Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience are the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Cherry MX Silent Red. The Matcha Latte V2 is celebrated for its smooth and subtle feel, offering a delightful balance of lightness alongside a solid bottom-out experience, enhanced by generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble. This makes it an appealing option for users looking for premium performance without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red carries forward the classic traits of the well-loved MX Red, delivering a slightly heftier touch while significantly reducing noise levels. Its muted yet thocky sound profile makes it particularly suited for noise-sensitive environments where quiet operation is essential. Both switches have their unique perks: the Matcha Latte V2 stands out for its affordability and performance, whereas the MX Silent Red excels in providing a discreet typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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 Silent Red, a distinct difference is observed in their top housings. The Matcha Latte V2 employs POK, or polyketone, which is known for its exceptional durability and low friction coefficient of 0.04. This makes it one of the smoothest materials available, lending the switches a less aggressive feel. In contrast, the Silent Red uses a nylon top housing. While nylon is more traditional and offers a deeper sound due to its softer and more absorbent nature, it lacks the high wear resistance associated with POK. This difference in materials means that while both switches attempt to create a pleasant typing experience, the Matcha Latte V2 may provide a slightly smoother action due to the specific properties of its top housing.
On the bottom housing front, both the Matcha Latte V2 and the Cherry MX Silent Red utilize nylon. This shared material results in a similar auditory profile, giving both switches a deeper, fuller sound when pressed. Due to nylon's ability to absorb sound better than harder plastics, users will likely experience a rounder auditory feedback when actuating these switches. As such, while the top housings vary notably, the sound experience created by the bottom housings remains consistent. Therefore, users favoring a smooth sound profile may find common ground between these two switches.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in both switches defines their overall character. The contrasting top materials - POK in the Matcha Latte V2 and nylon in the Silent Red - contribute to different tactile and acoustic experiences during key releases, while both switches benefit from the depth and muted quality that nylon provides in their bottoms. This blended material choice ensures that, while the Matcha Latte V2 may excel in terms of smoothness and durability with its POK top housing, both switches share a gratifyingly rich sound experience thanks to their nylon lower housings. Hence, users can expect a nuanced performance differing in key feel and release sound, while enjoying similar auditory pleasure.
Weight
The Huano Matcha Latte V2 and Cherry MX Silent Red linear switches both share an actuation force of 45 grams, which means that users will experience similar keystroke activation responsiveness when using either switch. However, the bottom out force for both switches is listed as unavailable, making it impossible to draw a direct comparison in that regard. Without specific values for the bottom out forces, we cannot determine which switch offers a heavier feel when fully pressed down. Given their identical actuation forces, both switches cater to users who prefer a relatively light tactile experience, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, due to the unknown bottom out forces, enthusiasts who seek a more substantial typing experience may need to try both switches personally to find their preferred feedback.
Travel distance
The Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that if you're looking for a quicker response time, the Matcha Latte V2 would be the preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance, which can offer a more immediate feedback during keystrokes. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red, with its 3.7 mm travel, may provide a more substantial feel, potentially appealing to users who favor a deeper, more pronounced actuation. While the difference in travel distances is only 0.1 mm, it can influence the typing experience significantly, depending on personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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
The Huano Matcha Latte V2 switch is characterized by a smooth and subtle sound profile, which contributes to a refined typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is designed to offer a muted sound, preventing any significant acoustic feedback during use. It produces a low-pitched thocky sound when pressed, resulting in a satisfying deep thud without the clatter typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The Matcha Latte V2 is likely quieter than other switches, but it doesn't reach the level of sound insulation provided by the MX Silent Red, making it more suitable for users in noise-sensitive environments or those who prefer a more discreet typing experience.
When it comes to tactile feel, the Matcha Latte V2 offers a smooth, linear typing experience characterized by a light touch and a solid bottom-out sensation with generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble. In comparison, the MX Silent Red switches have a textured feel due to the slight friction encountered during each key press. This texture may be appealing to some users who enjoy a bit more feedback, while others might find it less desirable compared to the silky smoothness of the Matcha Latte V2. The MX Silent Red’s comparatively heftier feel also offers a different experience, catering to those who prefer a more substantial switch.
In summary, while both the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switches provide smooth typing experiences, their sound profiles differ significantly, with the Silent Red being engineered explicitly for quiet operation. In terms of feel, the Matcha Latte V2 focuses on providing a smooth and clean experience, while the Silent Red introduces a textured element that may not suit everyone. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize quiet operation or prefer a bit of tactile feedback during your typing sessions.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you value a smooth and light typing experience with a solid bottom-out feel, the Matcha Latte V2 is the way to go. Its premium performance at an accessible price point, paired with generous factory lubrication, makes it ideal for users who enjoy an uninterrupted typing experience without noise distractions. On the other hand, if you work in a noise-sensitive environment or simply prefer a quieter keyboard, the Cherry MX Silent Red will serve you better. Retaining the satisfying feel of the classic MX Red but with a muted sound profile, it allows you to type comfortably without disturbing those around you. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct advantages, so your choice will largely depend on whether you prioritize a tactile and smooth experience or a quieter, more subdued sound.
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