HE leans towards a more innovative experience with its magnetic technology, the Matcha Latte V2 provides a traditional yet refined linear feel that many typists and gamers appreciate. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials for the Neo Lavender HE and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switch differ significantly in their top housings. The Lavender HE features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the material. This characteristic allows the nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder tone when typing. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 is constructed with a POK (polyketone) top housing, which offers a smooth typing experience due to its low coefficient of friction (0.04). While the POK material contributes to a more clacky and sharp sound profile, its durability surpasses that of nylon, showcasing strengths in resistance to wear and shock. Ultimately, while the Lavender HE emphasizes a softer, richer auditory experience, the Matcha Latte V2 prioritizes smoothness and robustness.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, highlighting a consistent element between them. This similarity allows both the Lavender HE and the Matcha Latte V2 to maintain the signature deeper, fuller sound profile provided by nylon. Because the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the use of nylon in this aspect ensures that both switches share a weightier typing experience. This commonality in bottom housing material helps bridge the differences present in the top housings, offering a level of familiarity for users who value the characteristics of nylon.
In conclusion, while the top housings of the Neo Lavender HE and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 present contrasting attributes—soft, acoustically rich nylon versus the smooth, robust POK—their shared nylon bottom housings mitigate some of the disparities. The combined materials lead to distinct typing experiences, as the impact of the top housing determines sound during key release while the bottom housing affects the overall feel and resonance during a key press. Thus, users will notice a multi-faceted typing experience that is a blend of both the rich resonance of nylon and the enhanced attributes provided by the unique top housing materials. Ultimately, the distinct combination presents a thoughtful balance between durability and sound profile, appealing to a spectrum of keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch with the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, we find distinct differences in actuation forces, while the bottom out force of the Matcha Latte V2 remains unknown. The Lavender HE features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience over extended periods, such as at work or during long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Since the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is not provided, we cannot perform a direct comparison in that area. Overall, the Lavender HE is the lighter option, while the Matcha Latte V2 is comparatively heavier, each catering to different preferences in typing dynamics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, there is a slight difference between the two. The Lavender HE features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Matcha Latte V2 has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Matcha Latte V2 may be preferable, as it allows for quicker key actuation. Conversely, if you value a more substantial depth when pressing keys, the Lavender HE, with its longer travel distance, could be the better option for you. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50, whereas the Huano Matcha Latte V2 comes in at $3.99.
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 Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is noted for its clean, low sound profile, which allows for a more muted typing experience compared to many traditional switches. This makes it particularly suitable for environments where noise levels matter, such as offices or shared spaces. On the other hand, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch similarly offers a quiet operation, contributing to an unobtrusive auditory experience. While both switches share a low sound signature, it's essential to consider that the overall noise produced can still be influenced by the specific keyboard build and keycap materials used.
Regarding feel, the Neo Lavender HE switch provides a unique tactile sensation, although specific details about its feel are less clearly defined. Conversely, the Matcha Latte V2 is known for its smooth and subtle linear typing experience. It strikes a satisfying balance between lightness and a solid bottom-out feel, enhanced by generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, which contributes to its premium tactile feedback. While the Lavender HE’s feel is not explicitly detailed, it’s likely to still provide a solid typing experience that many users might find comparable in its performance.
In conclusion, while the Neo Lavender HE and Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches each have their distinctive qualities, they both cater to users seeking a quiet typing experience with an emphasis on smoothness and feel. The Lavender HE is appreciated for its clean sound and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, while the Matcha Latte V2 excels with its thoughtful design features that enhance its linear performance. Choosing between the two will largely depend on personal preferences regarding brand loyalty, specific feel desires, and compatibility with preferred keyboard layouts.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lighter key press, a cleaner, low-sound experience, and you enjoy the compatibility with Wooting keyboards, the Neo Lavender HE could be the perfect fit for you. Its unique hall effect mechanism lends itself to a distinct typing style that sets it apart from traditional mechanical switches, making it an excellent choice for gamers or typists who value responsiveness and a specialized sound profile. On the other hand, if you seek a smooth, linear typing experience that balances lightness with a satisfying bottom-out feel, then the Matcha Latte V2 would be a better match. With its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, this switch is ideal for long typing sessions where comfort and consistency matter. Ultimately, consider how you intend to use your keyboard—whether for gaming or typing—and the sensations that each switch evokes to guide your decision.
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