Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches like the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, it's clear that both have unique features catering to different typing preferences. The Matcha Latte V2, celebrated for its smooth linear action, offers a light and fluid typing experience that appeals to gamers and typists who seek a minimal tactile interruption. With its generous factory lubrication and reduced stem wobble, this switch provides a premium feel without the premium price, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize speed and smoothness in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches bring a tactile sensation into the mix, featuring a satisfying "thocky" sound that enhances the typing experience without being overly noisy. As the third iteration of Outemu’s silent tactile series, these switches are designed for quiet environments, making them suitable for office use or late-night typing sessions. Each switch caters to distinct preferences—whether you desire the smoothness of a linear switch or the tactile feedback of a silent switch. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials for the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade are notably distinct, particularly in their top housing components. The Matcha Latte V2 employs a polyketone (POK) material for the top housing, which presents advantages in terms of durability and a slightly higher coefficient of friction compared to other materials like LY and POM. This characteristic enhances the smoothness of the switch, creating a responsive typing experience that is both clacky and durable. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade relies on a nylon material for its top housing. Known for its softer texture, nylon contributes to a deeper and more resonant sound profile, making keystrokes feel softer and sound fuller. The difference in materials leads to a contrasting tactile experience, where the Matcha Latte V2 emphasizes a crisper sound and feel, while the Silent Yellow Jade focuses on a more muted auditory experience.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade utilize nylon. This similarity results in a consistent sound profile when bottoming out, as the properties of nylon allow for sound absorption, contributing to a duller and more rounded sound. The significant impact of the bottom housing on the overall feel and sound profile of both switches means users can expect smooth typing experiences that share a common acoustic quality at the base of each keystroke. In both cases, the nylon material ensures that the bottom-out sound remains deep and satisfying, thus elevating user experience regardless of the top housing's unique characteristics.
Ultimately, while the top housing of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade diverges in material, their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing balances their disparities. The POK top housing of the Matcha Latte V2 guarantees a more pronounced and sharper sound upon release, complementing the soft absorption properties of nylon underneath, while the Silent Yellow Jade presents a more cohesive, muted sound across the keystroke cycle. In terms of overall results, those seeking linearity and durability might prefer the Matcha Latte V2, while those gravitating toward fuller acoustics might find the Silent Yellow Jade appealing. In essence, each switch’s design is carefully crafted to ensure a unique typing experience while sharing the effective sound qualities derived from their nylon base.
Weight
The Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams, indicating that the Matcha Latte V2 is the lighter option between the two. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Yellow Jade provides a measurable weight of 65 grams, which is classified as medium-heavy; however, the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is unspecified, making direct comparisons difficult. This unknown could imply that those who prefer a lighter typing experience would likely gravitate towards the Matcha Latte V2 for prolonged use, as it may offer an easier keystroke. Conversely, the Silent Yellow Jade, with its heavier feel and defined bottom out force, would provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who favor a firmer push when typing or gaming, despite its heavier actuation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, we see that the Matcha Latte V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Yellow Jade measures at 3.3 mm. This means that the Matcha Latte V2 offers a longer travel distance, providing a deeper feel when pressed, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers and typists looking for quicker response times and a more immediate actuation, although it might feel a bit more abrupt for those who enjoy a deeper keystroke. Therefore, depending on your personal preference for responsiveness versus depth, you may choose accordingly between the two options.
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 Jade 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 Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch is relatively quiet, providing an unobtrusive typing experience that contributes to a serene workspace. Due to its linear nature, it produces minimal audible feedback during operation, which can be advantageous for users who prefer a more subdued environment. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch produces a "thocky" sound upon activation, which adds an enjoyable auditory element to typing without being overly loud. This unique sound profile appeals to users who appreciate the auditory feedback of a tactile switch while still seeking a quieter option. It's important to note that the sound of each switch can be influenced by the keyboard's build and the choice of keycaps, so personal experiences may vary.
When it comes to feel, the Matcha Latte V2 excels with its smooth and linear action, characterized by a light touch that still provides a satisfying solid bottom-out feel. There is minimal stem wobble, which enhances the premium typing experience and makes for a fluid typing rhythm. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade delivers a punchy tactile bump, which many users find gratifying as it provides a distinct point of activation. This switch offers a different typing sensation, appealing to those who enjoy tactile feedback while still benefiting from the reduced noise typically associated with silent switches. Both switches create unique typing experiences that cater to distinct preferences.
In conclusion, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade serve different user preferences through their respective sound and feel characteristics. The Matcha Latte V2's smooth linear action and quiet operation make it suitable for users who prioritize stealth and fluid typing, while the Silent Yellow Jade's tactile feedback alongside its thocky sound offers a more dynamic experience for tactile enthusiasts searching for a quieter option. Depending on your desired qualities in a switch, both options provide compelling benefits that can lead to a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing requirements. If you favor a smoother, linear experience that feels light and delivers a satisfying bottom-out without overwhelming noise, the Matcha Latte V2 is an excellent choice. Its smooth actuation combined with minimal stem wobble makes it ideal for long typing sessions and gaming, where quick key presses are key. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback experience along with an emphasis on quieter key presses, the Silent Yellow Jade is the way to go. Its medium-heavy actuation force and "thocky" sound can provide the satisfying tactile response and audible confirmation without disturbing others around you. In essence, if you're seeking lightness and smooth typing, opt for the Matcha Latte V2, whereas if you want tactile feedback with reduced noise, the Silent Yellow Jade would suit you better.
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