Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Haimu Orange Sea

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Haimu Orange Sea are two compelling options that cater to different preferences for typists and gamers alike. The Matcha Latte V2 is celebrated for its smooth and subtle linear feel, providing a delightful balance of lightness and a satisfying solid bottom-out experience. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble make it an excellent choice for those seeking a premium typing experience without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches offer an impeccably smooth typing sensation combined with a neutral sound signature, appealing to users who appreciate a more understated auditory experience. While the Matcha Latte V2 is described as 'bouncy' and 'creamy,' giving it a playful character, the Orange Sea emphasizes an 'accented' and 'invigorating' typing experience that may energize users in their daily tasks. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$3.99 per 10

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Haimu Orange Sea, a clear distinction emerges in the characteristics of the top housing, while their bottom housings share similarities. The Matcha Latte V2 utilizes a POK (polyketone) material for its top housing, which provides a smooth feel during typing due to its low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and ability to create a sharper, more resonant sound profile. While the Matcha Latte V2 produces a clacky typing experience, the Orange Sea emphasizes a crisper auditory feedback. Thus, the choice of top housing in each model significantly influences the overall typing experience, particularly regarding sound clarity and tactile feedback.

Despite the differences in the top housing materials, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon’s soft nature contributes to both models producing a deeper, fuller sound, adding a richness to the typing experience. The similar construction means that users can expect consistent acoustic properties from the bottom of each switch. Since the bottom housing absorbs sound better than harder plastics, this results in a more rounded bottom-out sound, creating a sense of familiarity regardless of the top housing material used in each switch.

Ultimately, while the POK and polycarbonate top housings provide distinct sound and tactile experiences, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a cohesive base for both switches. This means that despite their differences, users may find a certain level of similarity in the overall acoustic profile due to the nylon’s deeper sound absorption qualities. In practical terms, this allows for a hybrid experience, where the strengths of each top material are complemented by the smooth, rich sound provided by the nylon base, leading to a satisfying and versatile typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, we find some distinct differences. The Matcha Latte V2 has an actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a firmer push compared to the Haimu Orange Sea's lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This difference suggests that the Matcha Latte V2 may be better suited for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the lighter Haimu Orange Sea may cater better to those seeking comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. The bottom out force for the Huano Matcha Latte V2 remains unknown, while the Haimu Orange Sea has a bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating that it reaches a firmer resistance when pressed down all the way. Therefore, if you opt for the Matcha Latte V2, you could experience a heavier overall feel since its actuation force is greater, while the Haimu Orange Sea offers a lighter touch.

Travel distance

Both the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch exhibit the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This similarity in their travel distances means that users can expect a comparable keyfeel and actuation when using either switch. Because the distance is identical, those who prefer one switch over the other may focus on other factors, such as tactile feedback or actuation force, to determine their preference. Ultimately, since both switches share the same travel distance, users will experience similar results in terms of how the key travels when pressed down.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Matcha Latte V2 is characterized by its subtlety, offering a near-silent typing experience that allows for focused typing sessions. The generous factory lubrication contributes to a muted sound profile, making it ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept low. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches present a neutral sound signature that doesn't draw much attention to itself either. However, as with all switches, the overall sound will still depend heavily on the specifics of the keyboard, such as the board and keycap materials used, which can influence acoustics significantly.

In terms of feel, the Matcha Latte V2 switches are celebrated for their bouncy and creamy typing experience. The bouncy nature provides a delightful sense of springiness, enhancing the overall fluidity of your keystrokes. The creamy sensation, attributed to their factory lubrication, allows for smooth and effortless typing, almost as though your fingers are gliding rather than pressing down. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches lean towards an invigorating feel with pronounced feedback. Their design offers a snappy and reactive response, enabling a typing experience that is dynamic yet inviting. The "accented" descriptor hints at a subtle yet satisfying interaction, creating a balance between responsiveness and comfort.

In summary, both the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and Haimu Orange Sea switches provide distinct yet enjoyable linear typing experiences with their own unique characteristics. The Matcha Latte V2 stands out for its smoothness, lightness, and satisfying bottom-out feel, while the Orange Sea offers a more invigorating feedback with a neutral sound profile. Ultimately, if you prefer a more fluid and creamy experience, the Matcha Latte V2 is a fantastic choice. In contrast, if you value pronounced feedback and responsiveness, the Orange Sea may be more appealing. Regardless of your preference, both switches are designed to deliver high-quality performance in their own right.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a smooth, bouncy typing experience that feels both light and satisfying, the Matcha Latte V2 would likely be your best option. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble contribute to a creamy feel that makes typing effortless, ideal for long typing sessions, gaming, or casual use where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a more invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback, the Haimu Orange Sea would be a suitable choice. Its light bottom-out force and accented feel deliver a snappy response that can enhance your typing speed and accuracy, making it great for fast-paced gaming or scenarios where tactile feedback is beneficial. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing style, whether you favor a plush and creamy feel or a more responsive and engaging touch.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$3.99 per 10

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Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more