Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Huano Matcha Latte V2 stands out for its smooth, linear feel combined with a satisfying balance of lightness and a solid bottom-out experience. With generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, this switch offers premium performance without breaking the bank—making it a compelling choice for both casual and avid typists. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura excels with its feather-light touch, paired with medium acoustics, which can be especially appealing for those who engage in long typing sessions and seek comfort above all else. Each switch presents unique advantages; the Matcha Latte V2 is great for users who appreciate a solid typing feel, while the Sakura is designed for effortless keystrokes. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Huano Sakura both incorporate the same POK (polyketone) material for their top housing. This choice guarantees similar performance characteristics between the two switches, as both POK housings are designed to provide a smooth and responsive typing experience. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, the POK material promotes an effortless keypress, while also ensuring durability and longevity, thanks to its remarkable wear resistance and shock absorbing capabilities. As a result, both switches are likely to produce a distinctive balance of smoothness and clackiness, appealing to users who appreciate tactile feedback and performance in their keyboard switches.
When examining the bottom housings of the Matcha Latte V2 and Sakura, both utilize nylon, a traditional housing material renowned for its unique acoustic properties. Nylon's softer composition absorbs sound differently than harder plastics, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This shared characteristic means that both switches will deliver a rounded tonal quality and a more muted bottom-out sound—perfect for users who prefer a less harsh auditory experience during typing. Thus, even though the top and bottom housings may have different effects during use, the shared nylon material contributes to an overall consistency in sound and feel across both models.
Ultimately, the combination of POK top housings and nylon bottom housings in both the Matcha Latte V2 and Sakura allows users to achieve similar results in their typing experience. While the top housing offers smoothness and durability, the nylon material in the bottom housing enhances sound absorption, resulting in a richer sound and feel. Consequently, users can expect a harmonious blend of tactile satisfaction and acoustic pleasure whether they choose the Matcha Latte V2 or the Sakura, as both switches are designed with similar material attributes that complement one another seamlessly.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Matcha Latte V2 requires a force of 45 grams to actuate, while the Sakura is lighter, needing only 35 grams for actuation. This means that the Sakura switch is more suited for prolonged typing sessions, as the lighter actuation force can reduce finger fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is currently unspecified, making it difficult to determine how it compares with the Sakura's bottom out force of 45 grams. The Sakura’s bottom out force is considered light as well, which may provide a more cushioned feel for users who enjoy softer keystrokes. Therefore, if you prefer a lighter switch for extended use, the Sakura is the better option, while those who enjoy a firmer response might find the Matcha Latte V2 more appealing, despite lacking complete information on its bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users will experience the same keypress depth when using either switch, resulting in a similar tactile experience. Since both switches travel the same distance from top to bottom, they are likely to deliver comparable performance in terms of responsiveness and feel. Consequently, users can expect an equivalent typing experience with either switch without any variation in travel distance.
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 Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50.
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 Matcha Latte V2 linear switch is characterized as subtle and quiet, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise may be an issue. On the other hand, the Sakura switch produces medium acoustics, indicating a slightly more pronounced sound during typing. This difference showcases that while both switches are relatively subdued when compared to clicky or tactile options, the Sakura's sound may be more noticeable during use, depending on the keyboard build and keycap combination.
In terms of feel, the Matcha Latte V2 is recognized for its smooth and satisfying linear experience, offering a balance of lightness coupled with a solid bottom-out sensation that many users appreciate. In contrast, the Sakura's feather-light touch provides a much softer typing experience, which can be particularly advantageous during extended typing sessions. While both switches aim to deliver a linear experience, the Matcha Latte V2 leans towards a firmer, yet still gentle feel, whereas the Sakura emphasizes a lighter and perhaps more effortless typing action.
In summary, while both switches will provide a linear typing experience, the Matcha Latte V2 is known for its subtle sound and well-balanced feel, making it suitable for users seeking a smooth and solid typing experience. The Sakura, with its medium acoustics and feather-light touch, caters to those who prioritize a softer feel during longer typing sessions. Ultimately, selecting between the two will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and typing feel, but both switches are excellent options within their respective characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Huano Sakura linear switches ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the context in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you are looking for a smooth and subtly satisfying typing experience that balances lightness with a solid bottom-out feel, the Matcha Latte V2 might be the right choice for you. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble create an exceptionally premium feel, making it an excellent option for both gaming and typing tasks where responsiveness and comfort are essential. On the other hand, if you prefer an extremely light touch that promotes effortless typing during long sessions, the Sakura switches could be more suited to your needs. They are designed for extended use with their feather-light action and medium acoustics, making them ideal for those who prioritize speed and reduced fatigue over a pronounced tactile feedback. Consider your typing style, the types of activities you'll be engaging in, and your sensitivity to sound and feel as you make your decision between these two excellent options.
Mentioned in this article
