Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Haimu Viola Tricolor represent two distinct approaches catering to different typing preferences. The Matcha Latte V2 is celebrated for its smooth and linear typing experience, delivering a satisfying blend of lightness and a solid bottom-out feel. With generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, these switches provide a premium linear performance that is both accessible and appealing for those who prefer a gliding motion without tactile interruptions. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor offers a delightful tactile experience characterized by a thuddy and punchy sound profile, making each keystroke feel more impactful. Its pronounced tactility strikes a balance between providing feedback and maintaining a comfortable typing sensation, appealing to users who enjoy a tactile engagement without being overly pronounced. Both options have their unique strengths: the Matcha Latte V2 is ideal for a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience, while the Viola Tricolor is perfect for those who crave distinctive feedback with each keystroke. However, 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

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$3.99 per 10

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, key differences emerge, particularly in the choice of top housing materials. The Matcha Latte V2 employs POK (polyketone) for its top housing, noted for its exceptional strength, smoothness, and shock resistance. This material offers a unique combination of durability and reduced friction, contributing to a smooth typing experience characterized by a clacky sound profile. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and enhances clarity in sound, delivering a sharper and crisper auditory experience. While both switches utilize materials that fundamentally differ in sound qualities and tactile feedback, they can still be effectively paired with compatible switches if broader sound profiles are desired.

In terms of bottom housing, both the Matcha Latte V2 and the Viola Tricolor use nylon, a well-established choice in the world of switch construction. The use of nylon brings a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. The fact that both switches share this material for their bottom housing indicates consistency in how they produce sound while typing; thus, depending on the typing style and preferences, both switches should elicit similarly satisfying auditory responses when experienced in their full configurations. This commonality in bottom housing ensures that, despite the differences in top housings, users will encounter familiar sound profiles during key presses.

Ultimately, while the top and bottom housing materials present differing characteristics, they still create an engaging typing experience overall. The POK top housing of the Matcha Latte V2 lends a durable and smooth typing sensation that contrasts with the crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate of the Viola Tricolor. Meanwhile, both switches share the nylon bottom housing, which anchors their acoustic performance in a deeper tonal register. When used in conjunction, one can achieve a range of desirable sound experiences, from smooth and clacky to deep and resonant, depending on individual preferences regarding switch aesthetics and acoustics. This versatility illustrates the nuanced differences and potential harmonies between the two switch types, catering to diverse user experiences in the mechanical keyboard community.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Matcha Latte V2 features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a relatively lighter option that many typists may appreciate for extended typing sessions, as it requires less effort to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force for this switch is unavailable, leaving a gap in our comparison. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor's actuation force remains unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a medium-heavy resistance when fully pressed. This characteristic may appeal to those who prefer a more robust and tactile typing experience. Overall, while the Matcha Latte V2 is lighter in terms of actuation force, the heavier bottom out force of the Viola Tricolor offers a different experience, catering to distinct typing preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, we find that the Matcha Latte V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Viola Tricolor measures at 3.8 mm. This means the Matcha Latte V2 is the shorter option, making it potentially more appealing for gamers who prioritize quicker response times and a snappier feel. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the Viola Tricolor may provide a more substantial tactile feedback, catering to those who prefer a more satisfying depth with their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference for either a faster, more responsive experience or a deeper, more pronounced feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound profile, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches are not specifically described in terms of sound, leaving that aspect open to interpretation based on personal experience and the chosen keyboard setup. Conversely, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer a distinctive thuddy, punchy sound that resonates with a bass-heavy quality. This results from the deeper and richer acoustics associated with its construction, providing a low-pitched auditory feedback that contributes to an engaging typing experience. While the Matcha Latte V2 might produce a more subdued and neutral sound, the Viola’s pronounced thud injects personality into every keystroke, making it more suitable for those who appreciate auditory feedback in their typing.

In terms of feel, the Matcha Latte V2 shines with its smooth linear experience, characterized by a light touch and a solid bottom-out sensation. The generous factory lubrication enhances this lightness, while the minimal stem wobble contributes to a stable typing surface. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches are designed with a medium tactile feedback that is both invigorating and accented. The pronounced tactility provides satisfying feedback without being overwhelming, encouraging an enjoyable typing rhythm. Users can expect a snappy actuation coupled with a reactive feel that enhances the overall typing experience, bridging the gap between tactile satisfaction and smooth operation.

In conclusion, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, making them unique choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Matcha Latte V2 offers a smooth, light linear experience that may not focus heavily on auditory feedback, the Viola Tricolor emphasizes a richer, punchy sound complemented by a tactile feel that invigorates typing. Ultimately, selecting between them will depend on individual priorities; if sound is crucial, the Viola Tricolor takes the lead, while those preferring a smooth keystroke experience may lean towards the Matcha Latte V2.

Conclusion

To sum up, the choice between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch ultimately depends on your unique typing preferences and use cases. If you prefer a typing experience characterized by smoothness and subtlety, the Matcha Latte V2 is an excellent choice. Its lightness balanced with a solid bottom-out feel makes it ideal for extended typing sessions, ensuring that your fingers glide effortlessly across the keys without fatigue. Additionally, the generous factory lubrication and minimal wobble enhance the overall performance, making it suitable for gamers and typists seeking a quiet yet unassuming switch. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced typing experience with tactile feedback, the Haimu Viola Tricolor is likely the better option for you. Its medium-heavy actuation force provides a satisfying thuddy sound profile and accentuated tactility, adding depth to your keystrokes. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate a tactile response while typing or gaming, bringing a delightful excitement to your interactions with the keyboard. Thus, consider what you prioritize most in your typing experience – whether it’s the smoothness of linear switches or the feedback from tactile ones – to make the most informed decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$3.99 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn more