Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between a variety of options to suit their unique typing preferences. Two popular choices within the linear switch category are the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Haimu Neo White. The Matcha Latte V2 is celebrated for its smooth and subtle typing experience, providing a satisfying balance between lightweight press and a sturdy bottom-out feel. With generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, these switches deliver a premium performance without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White switches offer a medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, which creates a distinctive typing sensation. The innovative use of a Ly stem ensures a remarkably smooth actuation, making each keystroke both comfortable and rewarding. While both switches excel in providing smooth and satisfying linear feedback, their unique characteristics offer different typing experiences that may appeal to various users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Haimu Neo White switches, notable differences arise in their top housings. The Matcha Latte V2 features POK (polyketone) plastic, which is lauded for its low coefficient of friction (0.04) and impressive durability. This makes the POK housing not only smooth but also exceptionally resilient against wear, providing a longer lifespan than many alternatives, including POM and nylon. Conversely, the Neo White utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for inducing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, making it particularly suited for applications where sound quality is paramount—especially in RGB setups where translucency allows lighting effects to shine through beautifully.
Despite the differences in the top housing materials, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, which is made of nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer composition absorbs sound more effectively than harder alternatives. Therefore, when typing on either switch, you can expect a similar depth to the audio experience derived from the nylon bottom. This shared element ensures that, regardless of the top housing differences, both switches will provide a satisfying tactile feedback and a warm sound character, creating an engaging typing experience.
Ultimately, while the top housings of the Matcha Latte V2 and the Neo White present different characteristics that influence their sound profiles—smooth and clacky versus sharp and resonant—the substantial marriage of their nylon bottom housings results in a coherent foundation for typing feel and sound. Each switch's bottom housing will dominate the sound and tactile experience when bottoming out, while the top housing nuances will distinctly emerge during key releases. As such, a user can achieve satisfying auditory results regardless of which switch they choose, with the overall experience shaped by the careful balance of their respective materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, the differences are noteworthy. The Matcha Latte V2 features an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a relatively light touch for ease of typing during extended sessions, making it suitable for both work and gaming. However, the bottom out force for this switch is unknown, which leaves some uncertainty regarding how much resistance it offers at full depression. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White has no specified actuation force, but it is known to have a bottom out force of 58 grams, classified as medium, indicating a more substantial feel upon full keypress. This makes the Neo White switch heavier overall, providing a firmer typing experience that some users may prefer for its tactile feedback. Therefore, while the Matcha Latte V2 is lighter and potentially more comfortable for prolonged use, the Neo White's heavier feel may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them identical in this regard. Since their travel distances are the same, users can expect a similar feel and feedback when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. This uniformity allows for a cohesive typing experience, whether one chooses the Matcha Latte V2 or the Neo White.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70.
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 notably smooth in operation, contributing to a quiet typing experience, although specifics on their sound profile aren't provided. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White switches have a neutral sound, characterized as moderate in both actuation force and sound output. This makes the Neo White suitable for a variety of environments, whether casual or professional. However, since the overall sound of both switches can be influenced heavily by your choice of keyboard and keycaps, it’s reasonable to expect both switches will allow for a similar ambient noise level in practical use.
Regarding their feel, the Matcha Latte V2 switches offer a smooth and balanced linear typing experience, characterized by lightness and a solid bottom-out sensation, which enhances the overall premium feel. The generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble further elevate this experience, resulting in reliable performance with each keystroke. In comparison, the Neo White switches provide a mild typing feel, making them approachable for users who prefer a less aggressive response from their switches. While the Neo White has a distinct Ly stem that enhances smoothness during actuation, the Matcha Latte V2 aims for a more traditional linear feel, resulting in both offering unique yet satisfying typing experiences.
In conclusion, both the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and Haimu Neo White linear switches provide enjoyable typing experiences, though they achieve this in slightly different ways. While the Matcha Latte V2 leans towards a smooth and more traditional linear experience, the Neo White offers a milder feel with a unique stem design. Sound-wise, while the Matcha Latte V2 might favor a quieter profile, the Neo White stands out with its neutral sound, suitable for various environments. Both switches cater to different preferences, ensuring that newcomers can find a reliable option that resonates with their typing needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Haimu Neo White linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you are seeking a smooth and lightweight typing experience with minimal resistance, the Matcha Latte V2 is an ideal option. Its satisfying balance of lightness combined with a solid bottom-out feel makes it particularly suited for users who appreciate a nimble touch and prefer to type without the burden of heavier force. Furthermore, the generous factory lubrication enhances the smoothness of each keystroke, making for an enjoyable typing experience, especially for longer sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile middle-ground switch that offers a balanced typing experience, the Haimu Neo White may be more to your liking. With its medium actuation force of 58 grams and slightly reduced travel, the Neo White provides a unique typing feel that is neither too heavy nor too light, making it versatile for both gaming and typing tasks. Its neutral sound profile allows for a comfortable working environment, making it suitable for different settings. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your individual preferences regarding weight, sound, and feel to achieve the most satisfying keyboard experience.