Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and Outemu Silver are two compelling options for those who prefer a linear switch experience. The Matcha Latte V2 is celebrated for its smooth and subtle typing experience, offering a delightful balance between lightness and a satisfying bottom-out feel. With generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, it delivers premium performance without breaking the bank, making it an excellent choice for typists and gamers alike. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver is also a linear switch known for its quick actuation, making it a favored option for fast-paced gaming environments. While both switches cater to linear preferences, the Matcha Latte V2 leans towards a more refined and cushioned feel, whereas the Outemu Silver prioritizes speed and responsiveness. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
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 Silver switches showcase distinct materials in their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The POK material utilized in the Matcha Latte V2 is recognized for its smoothness and durability, with a friction coefficient of 0.04. This results in a clacky sound and a resilient switch, bolstered by its shock resistance that outperforms other common materials like Nylon and POM. Conversely, the Outemu Silver employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound signature. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows it to resonate more clearly, particularly advantageous for RGB lighting enthusiasts thanks to its translucence. While both materials aim to offer a smooth keystroke, their differences will result in notable distinctions in sound and feel when typing.
In contrast, both switches feature nylon in their bottom housings, which creates a unifying aspect in their auditory experience. As a classic material for switch housings, nylon is softer than other plastics, absorbing sound to create a deeper and fuller profile. This characteristic ensures that regardless of the disparities in their top housings, both switches will deliver a similar base sound quality. The nylon's sound-absorbing abilities contribute to a softer bottom-out experience, lending a more rounded sound, which serves to even out any stark contrasts presented by the differing top materials.
By examining both the housing materials and their contributions, it becomes evident that despite their differences in the top housing, the common use of nylon in the lower section allows for a complementary auditory experience. The POK and polycarbonate materials split the qualities of sound and tactility between the upper and lower housings, while the nylon bottom counters any harshness from the top. This design strategy ensures that users may enjoy a combination of solid durability and pleasant sound modulation, creating a balanced performance from the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and Outemu Silver switches. Ultimately, those seeking a nuanced typing experience that leverages the strengths of each material will find satisfaction in either choice.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, both have an identical actuation force of 45 grams, which means users will experience similar keystroke triggers with either switch. This consistency allows for a smooth typing experience, making them suitable for prolonged use in work or gaming environments. However, the Outemu Silver features a bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a noticeably heavier push when fully depressing the switch, whereas the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is unknown. As a result, the Outemu Silver is generally considered the heavier option due to its defined bottom out force. For users who prefer a lighter feel, the Matcha Latte V2's undefined bottom out force might suggest a more subdued experience, but without specific data, it's hard to draw a definitive comparison for that aspect. Ultimately, the Matcha Latte V2 may appeal to those seeking a lighter typing experience, whereas the Outemu Silver caters to those who enjoy a more substantial, tactile push when bottoming out.
Travel distance
The Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silver linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Matcha Latte V2 the shorter option, appealing to those who favor quicker responsiveness during gameplay, as shorter distances often lead to faster response times. Conversely, the longer 4 mm travel of the Silver switch may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing keys, as the deeper travel distance can provide a more satisfying tactile experience. Thus, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize speed or a more pronounced key depth in your typing or gaming experience.
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 Silver 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 characterized by a smooth and quiet operation, ideal for those who prefer a typing experience that minimizes noise while still providing a satisfying auditory response. This makes it suitable for office environments or quiet settings where disturbances may be an issue. In contrast, the Outemu Silver linear switch lacks a defined sound description, leaving its auditory qualities somewhat ambiguous. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by any switch can vary based on the choice of keyboard case and keycap materials, meaning that even a switch with a less defined sound profile can still be influenced to achieve a pleasing acoustic experience.
When it comes to feel, the Matcha Latte V2 shines with its smooth, linear action, offering a light touch while still maintaining a solid bottom-out feel that many typists and gamers appreciate. This combination provides a comfortable typing experience, allowing for extended use without fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch does not have specific feel attributes provided, which leaves its tactile feedback and linearity uncertain. Nevertheless, if you prefer the qualities found in the Matcha Latte V2, you may want to prioritize this switch as it promises a refined and enjoyable typing experience.
In summary, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch stands out with its smooth, quiet operation and refined feel, making it an attractive option for newcomers seeking a pleasant typing experience. Meanwhile, the Outemu Silver linear switch remains an enigma in both sound and feel, making it less predictable. If you seek a reliable linear experience with known qualities that prioritize comfort and subtlety, opting for the Matcha Latte V2 would be a wise choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a smooth, lightweight typing experience that minimizes fatigue, the Matcha Latte V2 is an excellent choice, especially for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Its gentle feedback and responsive nature make it ideal for those who favor a more subtle feel without the heaviness that can come with other switches. On the other hand, if you crave a more tactile experience and are not deterred by a slightly heavier bottom-out force, the Outemu Silver may serve you well, especially for fast-paced gaming where you need a more pronounced feedback to ensure key presses are registered. Additionally, if sound dampening is important to you, the Matcha Latte V2 may offer a quieter typing experience, making it more suitable for office environments or shared spaces, whereas the Silver's sound profile may be better suited for those who don't mind a bit of noise. Ultimately, both switches are fantastic choices, so select the one that best aligns with your typing style, comfort, and acoustic preferences.
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