Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Outemu Crystal Brown

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Crystal Brown can significantly impact your typing experience. The Matcha Latte V2, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth and subtle action, providing a satisfying blend of light touch and solid bottom-out feel. Users appreciate its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, making it an ideal choice for those who seek a seamless, noise-free typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown is a tactile switch that offers a noticeable bump at the actuation point, catering to typists who enjoy feedback when pressing keys. This switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, appealing to gamers and typists alike who benefit from tactile feedback without the loud click of a traditional mechanical switch. While both options have their unique advantages—smoothness versus tactility—choosing the right switch ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. 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 Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles and overall tactile feel. The Matcha Latte V2 utilizes a POK top housing made from polyketone, a highly durable and smooth material with a lower coefficient of friction compared to its counterparts. This feature results in switches that have a smooth, clacky sound, offering a unique and pleasant typing experience. In contrast, the Crystal Brown features a polycarbonate top housing that is stiffer. This stiffness produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for users seeking a more resonant auditory feedback. The aesthetic appeal of the transparent polycarbonate also allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, enhancing visual enjoyment during use.

When examining the bottom housing materials of both switches, it is important to note that both the Matcha Latte V2 and the Crystal Brown utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material is recognized for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile regardless of the switch's top material. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a rounder auditory experience, making the two switches more similar in this aspect despite their differing top housing materials. Consequently, the overall sound when the switch is bottomed out retains that rich depth characteristic of nylon, while the top housing materials influence the switch's sound during release.

In evaluating the combined effects of these materials, users can expect an interesting blend of sound profiles from both switches. While the Matcha Latte V2's POK top housing promises a smooth and clacky response, the Crystal Brown's polycarbonate design offers a sharper note. Nevertheless, the consistent use of nylon in both bottom housings ensures that the deep, full-bodied sound remains a common element. Thus, while the switches are different in their structural composition, they could both deliver satisfying auditory experiences, making them appealing to different preferences in typing sensations and sound quality.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, we find they share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in this regard. This similar actuation force means that typists and gamers using either switch will experience a comparable level of resistance when triggering their keystrokes, allowing for prolonged typing sessions without much fatigue. However, the significant difference lies in the bottom out force: the Huano Matcha Latte V2 does not have an available bottom out force measurement, whereas the Outemu Crystal Brown features a bottom out force of 55 grams. This indicates that the Crystal Brown is heavier overall, as it requires more force to press down fully compared to the Matcha Latte V2. Consequently, those who prefer a lighter and more effortless typing experience may gravitate towards the Huano Matcha Latte V2, while users who appreciate a more substantial feel when bottoming out should consider the Outemu Crystal Brown.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, the Matcha Latte V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Crystal Brown measures 4.0 mm. This means that the Outemu Crystal Brown offers a longer travel distance, making it a better choice for those who appreciate a more pronounced keypress and depth. On the other hand, the Matcha Latte V2, with its shorter travel distance, could be more appealing for gamers or users seeking faster response times and a more immediate feedback sensation. Overall, the difference in travel distance highlights a trade-off between responsiveness and tactile depth, with the Matcha Latte being the shorter option and the Crystal Brown being the longer.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch is characterized by its smooth operation, producing a muted noise level that enhances the overall typing experience while minimizing distractions. This subdued sound allows for a more focused environment, ideal for both office settings and home use. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is quite different; however, its specific auditory characteristics remain unknown. It's important to note that sound can also vary significantly depending on keycaps and the keyboard build, which means both switches may perform differently in various setups.

When discussing feel, the Matcha Latte V2 offers a smooth, linear typing experience. The lightness and solid bottom-out create a satisfying sensation while typing, facilitated by generous factory lubrication that further enhances its premium performance. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown, originally intended to provide tactile feedback, lacks detailed descriptions about its feel, leaving some ambiguity. This means while the Matcha Latte V2 is celebrated for its consistent linearity, the exact tactile experience of the Crystal Brown is yet to be articulated.

In summary, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch presents itself as an excellent choice for those seeking smooth and quiet operation, complemented by a well-balanced feel that is suited for continuous typing. The Outemu Crystal Brown’s tactile characteristics, however, remain less defined, particularly concerning sound and tactile feedback, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. If you appreciate subtlety and a refined typing experience, the Matcha Latte V2 is likely the preferable option, whereas the Crystal Brown may require further exploration for those interested in tactile switches.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing preference and usage scenario. If you value a smooth, linear experience that is gentle on your fingers, the Matcha Latte V2 is an excellent option. Its factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble enhance the overall typing experience, making it a great choice for long typing sessions, coding, or gaming where you want a quieter and fluid feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback with a medium-light actuation force, the Crystal Brown can enhance your typing with that satisfying bump, which some users find helpful for accuracy during both typing and gaming. The tactile nature of the Crystal Brown also provides a bit more auditory feedback, which might appeal to you if you enjoy the sensation of a tactile response. Ultimately, whether you lean toward the smoothness of the Matcha Latte V2 or the tactile feel of the Crystal Brown, either switch offers unique characteristics tailored to different typing experiences. Choose based on what feels right in your hands and enhances your typing enjoyment the most.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$3.99 per 10

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Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more