Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often grapple with the decision between linear and tactile options, such as the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Outemu Red Panda. The Matcha Latte V2, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth and subtle typing experience, providing a satisfying balance of lightness with a solid bottom-out feel. With generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, these switches cater to users seeking premium performance without breaking the bank. On the flip side, the Outemu Red Panda switch offers a distinct tactile experience, characterized by a light to medium tactile bump and a unique auditory profile—featuring a bassy, raindrop-like sound at bottom-out and a clackier, higher-pitched sound at top-out. This switch appeals to those who prefer a tactile feedback with a pronounced auditory element, adding a different dimension to their typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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 Red Panda, one finds a notable difference in their top materials while the bottom housings remain consistent. The Matcha Latte V2 utilizes a POK material for its top housing, recognized for its superior smoothness and durability, yielding a sound that is not only clacky but also highly resilient. In contrast, the Red Panda employs a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. This fundamental difference in materials leads to divergent auditory experiences upon keypress; the Matcha Latte V2 is designed for a smoother and more muted response, while the Red Panda offers an elevated clarity and resonance, especially ideal for configurations with RGB lighting.
On the other hand, both switches share the same nylon material for their bottom housings, which acts to unify their sound profiles to some extent. The nylon's inherent softness means that both switches will deliver a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out, as this material effectively absorbs sound and dampens harshness. This shared feature ensures that, regardless of the distinction in top housing materials, both switches will produce a similar auditory sensation during the act of striking a key. Thus, in scenarios where both switches are pressed, users can expect the lower end of their sound profile to feel consistent across different setups.
Ultimately, the choice between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and Outemu Red Panda comes down to personal preference regarding the top housing materials. While the Matcha Latte V2 provides a durable and smooth experience with a clacky acoustic signature, the Red Panda enhances sound clarity and brightness. However, since both switches utilize the same nylon material for their bottom housing, users will find that both provide a satisfying deeper sound profile, ensuring that certain desirable characteristics remain consistent across the two models. Therefore, the distinction in the top material shapes the experience but does not overshadow the grounding effects of the shared nylon bottom housing.
Weight
The Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch differ significantly in their actuation forces. The Matcha Latte V2 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions, as it requires less effort to register each keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda's actuation force is slightly heavier at 50 grams, providing a more substantial push feel for those who prefer tactile feedback while typing or gaming. However, the Matcha Latte V2’s bottom out force is unknown, which prevents a direct comparison; the Red Panda's bottom out force is 60 grams, indicating a firmer feel when bottoming out. This difference suggests that while the Matcha Latte V2 may allow for quicker and less strenuous keystrokes, the Red Panda's firmer response may cater to users who favor a more pronounced typing experience. Overall, if you prefer lighter switches for prolonged use, the Matcha Latte V2 may be the better choice; whereas, if you seek a more substantial feel, the Red Panda might be more to your liking.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, the Matcha Latte V2 features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Red Panda offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Matcha Latte V2 provides a deeper keypress, which may appeal to users who favor a more substantial feel and tactile feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Red Panda's shorter travel distance may be more suitable for gamers seeking quicker response times and a more rapid actuation. Consequently, if you prioritize a more responsive experience, the Outemu Red Panda would be the better choice. However, if you prefer a fuller, more robust typing sensation, the longer travel distance of the Matcha Latte V2 will likely serve your needs better.
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 Red Panda comes in at $3.40.
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 switches are characterized by their smooth and subtle acoustic profile, which typically produces minimal noise during typing, making them ideal for environments where quieter operation is preferred. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda switches have a distinct auditory signature with a light-medium tactility that generates a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound paired with a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. This duality in sound offers a more vibrant auditory feedback, making the Red Panda switches more suitable for users who enjoy auditory stimulation while typing.
When it comes to feel, the Matcha Latte V2 switches excel with a smooth linear experience that strikes a perfect balance between lightness and a satisfying solid bottom-out feel, supported by generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble. This design caters to users who favor a fluid keypress without tactile interruptions. On the other hand, the Red Panda switches present a mild tactile bump that provides just enough resistance to make the typing experience engaging, striking a balance that remains approachable for most users while delivering a gentle feedback that is neither too harsh nor too muted.
In conclusion, while the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and Outemu Red Panda switches differ significantly in their sound and tactile feedback, they each cater to specific preferences. The Matcha Latte V2 delivers a quiet, smooth linear experience that is ideal for focused typing, whereas the Red Panda offers a more dynamic auditory experience with mild tactility, suitable for users who enjoy both feedback and sound in their typing rhythm. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a quiet and smooth typing experience or a more interactive auditory and tactile experience while typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you're looking for. If you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Matcha Latte V2 is an excellent option. Its lightness and solid bottom-out feedback combined with generous factory lubrication make it ideal for long typing sessions where comfort and fluidity are key. This switch is perfect for those who prefer a noise-friendly environment or enjoy gaming, as its linear nature allows for quick, uninterrupted key presses.
On the other hand, if you appreciate a moderate tactile feedback with a characteristically deeper sound profile, the Red Panda would be your go-to switch. The pleasantly mild tactility, coupled with its thocky sound, enhances the typing experience for those who enjoy auditory and tactile engagement while typing or gaming. Its heavier bottom-out force of 60 grams means it provides a more definitive feel that can help prevent accidental key presses—suitable for those who like a little resistance in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you seek seamless speed or a tactile experience that also satisfies your auditory senses.
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