Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Outemu Cold Plum

Overview

When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between models can significantly affect your typing experience. The Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Cold Plum, both linear switches, provide distinct sensations that cater to different user preferences. The Matcha Latte V2 is celebrated for its smooth, subtle linear typing feel, striking an exceptional balance between lightness and a solid bottom-out sensation, complemented by generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a premium typing experience without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switches offer a unique combination of a smooth keystroke and a thocky sound profile, thanks to their fully nylon construction, appealing to enthusiasts who seek an auditory and tactile delight in their typing. While both switches provide enjoyable linear experiences, they cater to different priorities: one leans towards a whisper-soft feel, while the other emphasizes a satisfying sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$3.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Huano Matcha Latte V2 and Outemu Cold Plum switches represent two distinct approaches to the choice of housing materials, which greatly influence their typing experience and acoustic profiles. The Matcha Latte V2's top housing utilizes POK (polyketone), a material renowned for its low coefficient of friction (0.04) and exceptional durability. This results in smooth keypresses with a clacky sound. In contrast, the Cold Plum employs nylon for its top housing. This softer plastic absorbs sound more effectively, producing a fuller, rounder acoustic profile. While both materials provide a high-quality experience, the POK in the Matcha Latte V2 leans into enhanced smoothness and durability, whereas the nylon top of the Cold Plum contributes to a different tonal character during typing.

When examining the bottom housings of both switches, it becomes evident that both the Matcha Latte V2 and Cold Plum use nylon. As a classic housing material, nylon consistently produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This shared bottom housing characteristic means that regardless of the differences in top housing materials, typists can expect a similar acoustic output from the bottom of both switches. The impact of the nylon bottom is significant, as it enhances the overall sound profile of each switch, making the experience more consistent across the two models in terms of sound quality.

In terms of performance and sound, the contrasting tops and similar bottoms also indicate that the overall experience will combine these unique attributes. The Matcha Latte V2's POK top will deliver smoothness and a lighter, crisper sound when releasing a key, while the Cold Plum's nylon top will enhance the plushness of the key's acoustic profile. With both housing types working together, users can enjoy an engaging typing experience that highlights the strengths of each material: the robust performance and durability of POK in the Matcha Latte V2 and the signature sound-dampening properties of nylon in both switches. Ultimately, selecting between them may depend more on personal preference for the top housing feel and sound rather than the bottom housing, which remains a common element in both designs.

Weight

The Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Matcha Latte V2 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, which may appeal to those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, making it suitable for prolonged use during work or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is unknown, leaving a gap in the comparison. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorized as medium-heavy. This combination provides a more substantial typing feel that would cater to users who enjoy a firmer push when typing. Overall, the Outemu Cold Plum switch is the heavier option, ideal for those seeking a stronger tactile experience, whereas the lighter Huano Matcha Latte V2 is better suited for users prioritizing ease and comfort over the typing duration.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, the Matcha Latte V2 features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cold Plum has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Matcha Latte V2 offers a longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced feel when pressing down on the key. In contrast, the Cold Plum’s shorter travel distance may appeal more to gamers seeking quicker response times. While both switches accommodate distinct preferences—depth in the case of the Matcha Latte V2 and snappiness with the Cold Plum—the key differences in their travel distances highlight the importance of choosing a switch that aligns with individual typing or gaming styles.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch is noted for its subtlety, providing a more muted and understated acoustic profile that lends itself well to a quiet typing environment. This makes it a favorable choice for users who prefer a less intrusive sound while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a distinctive thocky sound profile that enthusiasts often find appealing; the sound is more pronounced and has a satisfying resonance that adds character to the typing experience. Both sound profiles can be influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, but the definitive contrast lies in the Matcha Latte V2's softer tone versus the Cold Plum's more robust auditory feedback.

When it comes to feel, the Matcha Latte V2 offers a smooth and light typing experience, characterized by a solid bottom-out sensation that balances responsiveness and comfort. This design minimizes stem wobble due to generous factory lubrication, resulting in a fluid keystroke that many users appreciate for long typing sessions. In comparison, the Cold Plum switch also possesses a smooth keystroke but is distinctly noted for its unique typing experience, including a more tactile, thocky feedback that many enthusiasts enjoy. While both switches provide a satisfying feel, the Matcha Latte V2 focuses on a refined, light touch, whereas the Cold Plum emphasizes a rich, engaging feedback that can make typing feel more dynamic.

Ultimately, both the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switches present compelling options tailored to different preferences. If you value a smoother, quieter typing experience, the Matcha Latte V2 would be more suitable, whereas the Cold Plum is ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback and a unique typing sensation. The choice between the two will depend on what qualities you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard experience, whether it be sound, feel, or a combination of these aspects.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Cold Plum ultimately boils down to your typing preferences and what you seek in a switch. If you prefer a smooth, light linear feel with a satisfying and balanced bottom-out experience, the Matcha Latte V2 is an excellent choice. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble ensure a refined typing experience that caters to those who enjoy a gentle press without excessive resistance. However, if you lean towards a more tactile feedback and appreciate the thocky sound profile that accompanies each keystroke, then the Outemu Cold Plum may be the better option. It offers a medium-heavy bottom-out force that provides a solid and gratifying resistance, perfect for enthusiasts who enjoy an engaging auditory and tactile interaction while typing. In terms of construction, the fully nylon build of the Cold Plum adds to its durability and distinct feel. Thus, whether you prioritize a premium yet accessible typing experience or a distinct and enjoyable sound and tactile feedback will guide your choice between these two notable switches.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$3.99 per 10

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Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more