Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly influence your overall typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Cherry Nixie, both of which fall into the linear switch category. The Matcha Latte V2 offers a smooth, subtle typing experience characterized by a delightful balance of lightness and a solid bottom-out feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a creamy, bouncy touch in their keystrokes. Additionally, with its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, users can expect premium linear performance all at an accessible price point. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie switches have earned their place as revered classics in the keyboard community, boasting a substantial heft and a uniquely textured typing experience. With updates from Cherry's MX2A line, these switches strike a balance between traditional design and modern innovation, embracing a thocky sound profile that many enthusiasts cherish. While both switches cater to different preferences, each brings its unique advantages to the table. Let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Cherry Nixie, significant differences can be observed, particularly in the top housings. The Matcha Latte V2 features a POK top housing, known for its exceptional smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it offers a slick typing experience that is complemented by its wear resistance, making it 14 times stronger than POM. This material's shock resistance further enhances its performance, surpassing that of Nylon by 2.3 times. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie employs a classic nylon top housing, which is appreciated for its softer texture that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the Matcha Latte V2 delivers a smooth and clacky feedback, the Nixie's nylon top contributes to a warmer, rounder sound, highlighting a stark difference in both the tactile feel and auditory experience during typing.
Both switches, however, share a commonality in their bottom housing, as they both utilize nylon material. This offers a consistency in the sound profile and overall tactile experience when pressing down the keys. The nylon material's intrinsic properties allow for sound absorption, resulting in a duller and more rounded acoustic signature that enriches the typing experience for both switches. This feature is critical, since the bottom housing plays a substantial role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel of the keystrokes. Therefore, despite the different top housing materials, both the Matcha Latte V2 and Cherry Nixie will produce a similar pleasant sound profile once the key is pressed down, thanks to their shared nylon bottom housing.
In summary, while the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and Cherry Nixie differ considerably in their top housing materials—one prioritizing a smooth mechanical action through POK and the other opting for a softer, sound-absorbing nylon—their shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent and rich auditory experience. Typing on these switches will yield a combination of unique characteristics, with the Matcha Latte V2 emphasizing sharper clacks and enhanced response, while the Nixie focuses on a deeper, rounder sound. The duality of their materials fosters a versatile typing dynamic that caters to diverse user preferences, illustrating how differing materials can still lead to enjoyable and effective performance outcomes.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The Matcha Latte V2 features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for long periods of use whether for work or gaming. In contrast, the Nixie has a significantly heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial feel when typing. Additionally, while the Matcha Latte V2's bottom out force is unknown, the Nixie’s bottom out force is established at 80 grams, reinforcing its heavier overall profile. Thus, for those looking for a lighter touch, the Matcha Latte V2 is a better choice, while the Cherry Nixie caters to those who prefer a heavier, more tactile feedback during use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, we find a clear distinction: the Matcha Latte V2 features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Nixie measures 4 mm. This makes the Matcha Latte V2 the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers and users seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Nixie, with its longer travel distance, caters to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience and hearty depth in their key presses. Therefore, the choice between these switches ultimately hinges on personal preference—whether you favor a swift action from the Matcha Latte V2 or the more substantial feedback of the Nixie.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 sound profile of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 is characterized by a subtlety that complements its smooth typing experience, providing a less pronounced acoustic feedback compared to many other linear switches. While specifics on its exact sound signature aren't available, it typically delivers a muted, almost whisper-like sound when pressed due to its generous factory lubrication. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie linear switch produces a deep, rich thocky sound that many enthusiasts find satisfying. This sound is characterized by a full-bodied "thud" upon actuation, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback during their typing sessions. Overall, while both switches offer advantages, their sound profiles vary significantly, appealing to different auditory preferences.
In terms of feel, the Matcha Latte V2 switches provide a bouncy and creamy typing experience, characterized by a spring-like feedback that offers a lively sensation with each keystroke. The combination of generous lubrication and minimal stem wobble allows for a silky smooth action, giving users a sense of effortless typing. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie switches are known for their textured feel, offering noticeable friction during actuation. This texture can range from slight to significant, providing tactile feedback that some typists find engaging while others may deem it less desirable than the smoothness of the Matcha Latte V2. Thus, the feel between these two options caters to different typing preferences, highlighting the varied experiences that mechanical switches can offer.
In conclusion, when choosing between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Cherry Nixie linear switches, one must consider both acoustic and tactile experiences. The Matcha Latte V2 provides a gentle sound and a smooth, bouncy feel, ideal for those who prefer subtle feedback and a vibrant typing experience. Conversely, the Cherry Nixie features a pronounced thocky sound and a textured feel that may appeal to those who enjoy a more traditional tactile experience. Your decision will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize a smooth auditory impact paired with a lively typing sensation or a rich, deep sound accompanied by noticeable tactile feedback. Each switch offers a distinct typing journey, and both are excellent choices in their own right.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Cherry Nixie linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter feel with a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Matcha Latte V2 is likely your best bet. Its bouncy and creamy characteristics, coupled with generous factory lubrication, allow for a pleasant, fluid action that's perfect for long typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. On the other hand, if you appreciate a heftier switch that provides substantial feedback and a rich, thocky sound, the Cherry Nixie will serve you well. Its heavier bottom-out force and textured feel deliver a more traditional typing experience that many enthusiasts cherish. In essence, lean towards the Matcha Latte V2 for a lighter, more refined experience, and choose the Nixie if you prefer a solid, classic feel with impactful audio feedback. Deciding between the two will greatly enhance your typing enjoyment, so consider what aspects matter most to you in a switch.
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