Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two notable options that often come up are the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Jwick Splash Brothers, both of which are linear switches designed to enhance the typing experience. The Matcha Latte V2 is celebrated for its smooth and nuanced linear feel, providing a delightful balance of lightness paired with a satisfying bottom-out experience. With generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, this switch offers premium linear performance at an attractive price point, often characterized as 'Bouncy' and 'Creamy'. Conversely, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches are regarded for their impressive responsiveness, featuring a shorter activation distance and a long pole stem that delivers an exhilarating typing sensation. Their 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', and 'Polished' traits combine to create a creamy sound signature, reminiscent of a high-energy duo in sports. While both switches cater to linear preferences, they offer distinctive experiences depending on the user's needs and preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Jwick Splash Brothers showcase a fascinating contrast in their top housing materials, with the Matcha Latte V2 featuring a polyketone (POK) top and the Splash Brothers employing a polycarbonate top. The POK material's low coefficient of friction (0.04) allows for incredibly smooth keystrokes, making it a competitive choice for those who prioritize tactile feedback during typing. In contrast, the polycarbonate housing enhances the acoustic profile of the switch by producing a sharper and higher-pitched sound, attributed to its stiffness and resonance properties. While both materials promise a high-quality tactile experience, the Matcha Latte V2 offers a smoother feel while the Splash Brothers provide a crisper auditory feedback, indicating that users will have distinct yet enjoyable experiences when operating each switch.
Despite the differences in their top housings, both the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Jwick Splash Brothers utilize nylon for their bottom housing, creating uniformity in sound profile and feel. Nylon's reputation as a classic switch housing material provides deep, fuller sounds due to its softer composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This similarity in lower housing materials conveys that both switches will yield a similar auditory richness that many typists appreciate. Consequently, even though the top housings differ in texture and sound, the nylon bottom will ensure a cohesively pleasant typing experience through its characteristic sound dampening and rounded audio feedback.
Ultimately, while the top housings of the Matcha Latte V2 and Splash Brothers may diverge in material choice and resultant acoustics, their matching nylon bottom housings lend a balance to the sensory experience that typists will encounter. Users can expect the smooth, clacky feel and durability from the Matcha Latte V2's POK housing, while simultaneously enjoying the clear auditory feedback from the Splash Brothers' polycarbonate top. This harmonious combination of materials ensures that both products cater to preferences across performance and sound, making them both versatile options for switch enthusiasts. When it comes to overall performance, the layered benefits of their housing materials culminate in switches that provide a satisfying experience regardless of the distinct characteristics presented by their respective top housings.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Matcha Latte V2 has a specified actuation force of 45 grams, providing a relatively light touch suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, its bottom out force remains unknown, leaving some uncertainty about the overall typing experience when the switch is fully pressed. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers features an unknown actuation force but has a bottom out force of 48 grams, which indicates a more substantial push for users who prefer a firmer feel. Given this information, we can conclude that the Matcha Latte V2 is the lighter option, while the Splash Brothers is on the heavier side due to its defined bottom out force. Therefore, for those who favor a softer touch for extended use, the Matcha Latte V2 should be their choice, while those who lean towards a heavier and more tactile experience might find the Splash Brothers more satisfying.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches offer an interesting comparison for those seeking distinct tactile experiences in their keyboard switches. The Matcha Latte V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option between the two, while the Splash Brothers measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This means that users who opt for the Matcha Latte V2 might appreciate the deeper keystroke and a more substantial bottom-out feel, which can be preferable for those who favor a hearty depth in their typing experience. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Splash Brothers may appeal to gamers and those who prioritize quick response times, providing the advantage of faster key actuation. In summary, while the Matcha Latte V2 offers a longer travel distance, the Splash Brothers caters to users looking for a more responsive typing experience.
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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49.
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 produces a quiet and subtle typing experience, which many users appreciate for its non-disruptive nature, making it suitable for shared workspaces. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers is characterized by a neutral sound profile that strikes a balance between moderate volume and quality, offering versatility for various environments. Both switches, however, can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycap material, potentially leading to a similar auditory experience under the right conditions.
Regarding feel, the Matcha Latte V2 is designed to offer a bouncy and creamy typing experience. The combination of a light actuation and solid bottom-out provides a satisfying tactile feedback, allowing users to enjoy a smooth gliding sensation with each keystroke. Meanwhile, the Splash Brothers excels with a moderately mild feel, combined with snappy responsiveness. It also features a bouncy characteristic, ensuring that users experience a lively rebound when pressing the keys. Both switches allow for an engaging typing experience, though the Matcha Latte V2 leans more towards a buttery smoothness, whereas the Splash Brothers offers a more dynamic response.
In summary, both the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches cater to distinct preferences in sound and feel, yet they also share similarities that can result in comparable typing experiences. The Matcha Latte V2 leans towards a quieter, smoother tactile feedback, while the Splash Brothers offers a snappier yet still comfortable experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two will depend on individual typing style and sound preference, but both options promise a quality performance that can enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, your choice should reflect your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a smooth, bouncy, and creamy typing experience with a touch of subtlety, the Matcha Latte V2 might be the better option for you. It's especially suited for someone prioritizing comfort and a sense of elegance in their keystrokes, ideal for long typing sessions or even casual gaming. However, if you prefer a switch that boasts a snappy feel with a bit more feedback and responsiveness, the Splash Brothers will likely cater to your needs. Its lighter bottom-out force and polished sound make it a wonderful choice for both gaming and multitasking in shared or quieter spaces. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you value a softer, more refined experience or a lively, engaging typing sensation.
Mentioned in this article
