HMX Lotus vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference in terms of feel and sound. The HMX Lotus switches present a compelling option for those who crave a responsive typing experience, with a medium actuation force of 50g and a bright, resonant sound that adds a delightful auditory feedback to each keystroke. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate a slightly bouncy feeling while typing, enhancing both gaming and typing experiences. On the other hand, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches provide a smooth, subtle linear typing sensation characterized by a satisfying balance of light weight and solid bottom-out, thanks to their generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble. This makes the Matcha Latte V2 an attractive choice for those seeking a premium linear performance that's easy on the fingers and wallet alike. Both switches have their unique advantages that cater to different typing styles and preferences; 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Lotus and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 present a fascinating comparison in their design philosophies. The Lotus utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material renowned for its softer consistency, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is particularly significant because the nylon absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience that many typists find pleasurable. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 employs polyketone (POK) for its top housing. POK is celebrated for its incredible smoothness and durability, surpassing even nylon in shock resistance. This difference in material emphasizes the Matcha Latte's propensity towards a clacky sound, stemming from its harder plastic makeup, contrasting with the Lotus's warm and muted tones.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both switches rely on nylon for their bottom housings, which equalizes some of the auditory characteristics they produce. As both switches incorporate nylon on the bottom, users can expect the same deeper and fuller sound profile upon bottoming out the keys. This shared material allows the Lotus and Matcha Latte V2 to maintain some commonality in their acoustic qualities during key presses, even as their top housings direct the keys' overall sound signatures in different directions. Therefore, while the Matcha Latte V2's POK adds a smoothness and unique acoustic profile during release, the nylon bottom provides a shared foundation in terms of sound and feel.
In usage, this distinction between bottom and top materials impacts the typing experience in nuanced ways. With the Lotus, the softer nylon throughout both housings promotes a cohesive sound across all aspects of keypresses, securing a consistent auditory environment. Conversely, the Matcha Latte V2's combination of POK and nylon ensures an engaging feel upon actuation—deliveringsmooth, clacky responses and resounding acoustic differences when keys are released. Ultimately, understanding the interplay between these materials allows typists and gamers alike to appreciate not only the tactile responses of their switches but also the unique sound profiles they create.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, we see some similarities in their actuation forces. Both switches require an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in this regard, which can be advantageous for users who favor longer typing sessions or extended gaming. However, the key difference lies in their bottom out forces; the Lotus switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, offering a slightly firmer feel when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 does not have a specified bottom out force, leaving its exact characteristics unknown. Consequently, while both switches can provide a similar actuation experience, the Lotus switch delivers a more defined bottom-out sensation for those who appreciate a heavier touch when keying in or gaming. Essentially, if you are looking for a lighter option, the Lotus would be the choice, whereas the Matcha Latte V2 remains an uncertain variable in this comparison.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, we find that the Lotus has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Matcha Latte V2 measures slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This makes the Lotus the shorter option, providing a slightly more responsive experience, which is often preferred by gamers seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the Matcha Latte V2 offers a longer travel distance, which may feel more substantial for those who appreciate a deeper keystroke. Thus, while both switches fall within the range of contemporary options, the Lotus caters to those who favor a swift and snappy feel, whereas the Matcha Latte V2 appeals to users looking for a more pronounced typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus for $2.99.
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 HMX Lotus switch is characterized by its bright, resonant quality that offers a distinct auditory experience with every keystroke. This brightness can enhance typing satisfaction for users who enjoy a more energetic sound profile. On the other hand, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 provides a more subdued audio experience, focusing on producing smooth sounds that do not distract from the typing experience. While both switches deliver quality sound, the Lotus leans toward a livelier tone, while the Matcha Latte V2 prioritizes a more soft-spoken auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Lotus switch impresses with its medium weight of 50g at bottom-out, presenting a super bouncy sensation that makes typing feel light and enjoyable. This makes it a great option for those who love an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 is designed for a smooth and subtle linear feel, balancing a degree of lightness with a solid bottom-out. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble enhance the overall tactile experience, making it a solid choice for those seeking comfort and reliability in their keystrokes.
Considering these qualities, both the HMX Lotus and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches present unique offerings to users. The Lotus switch is ideal for those who appreciate a vibrant sound and a bouncy feel, while the Matcha Latte V2 caters to individuals looking for a smooth, understated typing experience with solid acoustics. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel, as both have their merits and can lead to satisfying results depending on what features one values more in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Lotus linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a lighter touch and enjoy a bouncier keystroke sensation, the Lotus switch may be more aligned with your typing style. Its 50g bottom-out force and bright, resonant sound make it an engaging choice for dynamic typists and gamers who appreciate a lively feedback. On the other hand, if you are seeking a smoother and more refined typing experience, the Matcha Latte V2 stands out with its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, providing a balance of lightness and a solid feel that many find satisfying for both typing and gaming. Its subtler sound profile also makes it suitable for quieter environments. Therefore, consider your typing habits, the sound environment you’re in, and the tactile feedback you prefer when making your selection; each switch has its unique characteristics that can elevate your keyboard experience in different ways.
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