Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect linear mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Bsun Taichi offer distinct characteristics that appeal to different preferences. The Matcha Latte V2 is celebrated for its smooth and subtle typing experience, striking a delightful balance between lightness and a satisfying bottom-out feel. With its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, it provides premium linear performance at an accessible price point, making it an excellent choice for those seeking comfort without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi stands out for its unique high-pitched bottom-out sound, thanks to its long-pole stem, extended springs, and walled stems that enhance smoothness and stability. This switch caters to users who appreciate auditory feedback alongside a fluid typing experience. While both switches share a linear typing characteristic, they cater to different user experiences—one focusing on tactile comfort and affordability, while the other emphasizes sound and stability. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Bsun Taichi, we see significant differences in the top housing composition. The Matcha Latte V2 features a POK (polyketone) top housing known for its durability and smoothness due to a low coefficient of friction (0.04). In contrast, the Taichi uses polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. While both materials serve to enhance the switch's functionality, they do so in unique ways: POK offers superior shock resistance and wear durability, which contributes to the switch's overall longevity and smooth action. Meanwhile, the polycarbonate's translucent nature enhances aesthetics, making it particularly effective for RGB lighting applications.
However, both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, creating a shared quality between them. Nylon, as a classic switch material, contributes significantly to the audible and tactile experience. The characteristics of the nylon bottom housing lead to a deeper, fuller sound profile, absorbing sound and offering a plush typing experience regardless of the switch’s top housing materials. Since both switches share this bottom housing composition, they are likely to provide a comparable auditory experience with an emphasis on richness and depth in sound. This commonality aids in resulting in consistent performance across different key placements.
In essence, while the top housings of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and Bsun Taichi differ in material, the use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that both switches elicit a similar pleasurable typing experience. The POK of the Matcha Latte V2 and the polycarbonate of the Taichi bring distinct sound profiles when typing, but it’s the shared nylon bottom that harmonizes their overall acoustic footprint. Each switch's bottom housing material ultimately plays a crucial role in the typing feedback, sound profile upon bottoming out, and helps create unique but enjoyable experiences tailored to user preference.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch to the Bsun Taichi linear switch, there are some key differences in their actuation forces. The Matcha Latte V2 features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Taichi, which has a lower actuation force of 40 grams. This variance suggests that typists who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions may find the Taichi more comfortable, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel might appreciate the Matcha Latte V2 more. Both switches lack specific bottom out force data, so we cannot compare their bottom out characteristics. Nevertheless, because the actuation forces differ, users can expect a distinct feel between the two; the lighter Taichi switch will likely facilitate quicker keystrokes, while the heavier Matcha Latte V2 may provide a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. This similarity in travel distance suggests that users can expect a comparable feel and responsiveness when engaging either switch in their keyboards. Since both switches have the same distance, the tactile experience during key presses will be largely consistent, allowing for similar typing performance and feedback when using either option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 is noted for its understated acoustic profile, providing a quieter typing experience that allows for extended usage without the distraction of loud bottom-out noises. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is characterized by a high-pitched bottom-out sound, thanks to its long-pole stem and extended springs, which contribute to a more pronounced auditory feedback when bottoming out. This contrasting sound signature means that while the Matcha Latte V2 caters to those who prefer a silent typing environment, the Taichi will appeal to users who appreciate audible confirmation during their keystrokes.
When looking at the feel, the Matcha Latte V2 shines with its smooth and subtle linear typing experience, offering a lovely balance between lightness and a solid bottom-out feel. The factory lubrication ensures that each keystroke is fluid, while the minimal stem wobble enhances stability. On the other hand, the Taichi's feel emphasizes unparalleled smoothness and stability, largely due to its long-pole stem and unique design. The added stability makes the typing experience precise and enjoyable, though it might not deliver the same level of lightness found in the Matcha Latte V2.
In conclusion, both switches offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Matcha Latte V2 is ideal for users seeking a smooth and quiet typing experience, whereas the Bsun Taichi caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced sound and slightly different tactile characteristics. Each switch brings its unique qualities to the table, ensuring that users can find satisfaction based on their specific needs, whether they lean towards a subtler sound and feel or a more audible and stable experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, consider what aspects of the typing experience matter most to you. If you prefer a smooth and subtle typing experience combined with a light feel and solid bottom-out feedback, the Matcha Latte V2 is likely the better choice. Its premium performance is highlighted by generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, making it ideal for long typing sessions or casual gaming where comfort and smoothness are prioritized. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a more pronounced auditory experience along with smooth action, the Taichi switch's high-pitched bottom-out sound will cater to that preference. The design of the Taichi with its long-pole stem and extended springs fosters not only superior smoothness but also stability, making it great for those who value an engaging tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preference for typing feel and sound—select the Matcha Latte V2 for a balanced, quiet experience, or opt for the Taichi for an exciting auditory response paired with a unique tactility.