Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Outemu Dustproof Black
An in-depth look at the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Dustproof Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often gravitate toward options that enhance their typing experience, and two popular choices are the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Dustproof Black, both linear switches. The Matcha Latte V2 is celebrated for its smooth and subtle action, providing a delightful balance of lightness and a solid bottom-out feel. With generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, it delivers premium performance at an accessible price point, making it an appealing option for both casual users and serious typists alike. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Black switches are known for their robust durability, designed to withstand dust and debris, ideal for environments where longevity is a priority. While both switches cater to linear preferences, the Matcha Latte V2 stands out with its refined tactile feedback, while the Dustproof Black emphasizes longevity and performance under adverse conditions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
60g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Dustproof Black switches differ significantly in their top housing materials, which play a crucial role in the overall sound and feel of the keyboard switches. The Matcha Latte V2 utilizes POK material, renowned for its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it provides a silky-smooth typing experience slightly superior to the Outemu’s polycarbonate, which accentuates a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffness. While POK is effective at minimizing friction and enhancing longevity—outperforming both POM and Nylon in wear resistance—the polycarbonate in the Dustproof Black leverages its clarity to deliver a more resonant sound profile, making it an optimal choice for RGB lights due to its transparency.
Interestingly, both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, a classic choice known for its sound absorption properties. The nylon in both the Matcha Latte V2 and Outemu Dustproof Black contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, showcasing a harmonious aspect that enhances typing experiences. Although the top and bottom housings differ in material and impact the overall auditory output—where the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel—the nylon provides a consistent depth regardless of the switch’s top housing. This allows users to enjoy a rich auditory experience from both switches, despite their differing top materials.
When considering the combined effects of these housing materials, the Matcha Latte V2 achieves a unique blend of smooth actuation and durability from its POK top and a full-bodied sound from its nylon bottom. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Black pairs the crisper tones from its polycarbonate top with the soft, absorbing qualities of its nylon base. Both switches demonstrate how varying top housing materials can shape the overall performance while maintaining similar foundational qualities through the nylon bottom, allowing for a satisfying and engaging typing experience across both options. Thus, keyboard enthusiasts can find pleasure in the nuanced characteristics of each switch while appreciating the inherent strengths of nylon in both designs.
Weight
The Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces, which impacts the typing experience. The Matcha Latte V2 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it well-suited for users who prefer a softer touch, allowing for prolonged typing sessions without as much finger fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Black switch features a significantly heavier actuation force of 60 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial, tactile feedback with each keystroke. Additionally, while the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is unavailable, the Dustproof Black has a definitive bottom out force of 80 grams, indicating a firmer press needed when the key is fully depressed. Overall, if you are seeking a lighter switch for comfort during extensive use, the Matcha Latte V2 is preferable, whereas the Dustproof Black offers a heavier feel, ideal for those who favor a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This distinction places the Matcha Latte V2 in the realm of shorter travel distances, which many gamers favor for their potential for faster response times. On the other hand, the Dustproof Black, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, provides a more substantial feel that some users prefer for a richer typing experience. Therefore, those who appreciate responsiveness might lean towards the Matcha Latte V2, while those who enjoy a deeper key press might opt for the Dustproof Black. Overall, the Matcha Latte V2 is the shorter switch, and the Dustproof Black is the longer one, catering to different preferences in key feel and performance.
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 Dustproof Black 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
The Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch is known for its smooth, subtle sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience, providing a pleasant auditory feedback without being overly noisy. This sound is complemented by the switch's design, which tends to minimize rattling and echoes, thereby creating a more enjoyable atmosphere for both the typist and those nearby. While the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch does not have a defined sound profile available, it is important to note that the overall sound experience can vary greatly depending on the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used, meaning users may find their personal preferences in sound layers can significantly change with different setups for either switch.
When it comes to feel, the Matcha Latte V2 delivers a smooth and well-balanced typing experience characterized by a light touch and a gratifying bottom-out sensation, enhanced by its generous factory lubrication that further reduces friction. This creates a more satisfying response during typist interaction. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch's tactile feedback is largely undefined, leaving users to explore its feel without preconceived notions of its performance. However, it is common for linear switches to possess a more straightforward and consistent push without bumps or interruptions.
In conclusion, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 offers a refined auditory and tactile experience that is well-suited for users who appreciate a premium quality switch that's both smooth and responsive. Meanwhile, the unspecified qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Black leave room for exploration, with the potential to discover a unique feel that could complement different keyboard designs. Ultimately, while the Matcha Latte V2 may provide a more defined experience right out of the box, newcomers can still enjoy the journey of finding the right setup and preferences with either switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and use cases. If you prefer a lighter touch with a smoother and subtly refined typing experience, the Matcha Latte V2 is your go-to option. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble enhance the overall feel, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions and casual gaming where finesse is crucial. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a heavier resistance that offers a more substantial bottom-out feel, then the Outemu Dustproof Black would be more suitable for you. This switch is best for those who enjoy a tactile challenge and seek to avoid accidental key presses, particularly in fast-paced gaming scenarios. Ultimately, consider your typing style, whether you prioritize speed and lightness or weight and resistance, and choose the switch that aligns best with your experience.
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