Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and Cherry MX Brown both stand out for their unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Matcha Latte V2 is celebrated for its smooth, linear action, providing a typing experience that balances lightness and a solid bottom-out feel, complete with generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize swift keystrokes and minimal resistance while gaming or typing extensively. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switches are renowned for their subtlety, offering a light tactile feel paired with gentle feedback and subdued audio. This tactile response can enhance typing accuracy, making them ideal for writers and programmers who appreciate a hint of resistance without overwhelming noise. While both switches offer compelling reasons to choose them based on individual preference—whether for a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience or a tactile interaction with keystrokes—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Cherry MX Brown switches, there are notable differences in their top housings. The Matcha Latte V2 utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, a material renowned for its low coefficient of friction (0.04) that contributes to a smooth typing experience. In contrast, the MX Brown employs nylon, a classic material that offers a distinct, softer sound profile characterized by its ability to absorb deeper audio frequencies. While the POK material promotes a smoother feel during typing, the nylon of the MX Brown allows for a fuller sound, showcasing how the properties of each material greatly influence the user experience.
On the other hand, both the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and Cherry MX Brown share nylon for their bottom housings. This commonality results in similar acoustic qualities between the two switches, as nylon is adept at producing a deeper and rounder sound profile. The softness of nylon can dampen the sound generated during key presses, causing a muted auditory feedback that many typists appreciate. Hence, while the differing top housing materials create distinct tactile sensations during use, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a comparable performance in terms of sound characteristics.
The interaction between the materials in each switch is crucial when it comes to the overall typing experience. Although the Matcha Latte V2 offers a smoother feel with its POK top housing, the nylon bottom housing, common with the MX Brown, ensures that both switches still produce that rich, dull sound profile. This balance of materials means that while users might experience different textures when pressing the keys, they will ultimately share a similar acoustic signature thanks to the nylon bottoms. This design consideration exemplifies how different materials can coexist within a switch to cater to varied preferences, enhancing the overall functionality and enjoyment of typing.
Weight
The Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require an equal amount of force to trigger a keystroke, offering a similar experience in that aspect. However, the Cherry MX Brown switch has a distinct bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light, indicating that it requires more force to press the switch all the way down compared to the Matcha Latte V2, for which the bottom out force is unavailable. This suggests that while both switches feel similarly light during actuation, the MX Brown provides a heavier feeling upon bottoming out. For users who prefer a lighter overall typing experience, the Matcha Latte V2 may be more appealing, especially for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Cherry MX Brown offers a more substantial feedback that some typists might enjoy.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, there is a notable distinction. The Matcha Latte V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Brown boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference suggests that users of the Matcha Latte V2 may experience quicker and more responsive keystrokes, which is often preferred by gamers seeking faster reaction times. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown offers a deeper, more substantial feel that may appeal to typists who enjoy the tactile feedback of a longer travel distance. Therefore, if you prefer a more responsive experience, the Matcha Latte V2 would be the better choice, while those who favor a hearty depth might opt for the MX Brown.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 comes in at $3.99, whereas the Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00.
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 Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches are characterized by their smooth and subtle audio profile, making them relatively quiet compared to other options. This minimalist sound can lead to a more focused typing experience, as the noise generated is less likely to be distracting. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switches provide a more pronounced auditory experience. They produce a bassy sound that is low-pitched and rich, creating a satisfying acoustic feedback that some typists find rewarding. While both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, the Matcha Latte V2 leans towards a quieter operation, whereas the MX Brown adds a deeper sound profile during key presses.
In terms of feel, the Matcha Latte V2 offers a notably smooth linear typing experience with a solid bottom-out feel. The extensive factory lubrication contributes to this smoothness, minimizing stem wobble and enhancing the overall typing experience. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a frictionless keypress without any tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown has a distinct tactile feel, marked by a subtle texture that provides feedback at the actuation point. This textured feel can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a tactile response, though it may introduce some friction that is absent in the Matcha Latte V2. Essentially, the Matcha Latte V2 caters to users seeking an ultra-smooth feel, while the MX Brown appeals to those who appreciate a tactile sensation in their typing.
In conclusion, both the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and Cherry MX Brown switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Matcha Latte V2 excels in providing a quiet and smooth linear experience, ideal for users who prefer minimal auditory distraction and seamless keystrokes. Conversely, the MX Brown stands out with its distinct tactile feedback and deeper sound profile, appealing to those who appreciate a more engaging acoustic and physical typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences, whether one favors a smooth and subdued performance or a tactile and richer auditory feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches and Cherry MX Brown tactile switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience with minimal auditory feedback and a lighter feel, the Matcha Latte V2 is an excellent option. Its factory lubrication and solid bottom-out performance make it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming, where a seamless experience is key. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit of feedback from your keys while typing, along with a richer sound profile, the Cherry MX Brown switches might be more suited to you. Their subtle tactility and deeper, bassy sound can provide an engaging typing experience without being too loud or disruptive. In essence, opting for the Matcha Latte V2 would be best for those seeking smoothness and quiet operation, while the MX Brown is perfect for users who enjoy tactile feedback and a warmer auditory experience.