Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Silent Grey offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Matcha Latte V2 is celebrated for its smooth linear action, delivering a light yet solid feel with minimal stem wobble, making it ideal for users who prioritize a seamless typing experience and appreciate the luxurious touch of factory lubrication. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switches stand out with their pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying response without the accompanying noise, which makes them perfect for those who desire a quieter typing environment without sacrificing feedback. Each switch has its merits, whether it's the Matcha Latte's premium linear feel or the Silent Grey’s tactile satisfaction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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 Silent Grey showcase distinct materials in their housing components, which influence their sound profiles and durability. The Matcha Latte V2 utilizes a POK top housing made of polyketone, recognized for its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it offers slightly more resistance than LY but remains one of the smoothest materials available. Moreover, its wear and shock resistance are significantly higher than that of POM and Nylon, making it an excellent choice for those prioritizing longevity and a tactile experience. This contributes to a smooth and clacky sound, ideal for high-performance typing, making it stand out for users seeking responsiveness and ease of use.
Conversely, the Outemu Silent Grey features a polycarbonate top housing, which introduces a different acoustic quality and aesthetic appeal. The properties of polycarbonate provide a sharper and crisper sound profile, primarily due to its stiffer composition. This material allows for a more resonant sound that enhances the overall typing experience, especially appealing for users who appreciate a pronounced auditory feedback. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for those who use RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant light diffusion that adds an aesthetic layer to the switch's functionality. The contrasting material choice results in a distinctive sound experience compared to the Matcha Latte V2.
However, both switches share identical nylon bottom housings, a classic material known for producing deeper, fuller sound profiles. As nylon absorbs sound better than harder plastics, it contributes to a more subdued and rounded auditory experience. This similarity means that despite their differences in top housing materials—POK for the Matcha Latte V2 and polycarbonate for the Silent Grey—the overall sound profile when bottoming out will still retain a depth associated with nylon. While the top housing dramatically influences the acoustic experience upon releasing a key, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a certain level of consistency in the fundamental characteristics of the overall switch performance. Ultimately, together, these materials create unique sensory experiences that cater to diverse preferences.
Weight
The Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch differ in actuation and bottom out force, providing distinct typing experiences. The Matcha Latte V2 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to press and potentially more suitable for long typing sessions, while its bottom out force remains unknown. In contrast, the Silent Grey requires a stronger actuation force of 50 grams and features a bottom out force of 65 grams, which categorizes it as medium-heavy. This means that users who enjoy a more substantial push feel might prefer the Silent Grey, as the heavier characteristics can provide a satisfying tactile feedback. Overall, the Matcha Latte V2 is the lighter option of the two, making it ideal for extended use, while the Silent Grey offers a firmer typing experience for those who appreciate a more pronounced resistance.
Travel distance
The Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch differ in their travel distances, with the Matcha Latte V2 offering a shorter distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Silent Grey's 4 mm. This makes the Matcha Latte V2 more appealing for gamers who prefer quicker key presses and faster response times, while the longer 4 mm travel of the Silent Grey may provide a more tactile and deeper feel that some users find more satisfying and less abrupt. If users desire a more responsive experience, the shorter Matcha Latte V2 would be the recommended choice, whereas those who appreciate a more traditional, deeper actuation might prefer the Silent Grey. Thus, while both switches serve different user preferences, the Matcha Latte V2 is notably the shorter option, while the Silent Grey has the longer travel distance.
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 Silent Grey 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
In terms of sound, the Matcha Latte V2 linear switch is typically quieter than traditional linear switches due to its smooth actuation and minimal movement, resulting in a subtle and unobtrusive typing noise. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, while designed for a quieter experience, produces a distinct sound upon actuation thanks to its tactile bump. This sound profile is generally muted compared to other tactile switches, but it does provide feedback to the typist that enhances the overall experience. It's important to note that the final sound can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction, including the choice of keycaps and plate material.
When considering feel, the Matcha Latte V2 switch is characterized by its smooth, subtle linear action that offers a nice balance of lightness without sacrificing the solid bottom-out sensation. This creates an enjoyable typing experience, especially for those who prefer a fluid motion without interruption. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch provides a highly tactile experience, delivering a pronounced bump during actuation that enhances the feedback received during typing. This tactile feedback, while definitely more engaging, may feel different to those who favor a purely linear switch, providing a unique experience that many users find satisfying.
Overall, both the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer distinct and enjoyable typing experiences. If you're seeking a smoother and quieter option with linear characteristics, the Matcha Latte V2 is an excellent choice. However, if you desire a tactile feel with adequate noise reduction, the Silent Grey delivers a satisfying bump without excessive sound. Personal preference will ultimately guide your choice, but both switches stand out in their respective niches, ensuring a quality typing experience regardless of which you select.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prioritize a smooth and seamless typing experience, the Matcha Latte V2 is an excellent option thanks to its lightness and well-balanced bottom-out feel. This makes it ideal for long typing sessions, especially if you enjoy the subtlety of linear switches and prefer minimal sound distraction. On the other hand, if you desire a more tactile feedback with a pronounced bump that enhances your typing experience, the Silent Grey switch is a great fit. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force, it caters to those who enjoy auditory and tactile satisfaction while maintaining a quiet operation. Therefore, if you work in a shared space or prefer a more discreet sound profile, the Silent Grey is particularly advantageous. In summary, choose the Matcha Latte V2 for a fluid, quiet experience, and opt for the Silent Grey when you want tactile feedback without the noise.
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