Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Durock White Lotus present two distinct yet appealing options for typists and gamers alike. The Matcha Latte V2, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and a delightful balance that combines a light touch with a satisfying bottom-out feel. This switch shines with its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a seamless typing experience without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus offers a tactile experience that is delicately tuned for the discerning user. With its light tactile bump, this switch is designed for extended typing sessions, ensuring comfort without overwhelming feedback. Additionally, its removable light column enhances RGB lighting effects, providing an aesthetic appeal to any keyboard setup. Both switches cater to different preferences: if you crave smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes, the Matcha Latte V2 could be your go-to, while the White Lotus beckons those who appreciate tactile nuances and visual flair. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Durock White Lotus, the differences in their top housings highlight the unique characteristics that each brings to their respective switches. The Matcha Latte V2 utilizes POK material, known for its impressive durability and smoothness, boasting a coefficient of friction of 0.04. This slightly higher friction allows for a smooth actuation while maintaining resilience, as it demonstrates significantly greater wear resistance than POM and superior shock resistance to both Nylon and POM. In contrast, the White Lotus employs a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and UPE, which offers a premium tactile experience but is less quantifiable in terms of friction and durability compared to POK. While both materials contribute positively to switch performance, the Matcha Latte V2 promises a smoother yet slightly less tactile experience due to its unique properties.
The bottom housing of both switches is constructed from nylon, a traditional material favored for its acoustic properties. Nylon's softer nature helps absorb sound, producing a rounder, deeper sound profile in both the Matcha Latte V2 and the White Lotus. This commonality ensures that when you press down on either switch, the resulting acoustic performance will be similar, with both delivering a satisfying bottom-out sound. The only differentiation arises from the unique characteristics of the respective top housings, where the Matcha Latte V2's POK likely provides a slightly snappier and more responsive actuation compared to the White Lotus's modified blend, known for its premium feel and aesthetic qualities.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch plays a pivotal role in shaping the user experience. While the top housing of the Matcha Latte V2 enhances the actuation and provides a smoother overall action, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a rich sound profile. Conversely, the White Lotus's modified PC and UPE blend presents a more tactile user experience despite its slightly different acoustic properties. Therefore, even though the two switches have varying top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing unifies their acoustic qualities, ensuring users can achieve a similar depth of sound, albeit with distinct tactile sensations based on the upper housing.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we notice slight differences in their actuation forces but a significant distinction in their bottom out forces. The Matcha Latte V2 features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Durock White Lotus, which has an actuation force of 46 grams. The bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is unknown, while the White Lotus boasts a bottom out force of 56 grams, classified as medium-light. This means that users looking for a gentler typing experience during extended use may prefer the Matcha Latte V2 for its lower actuation force. In contrast, the heavier bottom-out force of the White Lotus offers a more substantial feel, which some typists may find satisfying. Overall, while the Matcha Latte V2 offers a lighter actuation force, the unknown bottom-out force leaves some uncertainty regarding its overall performance compared to the distinct characteristics of the Durock White Lotus.
Travel distance
The Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch exhibit different travel distances, with the Matcha Latte V2 measuring 3.6 mm and the White Lotus at 4 mm. This indicates that the Matcha Latte V2 offers a shorter travel distance, which can cater to users who prefer quicker response times, particularly beneficial for gamers seeking rapid key presses. In contrast, the White Lotus, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who appreciate a more tactile and deeper typing experience. While some may find the Matcha Latte V2's travel distance feels more responsive and suited for fast-paced tasks, others might favor the more pronounced feedback of the White Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference regarding typing feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, distinct distinctions arise. The Matcha Latte V2 offers a sound experience that is smooth and unobtrusive, ideal for environments where quiet typing is essential, although specific descriptors for its sound are not provided. In contrast, the White Lotus features a low-pitched sound that contributes to a bass-heavy tone alongside a neutral sound profile. This neutrality ensures versatility, making the White Lotus suitable for both casual and professional settings, as it provides a pleasant auditory experience without being overly loud or distracting.
In terms of tactile feel, the Matcha Latte V2 delivers a smooth, linear typing sensation with a satisfying balance of lightness and a solid bottom-out feel. This experience is enhanced by the generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, which contribute to its premium performance. On the other hand, the White Lotus is characterized by its easy-to-press design that requires minimal force, facilitating a comfortable typing experience. With its mild and subtle tactile feedback, the White Lotus is exceptionally approachable for typists of all skill levels, promoting extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. Thus, while the Matcha Latte V2 provides a fluid typing experience with tactile solidity, the White Lotus balances effortless actuation with gentle resistance.
In conclusion, both the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Durock White Lotus switches offer unique sensory experiences suited to different typing preferences. The Matcha Latte V2 excels in providing a smooth and solid linear feel, making it appealing to those who prefer linear switches, whereas the White Lotus offers a light tactile experience that is easy on the fingers and versatile for many users. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize the fluidity of a linear switch or the tactility and lightweight action of a tactile option, with both delivering enjoyable typing experiences in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and typical usage scenarios. If you prioritize a smooth, effortless typing experience with a light touch, the Matcha Latte V2 is an excellent choice, particularly for fast-paced typing or gaming sessions where speed and fluidity are essential. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble add to the overall premium feel, making it a great option for those who appreciate a less tactile, more linear switch. On the other hand, if you favor a subtle tactile feedback that offers a gentle yet noticeable response with each key press, the White Lotus is ideal for sustained typing tasks. Its mild tactility and easy-to-press nature make it perfect for long work sessions, while the low-pitched sound helps maintain a discreet environment, suitable for both home and professional settings. Additionally, if you enjoy vibrant RGB lighting, the White Lotus's removable light column enhances the visual aspect of your typing experience. Ultimately, your selection should reflect your typing style, whether it leans towards the linear fluidity of the Matcha Latte V2 or the refined tactility of the White Lotus.
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