Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often face a delightful dilemma in choosing between options that provide varying tactile experiences. The Huano Matcha Latte V2, known for its smooth linear typing experience, strikes an appealing balance with its light actuation force and solid bottom-out feel. This switch excels with its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, presenting premium performance at a budget-friendly price point. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) captivates users with its clacky and resonant sound profile, enhancing the auditory component of typing. Featuring an impeccable factory lubrication job, the Strawberry Wine switch transforms each keystroke into a silky smooth affair, making it a favorite for those who enjoy an engaging typing soundscape. While both switches offer distinct advantages, the Matcha Latte V2 is perfect for those seeking smoothness and reliability, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) appeals to tactile and auditory enthusiasts. 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
52g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), notable differences emerge, particularly in their top housing. The Matcha Latte V2 utilizes POK, or polyketone, which is recognized for its notably smooth feel due to its low coefficient of friction (0.04). In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) employs LY as its top housing material. While LY is a relatively newer material, it is characterized by a brighter sound signature, which results in resonant clacks during typing. Thus, while the Matcha Latte V2 provides a smoother tactile experience, the Strawberry Wine V2 prioritizes an auditory highlight, emphasizing sound over the smoothness of the keypress.
On the other hand, both the Matcha Latte V2 and the Strawberry Wine (V2) share the same bottom housing material—nylon. This material is a classic choice in the mechanical keyboard realm, well-regarded for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The intrinsic qualities of nylon, such as its relatively soft nature, contribute to sound absorption, resulting in a rounder and more muted sound during interactions. Therefore, while the top housings differ in material and produce contrasting auditory experiences, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a similar sound quality, lean towards the deeper tones characteristic of nylon, and possess a more subdued acoustic presence when bottoming out.
Finally, the combination of both top and bottom materials in each switch typifies how each housing component contributes to the overall typing experience. For the Matcha Latte V2, the smoother POK top will lend itself to a refined tactile feedback during key release, enhancing the switch's overall durability and usability. In juxtaposition, the LY top, despite its higher friction, will contribute unique aural properties to the Strawberry Wine V2. However, both switches leverage the nylon bottom housing, which balances their distinct sound profiles by providing a fuller auditory experience. Consequently, while their top housings offer different tactile and auditory characteristics, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a shared foundation in sound, ultimately facilitating a well-rounded typing experience in both cases.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches, both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means they'll provide a similar feel when triggering a keystroke. This makes both switches suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. However, the contrast comes in their bottom-out forces; while the bottom-out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is unknown, the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a bottom-out force of 52 grams. This indicates that while both switches require the same force to actuate, the Strawberry Wine (V2) will offer a heavier resistance when fully pressed down, resulting in a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, if you're looking for a lighter touch, the Matcha Latte V2 may be a better choice, while those who appreciate a firmer bottoming-out sensation might prefer the Strawberry Wine (V2).
Travel distance
Both the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, users will experience the same distance of key travel, resulting in similar keystroke feedback and overall typing experience. Since both switches have identical travel distances, they are likely to perform similarly in terms of actuation and tactile response, making them suitable options for those who prefer a consistent feel in their keyboard switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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 Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch is characterized by its understated and refined acoustics, allowing for a subtle typing experience that doesn't draw too much attention. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter workspace but still desire a pleasing auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches boast a more vibrant sound profile, featuring clacky and resonant notes that produce a bright, crisp auditory experience. The high-pitched sounds generated by these switches provide a percussive feedback that can be quite satisfying, especially for users who enjoy an expressive auditory signature to their typing.
When it comes to feel, the Matcha Latte V2 offers a smooth and balanced typing experience, providing a lighter touch while still maintaining a solid bottom-out feel. This balance contributes to a comfortable typing experience with minimal stem wobble, enhancing overall performance. Conversely, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switches stand out for their silky typing feel, attributed to impeccable factory lubrication that ensures minimal resistance during key presses. This creates a typing sensation that is both smooth and fluid, appealing to users who prioritize comfort and precision in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, while the Matcha Latte V2 is designed for those seeking a more understated and balanced typing experience with a quieter acoustic profile, the Strawberry Wine (V2) caters to those who enjoy a lively, resonant sound and a silky smooth feel. Depending on your preferences, you can choose between the subtlety of the Matcha Latte V2 and the vibrancy of the Strawberry Wine (V2), both of which provide exceptional performance in their respective domains. If you appreciate certain qualities of both switches, you might find that either option can deliver a satisfying typing experience that suits your style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches largely hinges on your personal preferences regarding typing feel and sound profile. If you prefer a typing experience that is light, smooth, and subtle, with an emphasis on minimal stem wobble and impressive factory lubrication, then the Matcha Latte V2 would be a great fit for you. This switch excels in providing a cushioned feel and a satisfying balance that feels both light and substantial when bottoming out, making it ideal for long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile auditory experience with a snappy, resonant sound, the Strawberry Wine (V2) may be the better option. Its clacky and bright sound profile can add a delightful auditory dimension to your typing, while the silky smooth feel enhances your keystrokes for an overall engaging experience. Ultimately, consider what aspects of sound and feel resonate more with your typing style when making your decision.
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