Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow, both of which are linear switches that cater to different preferences and needs. The Matcha Latte V2 is celebrated for its smooth and light keystroke, offering a satisfying balance between a subtle feel and a solid bottom-out that many typists appreciate. With generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, these switches provide a premium typing experience at an accessible price point, making them a popular choice for gamers and typists alike. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow switches are designed for those who seek a quieter typing experience without sacrificing performance, making them particularly appealing in shared workspaces or during late-night gaming sessions. The muted sound profile helps maintain focus while still delivering the linear characteristics that many users prefer. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches, a distinct contrast arises in the top housing but a common ground is found in the bottom housing. The Matcha Latte V2 features a POK (polyketone) top housing, celebrated for its smoothness, durability, and impressive resistance to wear and shock. This material creates a clacky sound profile that resonates in a satisfying manner. Conversely, the Silent Yellow opts for a polycarbonate top housing that delivers a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant acoustic profile, especially advantageous for RGB setups due to its translucent nature. This difference in top housings plays a crucial role in the auditory experience when using each switch, with the Matcha Latte potentially offering a smoother actuation and a more rounded sound, while the Silent Yellow promises a more crisp note.
On the other hand, both switches share a common material for their bottom housings, namely nylon. This consistency between the two models means that the fuller and deeper sound profile characteristic of nylon will be a shared experience when both switches bottom out. As nylon absorbs more sound due to its softer nature compared to harder plastics, users of either switch can expect that satisfying, duller sound upon keypress. This commonality in the bottom housing contributes to an overall experience that feels rounder for both switches, regardless of the sound differences that emerge from the top housings.
Ultimately, the differentiation in top housing materials between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow ensures distinct sound profiles for each switch, while their shared nylon bottom housings create a foundation that ties the two switches together. Users who prioritize a clacky and smooth typing feel may gravitate towards the Matcha Latte V2, while those looking for a clearer and crisper acoustic experience might prefer the Silent Yellow. However, regardless of the top housing choice, the mutual presence of nylon ensures that a certain richness and depth to the auditory profile is consistent across both types, ensuring an engaging user experience with both switches.
Weight
The Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch exhibit comparable actuation forces, both requiring 45 grams to register a keystroke. This similarity suggests that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of actuation, making either switch suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, a notable difference arises in their bottom out forces; while the Matcha Latte V2's bottom out force is unknown, the Silent Yellow has a clearly defined bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that if the Matcha Latte V2 has a bottom out force lower than 60 grams, it would be lighter overall compared to the Silent Yellow. Conversely, if it exceeds 60 grams, the Matcha Latte V2 would be the heavier option. Those who prefer a lighter switch may gravitate towards the Matcha Latte V2 if it is confirmed to be lighter, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel in their typing experience may favor the heavier Silent Yellow switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, the differences are quite distinct. The Matcha Latte V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Silent Yellow boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional and offers a fuller feel. This means that if you favor quicker response times typical of gaming, you might lean towards the Matcha Latte V2 due to its shorter travel distance, which can provide a more immediate feedback. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow's longer travel distance may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial pressing experience, which can feel less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference for either a snappier action or a deeper keypress.
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 Yellow 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 produces a sound that aligns with the typical characteristics of linear switches, generally delivering a quieter experience compared to tactile or clicky switches. The design leads to a muted sound profile during both key presses and bottoming out, making it suitable for users who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch shares an emphasis on reduced noise, as the name suggests; however, specific descriptions of its sound quality are not available. Therefore, you can expect both switches to provide a quiet typing experience, but the exact tonal qualities may vary based on individual keyboard and keycap choices.
In terms of feel, the Matcha Latte V2 is known for its smooth and subtle linear typing experience, striking an excellent balance between lightness and a solid bottom-out sensation. Its generous factory lubrication minimizes stem wobble, contributing to an overall premium performance that enhances typing comfort during extended use. The Silent Yellow's feel is less clear due to a lack of detailed information; however, as it is also a linear switch, you can anticipate a similar smoothness in actuation. Without specific feedback, though, we cannot draw an exact comparison, so the overall experience may vary.
Conclusively, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 offers a well-defined linear experience with its smooth operation and quiet sound profile due to its design and features. The Outemu Silent Yellow, while aimed at providing a silent linear feel, lacks detailed information on its specific qualities, but generally, users can expect similar performance regarding smoothness and noise reduction from both options. Ultimately, if noise and smoothness are your primary concerns, either switch can serve well, while personal preference will likely guide your final choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences and environment. If you’re looking for an ultra-smooth and light typing experience, the Matcha Latte V2 is ideal for you. Its combination of light actuation and satisfying bottom-out feel makes it perfect for those who enjoy a softer touch without sacrificing feedback. Furthermore, its factory lubrication ensures minimal wobble, allowing for a more premium feel, which is excellent for long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you're in a quieter environment or working in close proximity to others, the Outemu Silent Yellow is your go-to choice. With its 60-gram bottom-out force, it offers a more substantial tactile feedback that can help reduce typing fatigue, while its noise-dampening features keep distractions to a minimum. Thus, consider your typing style and where you'll be using your keyboard; if you value smooth performance and a quieter environment, each switch provides distinct advantages to suit your needs.
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