Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience and overall satisfaction. The Huano Matcha Latte V2 is a linear switch renowned for its smooth, light action and solid bottom-out feel, providing a streamlined, enjoyable typing experience enhanced by generous factory lubrication and minimized stem wobble. This makes it an ideal option for those who favor fast-paced gaming or prefer a quieter office environment where distractions are kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown is a tactile switch that strikes a balance between comfort and performance, featuring a satisfying tactile bump and a muted sound profile. This switch is perfect for typists who appreciate feedback without the noise, offering a pleasant typing experience suited for long writing sessions. Thus, while the Matcha Latte V2 leans towards a seamless linear feel, the Silent Brown caters to those who thrive on tactile feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
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 housing materials of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the TTC Silent Brown switches showcase distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall performance and auditory experience of each switch. The Matcha Latte V2 features a top housing made of polyketone (POK), known for its durability and smoothness in key presses, while the Silent Brown’s top housing utilizes polycarbonate, which provides a sharper, crisper sound profile. The coefficient of friction for POK is slightly higher than that of polycarbonate, resulting in a smoother tactile experience. In comparison, the polycarbonate top creates a more resonant sound due to its stiffness, allowing for the projection of higher-pitched sounds when typing. This fundamental difference in material choice plays a significant role in shaping the acoustic signature of the switches.
When we analyze the bottom housing, both the Matcha Latte V2 and the Silent Brown employ nylon, a material characterized by its soft properties that absorb sound, creating a fuller, deeper audio experience. The similarity of this material in both switches means that the bottom-out sound and feel will share common traits, resulting in a consistent typing experience. Nylon's sound-dampening ability ensures a muted yet rounded auditory feedback across both switches when a key is fully pressed down, which can be appealing for users seeking a softer sound profile. This similarity presents an advantage, as both switches can yield comparable auditory results in terms of sound depth and fullness during actuation.
In essence, while the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and TTC Silent Brown switches utilize different materials for their top housings, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a harmonious blending of sound characteristics. Those who opt for either switch can expect a union of tactile smoothness from the unique properties of the Matcha V2’s POK top and the clarity from the Silent Brown’s polycarbonate, paired with the deep, round sound that the nylon bottom provides. By choosing either switch, users can enjoy a nuanced experience where the properties of each housing material complement one another, delivering a satisfying combination of tactile engagement and sound quality.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require an equal amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. However, the key distinction lies in their bottom out forces; the Silent Brown has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is unavailable. This indicates that the Silent Brown will provide a heavier feel when bottoming out, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, because the Matcha Latte V2's bottom out force is unknown, it's difficult to determine its total weight feel when pressed down fully. Overall, the Matcha Latte V2 could be lighter in total force due to the absence of a specific bottom out value, whereas the Silent Brown's medium-heavy bottom out force may cater more to those who enjoy the feedback and resistance of a heavier switch.
Travel distance
The Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option when compared to the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, which features a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm can impact the overall typing experience, with the Matcha Latte V2 providing a slightly faster response time that may appeal to gamers or those who prefer a more immediate feedback. On the other hand, the Silent Brown’s greater travel distance might be favored by users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feel during their key presses, offering a sense of depth and a more gradual actuation. Overall, if quick and responsive keystrokes are a priority, the Matcha Latte V2 is the better choice, while the Silent Brown may be better suited for those seeking a traditional typing experience with a deeper travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
The Huano Matcha Latte V2 comes in at $3.99 per 10 switches.
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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch is characterized by a smooth and subtle auditory profile, akin to the experience of a soft whisper with each keystroke. This gentle sound is complemented by the lightness of the switch, creating a more serene typing atmosphere. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch boasts a muted sound profile, which is designed to minimize noise considerably compared to traditional clacky switches. This attribute makes it an excellent choice for environments where quiet operation is a priority, yet it still retains the satisfying thump when the tactile bump is engaged, ensuring a pleasant auditory experience without being intrusive.
In terms of feel, the Matcha Latte V2 switch offers a refined linear typing experience that is both smooth and satisfying. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble contribute to a light and effortless key travel, while the solid bottom-out ensures users can feel every keystroke without any jarring feedback. Conversely, the Silent Brown tactile switch features a light to medium level of resistance, providing a comforting typing experience. With a pronounced yet rounded tactile bump, users will enjoy a buttery, polished interaction that makes each keystroke feel smooth and deliberate. The mild characteristics of the Silent Brown ensure that it offers a gentle typing experience that is widely approachable for various typing styles.
In conclusion, both the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and TTC Silent Brown switches cater to specific preferences, with the former focusing on a smooth and quiet linear experience, while the latter emphasizes a tactile sensation paired with a muted sound profile. While they offer different typing experiences in terms of sound and feel, both switches provide high-quality performances that are suitable for different environments and typing styles. The choice between these two ultimately comes down to personal preference—whether one desires the silky smoothness of a linear switch or the tactile feedback of a muted tactile switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch largely hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a smooth and subtle linear typing experience devoid of any tactile bump, the Matcha Latte V2 is an excellent option. Its lightness and premium feel, aided by factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, make it ideal for fast typists or gamers who prefer swift key presses without any distractions, particularly in quieter settings. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile feedback with a rounded bump that feels satisfying under your fingers, the TTC Silent Brown is the way to go. With its medium-heavy resistance and muted sound profile, this switch is well-suited for office environments or shared spaces where noise reduction is crucial. Ultimately, the choice comes down to whether you prioritize the smooth, frictionless experience of a linear switch or the satisfying feedback of a tactile one. Choosing between these two switches will significantly enhance your typing experience, so consider how you type and what you prefer in your mechanical keyboard setup.
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