Everglide Lightning Silver V3 vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 both offer unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences. The Lightning Silver V3, crafted by Haimu, is celebrated for its distinct clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a vibrant auditory experience that stands out during typing sessions. Its silky feel combined with a light diffuser enhances RGB illumination, making it a fantastic choice for users who appreciate aesthetics and acoustic feedback. On the other hand, the Matcha Latte V2 focuses on delivering a smooth and subtle linear experience, striking a satisfying balance between light actuation and a solid bottom-out feel. With generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, it offers premium performance at a more accessible price point, appealing to those who prioritize a streamlined typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on which switch is the best fit for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings, which profoundly influences their acoustic profiles and tactile responses. The Lightning Silver V3 employs polycarbonate for its top housing, known for its stiffness, which leads to a sharper, more resonant sound when the key is released. This characteristic makes it well suited for vibrant RGB lighting setups, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to filter through brilliantly. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing. This material, while also providing a smooth typing experience, offers a sound profile that combines clarity with a slight roundness. While both materials contribute to clear sound profiles, the polycarbonate construction of the Lightning Silver V3 yields a crisper tone compared to the more balanced clackiness of the POK material.
In terms of the bottom housing, the two switches diverge once again in their choice of materials. The Lightning Silver V3 utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, enhancing the consistent brightness in sound characteristics it offers. This results in a notable bottom-out sound that aligns with the higher-pitched tone of its top housing. Conversely, the Matcha Latte V2 employs nylon in its bottom housing, a classic material known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic effectively absorbs vibrations, contributing to a more muted and rounded sound as opposed to the sharper tones produced by polycarbonate. Consequently, while both switches aim for different auditory experiences, they each leverage their respective material advantages in conjunction with their unique top and bottom housing combinations.
Despite the differences in materials, both switch types can yield satisfactory and enjoyable typing experiences, albeit with their distinct auditory characteristics. The Lightning Silver V3's uniform use of polycarbonate across both housings provides a cohesive and crisp sound profile that remains vibrant and resonant from the top key release to bottom-out. On the other hand, the Matcha Latte V2 showcases a blend of smoothness from the POK top housing paired with the warmth and depth from its nylon bottom housing, creating a fuller auditory experience that resonates well with typists seeking durability and a satisfying sound. Ultimately, users can achieve complementary results tailored to personal preferences, whether in sharpness or richness, simply by selecting the switch that aligns best with their auditory and tactile expectations.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, we can see some notable differences in their actuation force, yet the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 remains unspecified. The Lightning Silver V3 has an actuation force of 48 grams, while the Matcha Latte V2 is slightly lighter at 45 grams, making it a more appealing choice for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. This lighter actuation force allows for easier keystrokes, providing a less strenuous experience overall. However, without the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2, it's difficult to fully compare the pressure required when the switch is fully engaged. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which offers a more pronounced tactile feedback when bottoming out, catering to users who prefer a stronger key feel. Overall, those opting for a lighter key press may gravitate towards the Matcha Latte V2, while users who appreciate firmer feedback in their typing will likely prefer the Lightning Silver V3's specifications.
Travel distance
When comparing the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches, one notable difference lies in their travel distances. The Lightning Silver V3 has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option between the two, while the Matcha Latte V2 extends to 3.6 mm, thus offering a slightly longer travel distance. This distinction indicates that the Lightning Silver V3 may provide a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers who prioritize quick key presses, while the Matcha Latte V2 may cater to those who appreciate a deeper, more substantial key press. Ultimately, if you’re seeking responsiveness, the Lightning Silver V3 would be the better choice, whereas the Matcha Latte V2 might be preferable for those who enjoy a less abrupt key actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches are characterized by their clacky and high-pitched auditory profile, which results in a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This crisp and percussive quality offers an engaging auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying, especially those who prefer a more lively sound during their typing sessions. In contrast, the specifics of the sound profile for the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches remain unknown, but it is essential to note that all switch sounds can vary based on the keyboard and keycap choices, potentially leading to similar auditory experiences in different setups.
In terms of feel, the Lightning Silver V3 excels with its silky smoothness, providing an exceptionally seamless typing experience. This unique feature minimizes resistance during keystrokes, making it a pleasure for typists who prioritize fluidity and comfort. The Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches, however, also boast a subtle linear feel with a satisfying balance between lightness and solid bottom-out. While the precise tactile characteristics of the Matcha Latte V2's feel are not thoroughly detailed, they are built with generous factory lubrication and reduced stem wobble, suggesting that users will also experience a commendably smooth performance.
In conclusion, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches present a distinctive clacky sound and an exceptionally silky feel, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches offer their own unique advantages with a subtle linear experience and adequate smoothness. Both switches can deliver satisfying results, but if sound is a critical factor for you, the clear distinction in the Lightning Silver V3's profile may be notable. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prefer auditory excitement or a more understated performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium actuation force with a lively and dynamic sound profile, the Lightning Silver V3 is an excellent choice. Its clacky and high-pitched signature can make typing more engaging, especially if you're drawn to RGB setups, as its light diffuser enhances the visual experience. On the other hand, if you value a smooth, subtle linear typing experience that combines a lighter feel with solid bottoming out, the Matcha Latte V2 will serve you well. With its generous lubrication and minimal stem wobble, you’ll appreciate the premium performance at an accessible price point. Ultimately, consider factors such as sound preference and the tactile feedback you seek to ensure the switch you choose complements your keyboard experience.
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