Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Jwick Taro

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, and two popular options are the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Jwick Taro. The Matcha Latte V2 stands out as a linear switch, renowned for its smooth, subtle typing experience that balances lightness with a satisfying bottom-out feel. With generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, these switches deliver a premium linear performance at an accessible price point, making them an excellent choice for users who prioritize a seamless and quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro, classified as a tactile switch, presents a cozy typing experience that complements its subdued color scheme. With a snappy, medium-level tactility and crisp acoustic feedback, the Taro switches cater to those who enjoy the tactile response and auditory satisfaction of keystrokes. While both switches have their unique strengths—whether you prefer the smoothness of the Matcha Latte V2 or the tactile engagement of the Taro—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

Jwick Taro Tactile

$3.99 per 10

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Jwick Taro exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, contributing to unique sound profiles and tactile experiences when typing. The Matcha Latte V2 utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which is reputed for its smooth performance and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it allows for a seamless keystroke experience, while its exceptional strength ensures longevity and wear resistance. Conversely, the Jwick Taro employs polycarbonate for its top housing, characterized by its stiffness and translucence. This material provides a sharper and clearer sound profile due to its higher pitch and resonance, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing.

Both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, which brings a level of consistency to the typing experience in terms of sound and texture. Nylon is known for its softer properties, which absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This characteristic creates a more rounded and muted bottom-out sound that complements the sharper tonal clarity of the Taro’s polycarbonate top. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2’s top housing emphasizes a smoother feel, which when combined with the nylon bottom, results in a balanced typing experience that marries durability and softness.

Despite their contrasts in top housing materials, users can expect similar results in terms of tactile feedback and sound quality because of the shared nylon component in the bottom housing. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel ensures that both switches have a warm, muted response when keys are pressed. Meanwhile, the unique qualities of each top housing manifest during the release phase of typing. Therefore, even though the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and Jwick Taro cater to different auditory preferences through their respective top housings, the common use of nylon serves to unify their performance characteristics, delivering satisfying feedback with each keystroke.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it's clear that they cater to different preferences concerning weight and feel. The Matcha Latte V2 features a known actuation force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option that can facilitate longer typing sessions, ideal for those who take their keyboard to work or enjoy extensive gaming periods. In contrast, the Taro's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This suggests a firmer resistance felt when pressing the key down entirely, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, while the Matcha Latte V2 is the lighter switch, the Taro's heavier bottom out force likely provides a different tactile feedback, making their actuation and bottom out forces distinctly different.

Travel distance

The Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Matcha Latte V2 offers a more responsive feel, making it an excellent choice for gamers who prefer the quicker actuation that shorter travel distances provide. In contrast, the Taro's 3.7 mm travel distance may appeal to those who appreciate a bit more depth and a less abrupt key press, which can enhance typing comfort and feedback. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Matcha Latte V2 would be the preferable option, whereas the Taro caters to those who enjoy a more robust typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Matcha Latte V2 switch remains an undisclosed quality, but the Jwick Taro switch offers a distinct auditory experience with its acute and crisp clacks. This sound profile, described as neutral, provides a moderate actuation force requirement, making it versatile for both beginners and seasoned users. It excels in settings such as offices or homes, where a balanced sound level can be beneficial. Meanwhile, the Matcha Latte V2's sound characteristics are left unknown, leaving potential users curious about how it might complement different keyboard builds and environments.

When it comes to feel, the Matcha Latte V2 presents as a smooth linear option, providing a light yet firm bottom-out feel, coupled with minimal stem wobble and generous factory lubrication. This allows users to enjoy a premium typing experience that is fluid and uninterrupted. In contrast, the Taro switch delivers a uniquely layered tactile sensation, boasting a snappy medium level of tactility. With its buttery smooth keystrokes complemented by a stepped action, it provides a more dynamic feel, where users can distinctly perceive changes during their typing motion, enhancing the engagement of each keystroke.

In summary, while the Matcha Latte V2 offers a refined linear experience with undetermined sound qualities, the Jwick Taro switch stands out for its auditory crispness and tactile complexity. Both switches provide distinct typing experiences catered to different preferences: the Matcha Latte V2 for those who seek a smooth and linear sensation, and the Taro for users who appreciate tactile feedback and auditory responses. Depending on your personal typing style and environment, either switch could enhance your mechanical keyboard experience effectively.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a smoother and quieter typing experience, especially for tasks requiring speed and efficiency such as coding or essay writing, the Matcha Latte V2 is an excellent option. Its light and fluid feel, combined with minimal stem wobble and a subtle linear response, will cater well to those who prefer a more seamless keystroke without the distraction of noise. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction in your typing experience, the Jwick Taro would likely resonate more with you. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force and snappy tactile bump, it provides a more engaging feel that can enhance your typing experience, particularly for creative writing or tasks that benefit from pronounced keystrokes. Therefore, consider what aspects of typing you value most—speed and silence with the Matcha Latte V2, or tactile sensation and satisfying acoustics with the Taro—before making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$3.99 per 10

Learn more

Jwick Taro Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more