Outemu Lime (V3) vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Lime and Huano Matcha Latte V2 represent two distinct yet appealing options for different typing preferences. The Outemu Lime is celebrated for its unique blend of lightweight design, subtle tactility, and silenced operation, making it an excellent choice for tactile enthusiasts who prefer a gentle touch without compromising on responsiveness. Its categorized traits—neutral, mild, muted, and feathery—provide a polished typing experience that caters to those who enjoy a delicate interaction with their keyboard. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 shines with its smooth, linear typing experience, offering a satisfying balance between lightness and a solid bottom-out feel. Enhanced by generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, these switches deliver a premium linear performance at an accessible price point, ideal for users who favor uninterrupted keystrokes without tactile feedback. With such compelling characteristics in mind, your choice may hinge on whether you prioritize the subtle feedback of a tactile switch or the fluidity of a linear one. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Lime (V3) Tactile

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$3.40 per 10

$3.99 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Lime and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches, one notable difference lies in the composition of their top housings. The Lime employs a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature aids in absorbing sound, thus delivering a mellow, rounded acoustic experience. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing. This material, while still capable of yielding a rich auditory output, is characterized by its exceptional smoothness and durability, partly due to a coefficient of friction that promotes prolonged performance. Thus, while both switches can deliver satisfying auditory feedback, the Lime may offer a softer tonal quality, whereas the Matcha Latte V2 tends towards a smoother and potentially more pronounced "clacky" sound.

The bottom housings of both switches contrast less dramatically, as both models utilize nylon for their respective lower sections. This consistency means that the acoustic qualities—namely the deeper sound and rounded feel—are preserved across both switches when pressed down. The nylon construction of the bottom housing ensures that the experience of bottoming out remains cohesive, with both switches delivering a rich, muted sound as a result. This shared characteristic suggests that when considering the bottom-out experience and resultant sound profile, users will find little to differentiate between the two models, highlighting the reliability and traditional nature of nylon in crafting effective key switch designs.

Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the Outemu Lime and Huano Matcha Latte V2 serve to shape the character of each switch, particularly during the key release phase. The Matcha Latte V2's POK top housing promotes a distinct experience that leans towards smoothness and durability, while the Nylon top housing of the Lime fosters a more resonant acoustic that may be more pleasing for users favoring a deeper sound. Nevertheless, because both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect a harmonious bottoming-out feel that resonates well with those who appreciate the nuanced auditory feedback inherent in mechanical keyboards. As such, while there are noted distinctions in the top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom ensures that some aspects of the typing experience remain consistent across both switch options.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Lime tactile switch with the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, a distinct difference in actuation force is evident. The Outemu Lime features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a keyboard that allows for extended typing sessions without much effort. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 demands a stronger actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial feedback while typing. While the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 remains unknown, the Lime's defined bottom out force of 45 grams further emphasizes its lighter overall feel. Therefore, if a user prioritizes a lighter switch for comfort during long periods of use, the Outemu Lime would be the recommended option, whereas those looking for a heavier feel might be drawn to the Huano Matcha Latte V2, provided they are comfortable with the unknown force aspect of the latter.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Lime switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Matcha Latte V2 measures slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This small divergence signifies that the Lime provides a more responsive feel, which could benefit gamers looking for quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Matcha Latte V2, with its longer travel distance, may deliver a more satisfying tactile feedback that some users may prefer for a more substantial keypress experience. Therefore, if you're inclined towards faster response times, the Outemu Lime would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, while the Huano Matcha Latte V2 caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Lime switch produces a sound that can be categorized as both neutral and muted. Its sound profile strikes a balance that makes it suitable for diverse environments, whether at home or in a workplace setting. The muted characteristics significantly decrease the noise typically associated with mechanical switches, which helps maintain a quieter atmosphere. This makes the Lime a good option for those who prefer a typing experience that won’t disturb others around them. In contrast, while the Matcha Latte V2's sound characteristics remain unspecified, one might expect a linear switch to generally be quieter than tactile or clicky variations, particularly when paired with quality construction components that minimize vibration.

When it comes to feel, the Outemu Lime switch offers a unique typing experience with descriptors such as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. This combination results in a gentle yet responsive touch, requiring little exertion and reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The tactility it provides is approachable for most users, making it ideal for prolonged use. Conversely, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switch is celebrated for its smoothness and light actuation, with generous factory lubrication ensuring minimal stem wobble. Although its specified feel descriptors are absent, users can typically expect a well-rounded linear switch to provide consistent key presses without the resistance that tactile switches present.

Overall, the Outemu Lime switch caters to those who enjoy a light, tactile experience with a muted sound profile, making it suitable for both personal and professional settings. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switch appeals to users looking for an even smoother linear experience. Both switches serve their intended audiences effectively, but they do so through different tactile sensations and acoustic signatures. Whether you lean towards the tactile delight of the Lime or the smooth operation of the Matcha Latte V2, you'll find quality performance in both options, tailored to enhance your typing experience based on your specific preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, your choice should hinge on your typing preferences and the specific experiences you desire. If you appreciate a tactile feel with a lightweight actuation force that minimizes finger fatigue, the Lime switch is likely your best bet. Its muted sound profile and feathery touch create an accommodating environment for both work and casual typing, making it perfect for those who enjoy a gentle tactile response without excessive noise—ideal for shared spaces or long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you're seeking a smooth and linear experience with a more solid bottom-out feel, the Matcha Latte V2 will serve you well. Its premium linear performance, bolstered by generous factory lubrication, provides a satisfying keystroke for users who prefer seamless transitions between keys, making it great for gaming and fast-paced typing. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you lean more towards the tactile nuances of the Lime switch or the smooth, unhindered experience of the Matcha Latte V2.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Lime (V3) Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$3.99 per 10

Learn more