Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the HMX Sunset Gleam represent two exceptional linear options, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Matcha Latte V2 is celebrated for its smooth, subtle typing experience, providing an ideal balance between a light actuation force and a satisfying bottom-out feel, making it a fantastic choice for users who appreciate a more nuanced response and premium performance without breaking the bank. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, boasts a perfect blend of materials that contribute to a gentle top-out sensation combined with a pleasant clack, appealing to those who favor a slightly louder and more tactile experience. Both switches feature exceptional factory lubrication, enhancing their overall performance and reducing friction during use. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the HMX Sunset Gleam, the most notable difference lies in the materials used for their top housings. The Matcha Latte V2 features a polyketone (POK) top housing, which is engineered for durability and produces a smooth and clacky typing experience thanks to its low coefficient of friction of 0.04. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for creating a sharper sound profile due to its stiffness. This characteristic results in a more resonant and clear acoustic output, particularly advantageous when working with RGB lighting. While both materials provide excellent performance, the Matcha Latte V2’s POK material prioritizes a smoother feel compared to the crisp, elevated tones produced by the polycarbonate housing of the Sunset Gleam.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which significantly contributes to their sound profiles. Nylon's inherent softness absorbs sound well, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience, which is consistent across both the Matcha Latte V2 and the Sunset Gleam. This shared material choice ensures that regardless of the distinct sound profiles introduced by their top housings, users can expect a similar foundational sound experience based on the nylon bottom. As the bottom housing often dictates the bottom-out sound and tactile feel, the durability and sound absorption capabilities of nylon are important for both switches.
Ultimately, the combination of distinctive top and bottom housing materials in each switch offers a diverse range of user experiences. While the Matcha Latte V2 favors a smoother and more durable top housing through its POK material, the Sunset Gleam's polycarbonate top adds clarity and brightness to the sound profile. However, their identical nylon bottom housings bridge the gap, ensuring a consistent, richer sound experience across both switches. Consequently, users who enjoy the distinct differences in typing sound and feel between these two models can also appreciate a similar quality depth from the nylon base, resulting in a harmonized yet nuanced overall performance.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force that cater to different user preferences. The Matcha Latte V2 has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Sunset Gleam is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 42 grams. This makes the Sunset Gleam a more suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is currently unavailable, which leaves an incomplete picture for comparison. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam provides a bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating a firmer feel when keys are fully pressed down. Ultimately, if you prefer a lighter actuation, the Sunset Gleam is the better option, while the Matcha Latte V2's force details leave some uncertainty in its overall feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, it is evident that the Matcha Latte V2 has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sunset Gleam measures at 3.5 mm. This difference, although minimal, suggests that users who favor a more pronounced tactile feel may prefer the Matcha Latte V2, as it provides a deeper travel that can be more satisfying. On the other hand, gamers who prioritize responsiveness might lean towards the Sunset Gleam for its shorter travel distance, which enables quicker actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference regarding the balance between a deeper, more robust press and a snappier, more immediate response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam 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 switches provide a smooth auditory experience, characterized by a gentle and subtle linearity that doesn’t create any startling or pronounced sounds during typing. This allows for a more subdued typing environment, making it suitable for those who prefer a quieter workspace. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam switches are noted for their subtle top-out sound combined with a satisfying clack, offering a more audible feedback that can be satisfying to some users while still maintaining a linear typing experience. It’s important to note that sound can also be influenced by your choice of keyboard and keycaps, which means both switches can be modified in terms of acoustics depending on the overall setup.
When considering feel, the Matcha Latte V2 is praised for its smooth and lightweight typing experience, allowing users to glide effortlessly across each keypress with minimal resistance. The overall balance between lightness and a solid bottom-out sensation creates a pleasant tactile response, making it suitable for extended typing sessions. Conversely, the HMX Sunset Gleam switches offer an excellent feel as well, stemming from their well-balanced construction and factory lubrication, which collectively contribute to a seamless pressing experience. Both switches minimize stem wobble, ensuring that users enjoy stability and control with each keystroke.
In conclusion, while the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches each have their distinctive qualities, they both excel in providing a refined typing experience. Users who favor a quieter, smooth operation may lean towards the Matcha Latte V2, while those who appreciate a slightly more pronounced sound alongside a satisfying keypress may prefer the Sunset Gleam. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel, but both are designed to deliver a satisfying linear experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall experience. If you value a smooth and subtle performance with minimal resistance and a solid bottom-out feeling, the Matcha Latte V2 will serve you well, especially with its excellent factory lubrication that minimizes stem wobble. This switch is particularly suitable for those seeking a comfortable, everyday typing experience without significant tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a slightly lighter bottom-out force and enjoy a more satisfying clack with a nuanced top-out feel, the HMX Sunset Gleam switch might be the better fit for you. Its construction provides a unique blend of auditory feedback and tactile pleasure, making it enjoyable for both typing and gaming scenarios. Therefore, consider your typing style and what you find most satisfying in a switch when making your choice between these two options – both of which bring something unique to the table.
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