Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Outemu Tom

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, preferences can vary widely based on typing style and tactile feedback. The Huano Matcha Latte V2 is a linear switch, celebrated for its smooth and subtle typing experience, providing a satisfying blend of lightness and a solid bottom-out feel. With generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, these switches offer premium linear performance at an accessible price point, making them a great choice for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and fluidity. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom is a tactile switch, known for delivering a pronounced bump at the actuation point, which enhances typing accuracy and offers a more engaging experience for those who enjoy a bit of resistance while typing. This tactile feedback can be particularly appealing for writers or programmers who appreciate a clear indication of keypress without bottoming out. Ultimately, whether you prefer the smooth glide of the Matcha Latte V2 or the tactile cues of the Outemu Tom, both switches cater to different preferences in the vast world of mechanical keyboards. 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 Tom Tactile

$3.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Tom switches, fundamental differences arise primarily from the top housings. The Matcha Latte V2 uses polyketone (POK) for its top housing, which boasts a smooth feel with a low coefficient of friction at 0.04. This contributes to its durability and resilience against wear—the POK material is noted to be significantly more robust than POM, making it ideal for achieving long-lasting performance. In contrast, the Outemu Tom utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which exhibits a higher stiffness and a clearer sound profile due to its resonant properties. The transparency of polycarbonate enhances the RGB lighting experience, showing off vibrant colors, a feature that is less emphasized in the Matcha Latte V2's design.

While the top housings create distinct auditory experiences, the bottom housings of both switches utilize nylon, which brings a similar acoustic profile to the user experience. This classic material for switch bases contributes to a deeper and fuller sound characteristic. Since nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs sound more effectively than harder alternatives, providing a duller, rounder tone. Therefore, regardless of whether you’re using the Matcha Latte V2 or the Outemu Tom, the tactile sensation and auditory feedback during key presses will reflect the qualities imparted by this nylon material in both designs. This means that the bottom-out feel and sound will remain consistent across both switches, regardless of the inherent differences in their top housing materials.

Ultimately, the differences in sound profiles stem from the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials. The sharper, more defined sound produced by the polycarbonate top of the Tom will contrast with the smooth, clacky tones of the Matcha Latte V2’s POK top housing. However, both switches offer users a rich auditory experience rooted in the shared benefits of nylon as the bottom housing material. Therefore, while the tactile and auditory qualities may diverge at the peak of each key press, the resonance of the bottom housing ensures that users will experience a unified, satisfying typing experience with both the Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Tom.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch with the Outemu Tom tactile switch, significant differences arise in their actuation forces. The Matcha Latte V2 features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to register a keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Tom has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces, making it difficult to compare this aspect directly. However, the difference in actuation forces suggests that users looking for a lighter, less fatiguing experience should consider the Matcha Latte V2, while those who favor a firmer push may gravitate towards the heavier Tom switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preference for typing style and comfort during prolonged use.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, the Matcha Latte V2 features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Tom has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Matcha Latte V2 the longer of the two switches, providing a more pronounced keypress depth that some users may prefer for a sturdier, more tactile experience. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Tom can offer quicker actuation, appealing to gamers who prioritize rapid response times in their gameplay. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Matcha Latte V2 catering to those who appreciate a bit more depth, and the Tom being ideal for those who value speed and immediacy in key presses.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 produces a notably subtle and muted acoustic profile that contributes to a serene typing environment. The sound is gentle and unobtrusive, making it an excellent choice for office settings or shared spaces. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch's auditory characteristics are currently unknown, which leaves an aspect of its performance open for personal exploration. However, do note that the overall sound produced will also heavily depend on the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, meaning that both switches could yield varying auditory experiences based on individual setups.

When considering the feel, the Matcha Latte V2 is celebrated for its smooth linear motion that provides a delightful typing experience. The switch offers a light actuation force combined with a solid bottom-out feel, making it ideal for users who enjoy a fluid typing style with minimal resistance. In comparison, the tactile feedback of the Outemu Tom switch remains unspecified. This unknown factor could lead to a distinctly different typing sensation, particularly for users who prefer tactile feedback in their switches, which can significantly influence typing speed and accuracy.

In summary, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch provides a premium typing experience characterized by smoothness and an appealing sound profile, while details about the Outemu Tom tactile switch remain vague. If you're deciding between the two, consider your preference for sound and the feel of linear versus tactile switches. The Matcha Latte V2 offers a reliable choice for those seeking a smooth and quiet typing experience, whereas the Tom may cater to a different set of preferences that still awaits discovery.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch largely depends on your specific typing preferences and the type of experience you seek in a mechanical keyboard. If you value a smooth, linear typing feel that allows for quick keystrokes with minimal resistance, the Matcha Latte V2 is an excellent choice. Its generous factory lubrication contributes to a satisfying typing experience while minimizing stem wobble, making it ideal for both gaming and typing tasks where speed and fluidity are essential. However, if you appreciate tactile feedback in your keyboard, enhancing the typing experience with noticeable bumps on actuation, the Outemu Tom is the better option for you. This switch version provides a clear tactile response that many find gratifying, especially for typing and programming, where you want to feel each keystroke without bottoming out excessively. Ultimately, consider what feels best under your fingers and aligns with your typing habits—smoothness and lightness with the Matcha Latte V2 or tactile feedback with the Outemu Tom—so that you can enjoy an optimal mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$3.99 per 10

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Outemu Tom Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more