Dareu Master vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2

Overview

When choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Dareu Master and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 stand out as excellent options, each catering to unique preferences. The Dareu Master, with its all-POM construction, strikes a medium weight and is renowned for its clacky sound signature, making it an appealing choice for those who crave auditory feedback and a polished feel while typing. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 captures a different appeal with its subtle linear typing experience, providing a satisfying balance of lightness and a solid bottom-out feel, all enhanced by generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble. While the Master caters to users who appreciate a classic and engaging keystroke, the Matcha Latte V2 offers a seamless and refined typing experience at an accessible price. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Dareu Master Linear

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

$3.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the Dareu Master and the Huano Matcha Latte V2, it is evident that they employ different materials for their top and bottom housings, leading to distinct acoustic and tactile profiles. The Dareu Master utilizes POM (polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, providing a deeper, more muted sound profile that enhances the tactile experience by producing a unique and pleasing auditory feedback. By contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 features a POK (polyketone) top housing, which is recognized for its high smoothness and durability due to its lower coefficient of friction and exceptional wear resistance. The POK material contributes to a clackier and more resonant sound, slightly differing from the subdued tone of the Master.

In terms of bottom housing, the Dareu Master's use of POM again emphasizes a uniformity in sound and texture, reinforcing a coherent response when engaging the switch. Conversely, the Matcha Latte V2 employs nylon for its bottom housing, a material that is traditionally viewed as softer, resulting in a deeper and rounder sound profile. This choice in material also allows for enhanced sound absorption, thereby adding to the depth of the audio experience when the switch bottoms out. While both switches aim for a satisfying acoustic experience, the material differences inherently affect the overall sound produced when the switches are both pressed and released.

Despite these material contrasts, one can achieve similar results, especially in terms of sound profile, by carefully considering the interaction between the top and bottom housings. In the case of the Dareu Master, its POM housings create a consistent sound that resonates well together, while the Matcha Latte V2 achieves a balance of depth from its nylon bottom and brightness from its POK top housing. Therefore, even though they use different materials, players might find that both switches deliver satisfying auditory feedback through their architectural design and housing combinations, making for a rewarding typing experience irrespective of the distinct materials employed.

Weight

When comparing the Dareu Master linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, both exhibit an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it impossible to directly compare how they feel when pressed all the way down. Since their actuation forces are the same, users will experience a similar light typing feel, suitable for extended writing or gaming sessions. Given that both switches have equal actuation forces, neither can be deemed lighter or heavier based on the available data, but they definitely cater to those who prefer a lighter touch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Master linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, it's clear that they have different specifications. The Dareu Master features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Huano Matcha Latte V2 has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Master offers a quicker actuation, making it a better choice for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Matcha Latte V2, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced key press and a deeper typing experience. Ultimately, users looking for swifter responses should lean towards the shorter travel distance of the Dareu Master, while those desiring more substantial feedback may favor the Huano Matcha Latte V2.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Dareu Master linear switch stands out with its characteristic clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that is crisp, bright, and percussive. This attribute can be particularly appealing for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the specifics of the Huano Matcha Latte V2's sound profile remain unspecified, leaving a gap in comparison. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by any switch is highly influenced by various factors, including the keyboard build and keycap material, which might lead to different results regardless of the switch itself.

Regarding feel, the Master linear switch is known for providing a mild and polished experience. This means that users can expect a gentle typing sensation that is approachable and user-friendly—a feature that makes it suitable for a broad audience. Its polished nature, likely enhanced by the materials used and factory lubrication, contributes to smooth key travel and reduced friction, enhancing the overall typing experience. Meanwhile, the Matcha Latte V2 also prides itself on a smooth typing experience with a solid bottom-out feel and generous factory lubrication, though its precise tactile characteristics are not elaborated upon. This shared emphasis on smoothness suggests both switches could provide a pleasing feel, but the absence of detailed descriptions for the Matcha Latte V2 makes direct comparisons challenging.

In conclusion, while the Dareu Master linear switch offers a distinct clacky sound and a smooth, mild feel, the Huano Matcha Latte V2's sound qualities remain unknown, although it promises a smooth typing experience as well. Users can expect a satisfying performance from both switches, and while the auditory feedback from the Master is more pronounced, the ultimate experience may vary based on other components of the keyboard setup. If you're drawn to a subtle linear typing sensation, either switch could potentially meet your needs, but the Master clearly caters to those seeking an engaging sound experience alongside its refined feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Dareu Master linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, consider your personal preferences in typing experience and sound profile. If you appreciate a clackier sound and a smooth yet moderately weighted feel, the Master switch would be an excellent choice, especially for a classic typing experience that strikes a balance between tactile feedback and audio satisfaction. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and subtler typing experience with premium performance at a more accessible price point, the Matcha Latte V2 stands out with its exceptional smoothness, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, allowing for a comfortable and refined experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value an expressive auditory feedback and a traditional style—where the Master shines—or if you're after a more understated but equally smooth and reliable experience that the Matcha Latte V2 can provide.

Mentioned in this article

Dareu Master Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn more

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$3.99 per 10

Learn more