Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Lotus both present appealing options for those seeking a linear switch experience. The Matcha Latte V2 is celebrated for its smooth and subtle typing experience, striking a harmonious balance between a light touch and a satisfying bottom-out feel, all while offering premium linear performance at an affordable price due to its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble. In contrast, while the Outemu Lotus lacks a specific standout feature, it is appreciated for its consistent performance and durability, making it a dependable choice for gamers and typists alike. Each switch presents unique advantages that cater to different user preferences—whether it's the Matcha Latte V2's refined feel or the reliable nature of the Lotus. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Lotus, it's crucial to note the differences primarily present in the top housing while the bottom housings are identical in both switches. The Matcha Latte V2 utilizes a POK top housing, which is renowned for its durability and smoothness, featuring a coefficient of friction of 0.04. This material contributes to a clackier sound profile when typing and offers significant wear resistance—14 times stronger than POM. In contrast, the Outemu Lotus employs a nylon top housing. Although nylon is a classic and softer plastic that absorbs sound effectively, thus producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, it lacks the same level of durability and smoothness associated with POK.
Both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which enhances the typing experience by providing a deeper sound profile and a softer feel. This common element plays a vital role in the overall sound characteristics of each switch. Such inherent qualities of nylon, known for delivering a duller and rounder sound due to its sound-absorbing properties, ensure that both switches maintain a warm auditory experience when bottoming out. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound signature from the bottom housing in both the Matcha Latte V2 and Lotus, leading to an appealing typing experience in both cases.
In summary, while the top housings of the Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Lotus differ significantly—with the former leveraging the advancements of POK material and the latter sticking to traditional nylon—the bottom housings are the same, and this is where the typing experience, primarily through sound, becomes notably consistent. The combination of these materials illustrates how different attributes can be effectively balanced; users can achieve smooth and durable typing from the Matcha Latte V2 with a lively sound signature from the Lotus, thanks to their shared nylon bottoms.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, we see some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Matcha Latte V2 requires an actuation force of 45 grams, making it heavier and potentially less ideal for extended typing sessions compared to the Outemu Lotus, which has a lighter actuation force of only 35 grams. This lighter actuation may provide a more comfortable experience for those who type frequently or engage in long gaming sessions. However, the Matcha Latte V2’s bottom out force is unknown, while the Outemu Lotus features a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Lotus switch provides a definitive resistance when fully pressed down, contributing to a more substantial feel that some users might prefer. In summary, users looking for a lighter feel during use may gravitate towards the Outemu Lotus, while those who appreciate a stronger push and do not mind the heavier actuation might choose the Huano Matcha Latte V2.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Lotus linear switches, the Matcha Latte V2 boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Lotus features a slightly shorter distance of 3.3 mm. This difference means that the Matcha Latte V2 provides a deeper actuation, which some users may find preferable for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Lotus, with its shorter travel distance, may offer quicker response times, which can be beneficial for gamers who prioritize speed. Therefore, if you lean towards the preference for strong feedback with each keystroke, the Matcha Latte V2 would be the better choice, while those seeking efficiency and rapid engagement might favor the Lotus. Overall, while both switches serve the purpose of tactile engagement, they cater to slightly different user preferences based on their respective travel distances.
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 Lotus 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 sound profile of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch is smooth and subtle, allowing for a pleasant auditory experience that is not intrusive. While the exact sound characteristics of the Outemu Lotus are not specified, linear switches generally provide a quieter operation compared to tactile or clicky switches. Given this, you can expect the Lotus to also deliver a soft, muted sound, resulting in a typing experience that is similarly unobtrusive, although the exact acoustics will vary based on your keycap and board choices.
When it comes to the feel, the Matcha Latte V2 excels with a smooth, light touch that results in a satisfying bottom-out experience, enhanced by generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble. This combination creates a premium typing sensation that many users appreciate. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Lotus is unspecified, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. However, as a linear switch, it is likely to offer a smoother keypress akin to that of the Matcha Latte V2, but without explicit details, one can only speculate on its overall tactile experience.
In conclusion, while the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch offers a clear understanding of its sound and feel qualities, the Outemu Lotus remains an enigma in this regard. Both switches are expected to provide a quiet typing experience typical of linear switches, with the Matcha Latte V2 standing out for its superior feel due to its lubrication and design. Ultimately, if you're seeking a smooth and subtle typing experience, the Matcha Latte V2 is a well-defined option, whereas the Lotus may necessitate further exploration to fully appreciate its qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches and Outemu Lotus linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a smooth, subtle linear typing experience with an emphasis on lightness and a satisfying bottom-out feel, the Matcha Latte V2 is an excellent choice. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble enhance not only the overall typing comfort but also provide a premium feel at a budget-friendly price. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation with a 50-gram bottom-out force that can provide more feedback, the Outemu Lotus would suit you well. Although it may not have the same level of factory lubrication as the Matcha Latte V2, the Lotus can still deliver a reliable performance for those who appreciate a touch more resistance in their keystrokes. Ultimately, consider how these factors align with your typing habits—whether you prioritize a buttery smooth experience or prefer a firmer feedback—and choose accordingly.
Mentioned in this article
