Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the HMX Swift both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, despite both being linear switches. The Matcha Latte V2 is celebrated for its smooth and subtle typing experience, striking a satisfying balance between a lightweight feel and a solid bottom-out, all while providing generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble — making it an accessible choice for those seeking premium linear performance without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the HMX Swift distinguishes itself with its deeper sound profile, crafted from full nylon housings, delivering a silky smooth actuation experience that requires only 42g of force to press. This makes the Swift an appealing option for users who enjoy a softer touch and a more pronounced auditory feedback. While both switches are sought after for their overall smoothness and bounciness, they cater to different tactile and aural preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Huano Matcha Latte V2 and HMX Swift differ significantly in their top housing materials, leading to distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Matcha Latte V2 utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which is renowned for its smoothness, boasting a coefficient of friction of 0.04. This makes it slightly slicker than the Swift's nylon top housing, which is known for its softer texture that absorbs sound more effectively. As a result, while the Matcha Latte V2's POK material contributes to a smooth and clacky feel when typing, the HMX Swift's nylon offers a deeper, fuller sound, giving it a character that is better suited for users who prefer a more muted typing experience.
In contrast, both switches share the same nylon material for their bottom housings, which fundamentally shapes the sound profile and tactile feedback during use. Nylon is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. Given that the bottom housing has a significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches deliver a soft, muted sound upon keypress, fostering a sense of consistency between the two while also providing a certain depth that enhances the typing experience. Even though the top housing materials differ, this shared nylon bottom housing helps to align their overall acoustics, allowing users to enjoy a smooth performance in both models.
Ultimately, users can expect similar results when it comes to sound profile and typing feedback due to the shared nylon bottom housing in both models, despite the differences in top housing materials. The Matcha Latte V2, with its POK top housing, excels in providing a smooth and clacky experience, while the Swift yields a more enveloping sound thanks to its nylon top housing. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference—whether one prioritizes the slick feel and higher durability of the POK material or the deeper acoustic quality of nylon.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out characteristics. The Matcha Latte V2 has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is slightly heavier than the HMX Swift's 42 grams. This difference suggests that the Matcha Latte V2 may provide a more substantial typing experience, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a stronger push feel. However, the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 remains unknown, while the Swift has a bottom out force of 50 grams, confirming its heavier final push when fully pressed. This means that while both switches have their unique characteristics, the Matcha Latte V2 is the heavier option overall due to its higher actuation force, while the Swift offers a relatively lighter experience with its lower actuation force and defined bottom out pressure. Overall, users seeking a more effortless typing experience might gravitate towards the HMX Swift, whereas those who prefer a firmer keystroke could lean towards the Matcha Latte V2.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it becomes clear that they differ significantly. The Matcha Latte V2 features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Swift offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. As a result, those who favor quicker response times may find the shorter travel distance of the Matcha Latte V2 more appealing, as it can facilitate faster actuation, which is especially advantageous for gamers. Conversely, the Swift's longer travel distance may be better suited for users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down, providing a deeper, more tactile experience. Thus, your choice will likely depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more pronounced key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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
When considering the sound profiles of the Matcha Latte V2 and the HMX Swift switches, each brings a distinct auditory experience. The Matcha Latte V2 produces a sound that is characterized by its subtleness, contributing to a quieter typing experience, which can be ideal for shared workspaces or late-night sessions. In contrast, the Swift switches favor a deeper sound profile, thanks to their full nylon housings. This allows for a more robust auditory response that can be appreciated by users who prefer a richer sound when typing. This difference is accentuated by the fact that the sound of each switch will be influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap choice, so while one may prefer the Matcha's quieter nature, others may find the Swift's depth more appealing.
In terms of feel, both switches excel at providing a smooth typing experience, but they shine in different areas. The Matcha Latte V2 is noted for its bounciness, offering a spring-like feedback that enhances the tactile sensation during typing. Its creamy texture further enhances this experience, with a buttery feel that allows fingers to glide effortlessly over the keys. On the other hand, the Swift switches are characterized by their lightweight action, making them easy to press with minimal resistance. The combination of a gentle actuation force and feathery feel means that the Swift switches can reduce finger fatigue, making them ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches also boast a bouncy quality, which adds to the lively feedback when keys are pressed.
Ultimately, whether you choose the Matcha Latte V2 or the HMX Swift will come down to your personal preferences regarding sound and feel. The Matcha Latte V2 leans towards a quieter, more subtle auditory profile with an emphasis on bounciness and a creamy typing sensation. In contrast, the Swift provides a deeper sound with an exceptionally light and easy-to-press action, making it suitable for those who prioritize comfort during long typing sessions. Despite their differences, both switches offer a smooth experience and can accommodate various typing styles, ensuring that either option will deliver satisfying results for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the HMX Swift linear switches ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you desire. If you favor a more nuanced touch, with a smoothly balanced response and minimal effort required to actuate keys, the Matcha Latte V2 is an excellent choice. Its bouncy and creamy feel, paired with an unknown bottom-out force and generous factory lubrication, provides a delightful typing experience perfect for both casual typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch with a deeper sound profile, the HMX Swift linear switch is likely more suited to your needs. With its feathery actuation force and easy-to-press design, it allows for effortless typing, making it ideal for prolonged usage such as extensive writing or gaming sessions. The high-pitched sound profile may appeal to users who prefer a sharper auditory feedback, contrasting with the Matcha's perhaps more subdued auditory experience. In essence, your choice boils down to whether you want a more balanced and smooth feel or a lighter, more effortless experience.
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