Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Durock Piano

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Durock Piano both offer unique linear experiences that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers. The Matcha Latte V2 stands out with its smooth and subtle typing experience, providing an appealing balance between a light touch and a solid bottom-out feel. Its factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble ensure a premium performance without breaking the bank, making it an excellent choice for those seeking quality at an accessible price. In contrast, the Durock Piano switches are celebrated for their distinctive material blend, offering a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature that many find pleasurable during long typing sessions. Categorized as having 'bassy', 'frictionless', and 'silky' qualities, these switches might be preferable for users who appreciate a richer auditory feedback along with their tactile experience. Both switches have their proponents and can significantly enhance your typing experience, each in their own right. 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

Durock Piano Linear

$3.99 per 10

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Durock Piano, notable distinctions arise, particularly in the composition and characteristics of their top housings. The Matcha Latte V2 utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, a material renowned for its low coefficient of friction, which facilitates a smoother keystroke experience. In contrast, the Durock Piano incorporates a proprietary POM blend, which, while not specified, is celebrated for producing a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While POK provides remarkable durability and shock resistance, ensuring longevity and performance consistency, the Piano’s POM blend may diverge in tactile feedback but serves to enhance auditory satisfaction—highlighting different priorities in switch design.

Delving into the bottom housings, both the Matcha Latte V2 and the Piano employ materials aimed at delivering rich and full sound profiles. The Matcha Latte V2 features a nylon bottom housing, which is softer and contributes to a rounder acoustic experience by absorbing sound. In contrast, the Piano’s proprietary POM blend, despite being a harder plastic, is still crafted to achieve a similarly deep resonance. This suggests that, while the materials differ, both designs aim for an impactful auditory experience. With nylon's capacity to dampen sound and POM's structurally distinctive qualities, these switches exhibit variances that can produce either a nuanced or a fuller sound without sacrificing the overall richness.

Ultimately, the differing materials and their respective properties suggest that the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and Durock Piano switches are designed with distinct yet complementary sound characteristics in mind. The contrasting top housings reflect a specific focus on either tactile smoothness or tonal richness, while the bottom housings emphasize sound depth through their unique compositions. Thus, users of these switches can achieve satisfying results: with the Matcha Latte V2 offering durability and a smooth typing experience, and the Piano ensuring a deep, resonant sound profile, both switches can cater to diverse preferences while maintaining a commitment to high-quality acoustic performance.

Weight

Comparing the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch with the Durock Piano linear switch reveals some distinct differences in their characteristics, particularly in actuation and bottom out forces. The Huano Matcha Latte V2 has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the actuation force of the Durock Piano is unknown. On the other hand, the Piano’s bottom out force is 63.5 grams, which categorizes it as medium-heavy, while the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is unavailable. This indicates that, while we can ascertain that the Matcha Latte V2 requires a lighter actuation force, the heavier bottom out force of the Piano switch may offer a more tactile and substantial feel for users who prefer firmer switches. Overall, if you prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Matcha Latte V2 would be a better choice, whereas those who favor a heavier push should consider the Durock Piano for its enhanced resistance at bottoming out.

Travel distance

The Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Piano linear switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Matcha Latte V2 provides a shorter travel distance compared to the Piano switch, making it a potentially better choice for gamers or users seeking quicker keypress responsiveness. In contrast, the Durock Piano, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes, potentially offering a more satisfying tactile experience. Depending on user preference for travel distance, individuals may find that the Matcha Latte V2 allows for faster actuation, while the Piano switch may be more suited for those who enjoy a robust feel when typing.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 is noted for its subtle auditory profile, though specific details on its sound characteristics are limited. In contrast, the Durock Piano linear switch boasts a deep, creamy sound signature that is described as bassy, providing a richer and more resonant auditory experience. The depth of sound produced by the Piano is particularly notable due to its proprietary material blend, which enhances the overall acoustic performance. While both types can produce satisfying noises during typing, the Piano's bassy quality clearly sets it apart when considering auditory pleasure.

In terms of feel, the Matcha Latte V2 offers a smooth and solid typing experience, highlighted by its lightness and firm bottom-out sensation. This quality is enhanced by generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, ensuring a more consistent keystroke. Conversely, the Durock Piano switch is characterized by its frictionless and silky feel, making the act of typing exceptionally effortless and fluid. The overall experience with the Piano is marked by an almost gliding push sensation that can create a delightful typing rhythm. While both switches provide unique textures, the Matcha Latte V2 emphasizes a balanced response, while the Piano prioritizes an ultra-smooth, seamless experience.

In summary, both the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Durock Piano linear switches deliver commendable typing experiences, though they cater to slightly different preferences. The Matcha Latte V2 strikes a balance between responsiveness and smoothness, making it ideal for users who appreciate a solid bottom-out feel without sacrificing lightness. The Durock Piano, on the other hand, excels in delivering a luxurious typing sensation paired with a rich auditory profile, making it a favorable choice for those who favor a smoother, more effortless keystroke with a deep sound. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a solid, balanced experience or a fluid, creamy typing sensation.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Durock Piano linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force. If you favor a lighter touch with an exceptionally smooth linear feel, the Matcha Latte V2 is an excellent choice. Its subtle yet satisfying experience is perfect for those who may spend long hours typing or gaming and prefer a switch that minimizes fatigue without sacrificing performance. On the other hand, if you seek a richer sound profile and a more pronounced bottom-out feel, the Durock Piano is worth considering. Its medium-heavy actuation force and luxurious frictionless glide create a uniquely satisfying typing experience, complemented by a deeper, bassy sound that can elevate your keystrokes. Ultimately, your selection should align with the typing characteristics you value most—whether that’s a light, smooth touch or a more substantial and auditory typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$3.99 per 10

Learn more

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more