Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Cream Yellow become evident, showcasing unique qualities that cater to varying preferences. The Matcha Latte V2 is celebrated for its smooth linear typing experience, offering a delightful combination of lightness and a solid bottom-out feel, accompanied by generous factory lubrication that minimizes stem wobble. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who favor rapid key presses without tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch provides a tactile experience that many users appreciate for its noticeable actuation point, allowing for a more engaging typing rhythm. While the Cream Yellow may not be defined by any standout features, its dependable feel makes it appealing for those who enjoy a compelling tactile response during extended use. Both switches provide distinct benefits, with the Matcha Latte V2 geared towards those preferring smoothness and speed, while the Cream Yellow attracts tactile enthusiasts. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Outemu Cream Yellow, a clear distinction can be observed in their top housings. The Matcha Latte V2 utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which is noted for its durability and smoothness. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it provides a slightly smoother keypress than the Cream Yellow's nylon housing that has a coefficient of 0.03. The POK material's remarkable wear resistance—14 times stronger than POM—and superior shock resistance makes it an excellent choice for users looking for durability. In contrast, the Cream Yellow employs nylon, a classic material known for absorbing sound and creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This results in a different tactile experience, with nylon contributing more warmth and resonance due to its softer structure, which enhances the acoustic effect during typing.
Both switches, however, share nylon as their bottom housing material. This similarity means that when pressing down on either switch, users can expect a parallel sound experience. The nylon bottom housing is responsible for the deeper and fuller typing sound that characterizes both switches, leading to a richer auditory experience. As nylon absorbs sound more effectively, the overall feedback during key presses feels rounded and well damped. Therefore, despite the contrasting top materials, the presence of nylon in both bottom housings ensures that the typing experience retains a certain degree of consistency, especially in terms of sound and feel at the bottom-out stage.
In summation, the differences in top housing materials—POK for the Matcha Latte V2 and nylon for the Cream Yellow—affect the overall keypress experience distinctly. The Matcha Latte V2 offers smoothness and sturdiness through its advanced polyketone structure, while the Cream Yellow’s nylon enhances sound absorption for a more subdued auditory feedback. However, both switches converge in their shared utilization of nylon in the bottom housing, creating a unified experience during the keystroke's bottom-out phase. This fusion allows users to enjoy both the durability and acoustic properties inherent in these materials, presenting a balanced keypress experience that is both smooth and sonorous.
Weight
The Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch exhibit an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them akin in terms of triggering a keystroke. This similarity means that users of both switches can expect a comparable typing resistance at the actuation point, perfect for extended typing sessions. However, the bottom out force differs significantly; the Matcha Latte V2 lacks a defined bottom out force, while the Cream Yellow has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. This discrepancy suggests that the Cream Yellow will feel heavier overall, particularly when fully pressed down, providing a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, for those who favor a lighter switch that may reduce fatigue during prolonged use, the Matcha Latte V2 would be the preferred choice, while those seeking a heavier feel for more tactile feedback might opt for the Outemu Cream Yellow.
Travel distance
The Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Matcha Latte V2 the longer option, offering a more pronounced keypress that some users might find more satisfying if they prefer a deeper feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Cream Yellow’s shorter travel distance may appeal more to gamers seeking quicker response times and a snappier feel. Therefore, while both switches cater to different preferences regarding tactile feedback and response, those who gravitate towards a more responsive experience would likely favor the Outemu Cream Yellow, whereas individuals who appreciate a more substantial key press may opt for the Huano Matcha Latte V2.
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 Outemu Cream Yellow comes in at $3.10.
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 offers a notably quiet typing experience, which can be attributed to its linear nature that eliminates any click or tactile bump, making it ideal for those who prefer a discreet work or gaming environment. While specific sound characteristics for the Outemu Cream Yellow are not mentioned, tactile switches generally tend to produce a slightly more pronounced sound due to their tactile bump, but the absence of detailed information makes it difficult to draw a direct comparison.
Regarding the feel, the Matcha Latte V2 provides a smooth and consistent experience, characterized by its light actuation force and solid bottom-out sensation. This combination allows for rapid typing with a satisfying feedback that enhances the overall experience. On the contrary, the Cream Yellow's tactile feel remains unspecified, so it’s challenging to compare it directly. However, having a tactile switch typically means users can expect a noticeable feedback point during key presses, which might appeal to those who enjoy a more dynamic typing experience.
In summary, if you're seeking a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches stand out with their exceptional performance and affordability. Conversely, the Outemu Cream Yellow’s specifications are less transparent, which suggests a more uncertain experience in terms of both sound and tactile feel. Ultimately, while the Matcha Latte V2 provides clear advantages in its known qualities, the Cream Yellow’s appeal may resonate with tactile switch enthusiasts, depending on personal preferences and typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and intended usage. If you prefer a smooth and light typing experience, the Matcha Latte V2 is an excellent option, especially if you enjoy a subtle linear feel that emphasizes speed and fluidity in your keystrokes. Its generous factory lubrication ensures that you get a premium performance without the need for additional modifications, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming where quick, uninterrupted input is crucial. However, if you find satisfaction in tactile feedback, then the Outemu Cream Yellow with its medium bottom out force of 60 grams would be a better fit. It provides a noticeable bump at the actuation point, which can enhance typing accuracy and provide a more tactile response, making it ideal for typists who enjoy feeling that confirmation with each keypress. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and the demands of the tasks you perform on your keyboard, ensuring that you find the perfect switch for your experience.