KTT Mallo vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the choice between mechanical keyboard switches can significantly influence both comfort and performance. The KTT Mallo switch, a tactile option, is celebrated for its nuanced feedback, offering a gentle bump that provides just the right amount of resistance without overwhelming the typist. Its medium-light touch and neutral sound profile make it a versatile pick for a variety of settings, catering beautifully to both seasoned typists and those who appreciate subtlety in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switch, known for its smooth linear action, excels in delivering a fluid typing experience with an enjoyable balance of lightness and a solid bottom-out feel. Its impressive factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble add to the premium linear feel, all while remaining budget-friendly. While both switches offer unique advantages—the KTT Mallo for its tactile feedback and the Matcha Latte V2 for its smoothness—personal preferences and typing habits will ultimately dictate the best choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Mallo and Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches differ significantly in their top housing materials, which directly influences their acoustic properties. The Mallo features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucence. This results in a sharper and crisper sound profile that enhances the clarity of keystrokes, especially when RGB lighting is taken into account. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 utilizes a POK top housing, or polyketone, which provides a smooth typing experience owing to its relatively high coefficient of friction. While both materials contribute to the overall sound profile, the Mallo's polycarbonate is likely to produce a higher-pitched sound, whereas the Matcha Latte’s POK may contribute to a more moderated tonal quality, though still with impressive clarity and presence.
Both the Mallo and the Matcha Latte V2 share nylon as their bottom housing material, which leads to a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs vibrations more effectively than the harder plastics found in the top housing materials, thereby creating a duller sound that contributes to a richer acoustic experience. This shared characteristic means that despite the differences in their top housings, both switches will produce a similar auditory effect once the key is bottomed out, thanks to the classic properties of the nylon material. Therefore, whether one prefers the sharper sound of the polycarbonate or the slightly smoother tone of the POK, the deeper sound shared by both switches complements their respective strengths.
In essence, while the KTT Mallo and Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches utilize different materials for their top housings, the use of nylon for the bottom housing provides a unifying characteristic that affects the overall sound profile. The distinct properties of polycarbonate and POK in the top housing allow for varied tactile experiences, but they also mean that users can expect to receive a rich, full-bodied sound when pressing down any key. This combination ensures that both switches are capable of delivering satisfying auditory feedback, making them suitable choices for typists who appreciate a blend of sound quality and tactile feel in their mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, we find key differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mallo switch has an unspecified actuation force but features a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, although its bottom out force remains unknown. This suggests that those who prefer lighter switches may gravitate towards the Matcha Latte V2 for its easier actuation, which can facilitate longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the Mallo's higher bottom out force could provide a more substantial feel for those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Ultimately, the KTT Mallo is the heavier option due to its higher bottom out force, while the Huano Matcha Latte V2 is lighter, primarily due to its lower actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, the Mallo features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Matcha Latte V2 has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Mallo the switch that provides a deeper actuation, offering a more pronounced feel during key presses. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers or those favoring a quicker response time, though some may find it too abrupt for their typing preference. Ultimately, if you prioritize a more responsive experience, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 would be the ideal choice, while those who enjoy a more substantial key travel may prefer the KTT Mallo.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 KTT Mallo tactile switch presents a neutral and subdued profile. Its sound is moderate, striking a balance that makes it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. This switch produces a dampened sound upon actuation, contributing to a quieter typing experience that can blend harmoniously into most surroundings. Conversely, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch lacks detailed sound characterization. However, it is generally known that linear switches tend to emit a smoother sound, often described as less clicky and more muted compared to their tactile counterparts. Ultimately, while the Mallo provides a noticeable audio signature that is still unobtrusive, the Matcha Latte V2 is likely to create a more consistent sound flow, though specific details are unknown.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mallo switch excels with its gentle tactile feedback and feathery lightness. The mild and subtle characteristics make it incredibly approachable, reducing finger fatigue and ensuring comfort during extended typing sessions. The stepped tactile feel allows users to experience a noticeable yet not overwhelming tactile bump as they press down the key, enhancing the typing experience without sacrificing comfort. On the other hand, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switch is touted for its smooth linear action, promising a satisfying bottom-out feel while maintaining a balance of lightness. It is designed to reduce stem wobble thanks to generous factory lubrication, contributing to a plush and premium typing experience. However, specific descriptors for the feel of this switch are not provided.
In conclusion, both the KTT Mallo tactile switches and Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches offer distinct yet complementary typing experiences. The Mallo emphasizes tactile feedback while maintaining a neutral sound, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate subtlety in both feel and sound. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 is geared toward those who prefer a smooth, linear experience without tactile interruptions. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference: if you enjoy tactile feedback and nuanced sound, the Mallo is a great match; if you prefer a smooth and effortless keystroke, the Matcha Latte V2 is likely to meet your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you appreciate a gentle tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience without being overly pronounced, the KTT Mallo is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation force makes it ideal for long typing sessions, whether you're working or gaming, as it reduces finger fatigue while offering a satisfying, neutral sound that's suitable for both home and office environments. On the other hand, if you prefer the smoothness and simplicity of a linear switch, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 is designed to deliver a premium linear feel with minimal stem wobble, perfect for those who enjoy fast-paced typing without the distraction of tactility. Its subtle yet solid bottom-out feel allows for an efficient and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, consider how you engage with your keyboard—if you lean towards a tactile feedback that aids in typing precision, go for the Mallo, but if you favor a fluid typing experience with smooth keystrokes, the Matcha Latte V2 might be your best bet.
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