Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Outemu Maple Leaf

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Maple Leaf offer distinct experiences suited to different preferences. The Matcha Latte V2 is celebrated for its smooth and subtle linear typing experience, striking an excellent balance between lightness and a satisfying bottom-out feel. With generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, users can expect a premium performance without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf, known for its tactile feedback, provides a noticeable bump during actuation, making each keystroke more engaging and enhancing the typing experience for those who crave a more interactive feel. While the Matcha Latte is ideal for users looking for a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Maple Leaf appeals to those who appreciate tactile responses that help with typing accuracy. 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 Maple Leaf Tactile

$3.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Maple Leaf differ significantly in their top housing materials. The Matcha Latte V2 utilizes POK, or polyketone, which is renowned for its exceptional durability and smooth operation compared to traditional materials. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, the POK top housing provides a refined and smooth typing experience, delivering a clacky sound profile that is enhanced by its strong wear resistance. In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf's top housing is made of nylon, which is a classic choice known for its softer texture and sound absorption capabilities. This results in a deeper, rounder sound profile compared to the POK's sharper and more defined auditory feedback. Thus, while the Matcha Latte V2 prioritizes smoothness and resilience, the Maple Leaf focuses on sound quality and warmth.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Maple Leaf feature nylon, which impacts the switches' sound profile and tactile feedback similarly. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, making it a favored choice for those who prefer a more rounded auditory experience. As such, both switches will deliver similar acoustic results due to the shared use of nylon in their bottom housings. However, while the bottom housing creates a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, the unique characteristics of the top housing will ultimately shape the overall typing experience. This makes the Matcha Latte V2’s POK top housing a compelling contrast to the Maple Leaf’s nylon top.

Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch leads to different experiences while typing. In the Matcha Latte V2, the POK top housing contributes to a smoother and more resilient interaction with the keys, creating an experience that is well-suited for those who prioritize performance and durability. Meanwhile, the Outemu Maple Leaf's nylon top housing softens the typing experience and creates a warmer sound profile. The shared nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures that users can expect a full-bodied sound, but the differences in the top housing will define the overall tactile sensation and auditory feedback when typing. Consequently, while some similarities exist in terms of sound production due to the nylon bottoms, the distinct utilizations of materials in the top housing result in unique experiences for each switch.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Matcha Latte V2 features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option, which could be advantageous for those who prioritize prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy and providing a more substantial typing experience favored by those who enjoy a firmer key feel. While the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is unknown, the Maple Leaf's higher bottom out force reinforces its preference for users looking for a more tactile and resistant feel when bottoming out. Therefore, if you want a lighter keypress for extended use, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 would be the better choice, whereas if you prefer a stronger, more substantial typing experience, the Outemu Maple Leaf would suit you better.

Travel distance

The Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference indicates that the Matcha Latte V2 provides a slightly deeper keypress, which might appeal to users who favor a more substantial feel during typing or gaming. On the other hand, the shorter 3.3 mm travel of the Maple Leaf switch aligns with the current trend toward more responsive, quicker actuations, making it a suitable choice for gamers looking for speed. Ultimately, those who prefer a deeper, more immersive experience might gravitate towards the Matcha Latte V2, whereas those who seek a snappier response could opt for the Maple Leaf.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch is generally regarded as pleasantly muted and smooth, contributing to a quieter typing experience that still offers satisfying acoustic feedback during use. In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch does not have specific sound characteristics described, which leaves its acoustic feedback open for interpretation. Sound can also vary greatly depending on the keyboard build, including factors like case material and keycap selection, meaning users may find their own results when testing either switch.

When it comes to feel, the Matcha Latte V2 offers a notably smooth and linear typing experience, characterized by a light actuation force that makes for effortless keystrokes while maintaining a solid bottom-out sensation. This gentle consistency allows for extended typing without significant fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf is a tactile switch, but specific attributes regarding its tactile bump or actuation point are not provided, leaving much of its tactile feel unknown. Users might expect a noticeable bump, typical of tactile switches, which may lead to a different typing experience compared to the Matcha Latte V2.

In summary, while the Huano Matcha Latte V2 excels in providing a smooth, subtly quiet typing experience with negligible stem wobble, the Outemu Maple Leaf's tactile qualities are less defined and could lead to a more varied user experience. If you enjoy the characteristics of linear switches, you will likely appreciate the Matcha Latte V2, while the Maple Leaf may appeal to those seeking a tactile sensation. Ultimately, your choice may come down to personal preference regarding sound and feel, with the Matcha Latte V2 offering a more defined experience backed by known qualities.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a smooth and lightweight typing experience with minimal resistance, the Matcha Latte V2 is your ideal choice. It’s perfect for long typing sessions and gaming due to its smooth actuation and solid bottom-out feel, complemented by factory lubrication that enhances performance. On the other hand, if you prefer tactile feedback that helps you feel when a key has actuated, the Maple Leaf switch, with its medium-heavy 65-gram bottom-out force, will be more satisfying. This switch is excellent for typists who enjoy a noticeable bump and require a bit more resistance to avoid accidental key presses. So, if you value smoothness and speed, go for the Matcha Latte V2; but if you like feedback with a touch of resistance, choose the Outemu Maple Leaf.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$3.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Maple Leaf Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more