Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g each offer unique advantages tailored to different typing preferences. The Matcha Latte V2 is celebrated for its smooth linear experience, striking a balance between lightness and a satisfying bottom-out feel, thanks to its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a premium typing experience without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g excels in creating a serene typing environment with its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, making it an ideal option for users who prefer a quiet workspace, reminiscent of gentle raindrops. While both switches provide linear feel and fluidity, they cater to different needs: one favors a solid tactile response, while the other prioritizes a whisper-quiet experience. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g utilize distinct housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Matcha Latte V2's POK (polyketone) top housing is noted for its remarkable durability and smoothness, featuring a low coefficient of friction of 0.04 and wear resistance significantly surpassing that of materials like POM and Nylon. Conversely, the Silent Sakura's top housing, made of Nylon, is recognized for its softer texture, which contributes to a deeper sound profile. This differentiation results in the Matcha Latte V2 producing a potentially sharper and more crisp sound upon key release, while the Silent Sakura affords a rounder, fuller auditory experience during typing.
When it comes to their bottom housings, the Matcha Latte V2 also employs Nylon, mirroring the same material choice as the Silent Sakura, which enhances compatibility in sound characteristic despite their disparate top housings. Both switches leverage the sound-absorbing properties of Nylon, promoting a deeper sound profile that can be appreciated during use. The Silent Sakura, however, contrasts with its polycarbonate bottom housing, lending itself to a higher-pitched and crisper auditory effect—an innate quality of polycarbonate that differentiates it from the fuller sound produced by the Nylon material.
Overall, while the top housings of both switches are diverse in terms of material and resultant sound quality, their shared use of Nylon in the bottom housing introduces a commonality that may yield similar tactile and auditory results when typing. The impact of the material choices means that the user may experience a blend of properties during operation: a smooth, clacky result from the POK and Nylon combination in the Matcha Latte V2, alongside the deeper, fuller sensation generated by Nylon in both cases. Thus, regardless of the variances, enthusiasts can still expect enriching auditory results influenced by the materials used throughout both switches.
Weight
The Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, compared to the lighter 37 grams of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch. This difference means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter touch might find the Silent Sakura more comfortable for extended use, as it requires less force to register a keystroke. While the Matcha Latte V2 does not have a specified bottom out force, the Silent Sakura has a bottom out force of 43 grams, providing a more defined resistance when the key is fully pressed down. Consequently, users seeking a stronger, more tactile typing experience may lean toward the Matcha Latte V2, despite the lack of a specified bottom out force. Overall, the heavier Matcha Latte V2 is suited for those who prefer a more substantial feel, while the Silent Sakura’s lighter actuation force may help reduce fatigue in longer typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, the Matcha Latte V2 features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Sakura measures 4 mm. This indicates that the Silent Sakura has a longer travel distance, adhering more closely to the traditional 4.0 mm standard, which some users may find preferable for a more pronounced tactile feedback. In contrast, the shorter travel of the Matcha Latte V2 may appeal to gamers or those who prioritize quicker response times, as it allows for faster key actuation. Thus, if responsiveness is your primary concern, the Matcha Latte V2 would be the optimal choice, while if you favor a fuller typing experience, the Silent Sakura's longer travel might be more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Sakura - 43g for $2.99.
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
In terms of sound, the Matcha Latte V2 switch is noted for its smooth and subtle linear typing experience, which implies a quieter operation compared to some other switch types, though specific decibel levels are not provided. The Silent Sakura - 43g switch is designed to deliver an exceptionally whisper-quiet typing experience, akin to the sound of raindrops tapping on a window, making it a superior choice for those who prioritize silence in their typing. Given these characteristics, while both switches lean towards quieter operation, the Silent Sakura stands out as the more sound-absorbent option, ideal for environments where noise is a concern.
When evaluating the feel of each switch, the Matcha Latte V2 offers a satisfying balance of lightness combined with a solid bottom-out feel that typists often crave for a tactile response. This switch features generous factory lubrication, contributing to its smoothness and minimal stem wobble, facilitating a premium linear experience. The Silent Sakura - 43g switch, with its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, caters to light typists who prefer a softer touch while typing, making it more suited to a gentle, serene typing environment. While both provide a linear experience, the Matcha Latte leans toward a firmer and perhaps more engaging feel compared to the very light and soft touch of the Silent Sakura.
In conclusion, both the Matcha Latte V2 and Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. If you’re looking for a smooth yet slightly more responsive typing experience with some feedback, the Matcha Latte V2 is a solid choice. Conversely, if you prioritize a whisper-quiet operation and a lighter feel, the Silent Sakura - 43g will suit your needs perfectly. Depending on your typing style and environment, either switch can deliver satisfaction, but they ultimately cater to different user preferences in terms of sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you value a smooth and enjoyable typing experience with a solid bottom-out feel and appreciate meticulous factory lubrication, the Matcha Latte V2 would be an excellent option for you. It’s particularly ideal if you enjoy a bit of tactile feedback while typing, making it a suitable choice for both typing and gaming without overwhelming sound. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet and serene typing atmosphere, perhaps due to working in shared spaces or enjoying late-night typing sessions, the Silent Sakura - 43g is tailored for your needs. With its ultra-light touch and whisper-quiet operation, it caters perfectly to light typists who want to minimize distractions. Ultimately, considering these aspects will help you choose the switch that best enhances your overall typing experience.
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