Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile present two distinct options catering to different typing preferences. The Matcha Latte V2, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth and subtle typing experience, offering a delightful blend of a light touch and a solid bottom-out feel, enhanced by generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble. This makes it an excellent choice for typists seeking quick actuation and a clean keystroke without tactile distractions. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch stands out for its profound tactile bump, featuring a robust 70g resistance that provides an immersive and satisfying typing experience. With its nylon housing, users enjoy a captivating "thocky" sound, making each keystroke feel engaging and rewarding. While both switches offer unique advantages—whether it be the Matcha Latte V2's premium linear performance at an accessible price or the tactile satisfaction of the WS Heavy Tactile—each caters to different user preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile, one notable distinction lies in the choice of top housing material. The Matcha Latte V2 utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, offering a unique combination of smoothness and durability. With a slightly higher coefficient of friction than the nylon used in the WS Heavy Tactile (0.04 vs. 0.03), POK promises a buttery-smooth keystroke experience that is enhanced by its impressive wear and shock resistance properties. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon top housing is imbued with a characteristically deeper and rounder sound profile due to its softer composition, absorbing impact more effectively compared to harder materials like POK.
On a different note, both switches employ nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in some commonality between them. This shared material provides a plush typing experience, characterized by a fuller auditory response. The nylon's inherent softness contributes to a softer sound profile, ensuring a warm acoustic environment regardless of the switch being engaged. Therefore, in this aspect, both the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile provide a similar typing feel and sound signature that caters to users seeking a satisfying auditory feedback with every keystroke.
In essence, the POK and nylon combination in the Matcha Latte V2 creates a unique dichotomy, enhancing smoothness and durability at the top while delivering a familiar sound from the nylon bottom, reminiscent of the WS Heavy Tactile. Conversely, the WS Heavy Tactile, with its entirely nylon construction, elevates the experience of softness and sound absorption but lacks the robust characteristics offered by the POK material. Users looking for a blend of durability and sound depth will find both switches appealing, but their distinct top housing materials ultimately yield different tactile experiences during typing, shaping the overall satisfaction of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch, we find that both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent keystroke trigger experience for typists. However, the bottom out force differs significantly; the Matcha Latte V2 does not have a specified bottom out force, while the WS Heavy Tactile switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, indicating it requires more force to press down all the way. This means that while both switches feel similar at the actuation point, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a heavier push feel overall, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. As such, the Matcha Latte V2 is the lighter option, making it more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming, whereas the WS Heavy Tactile would be preferable for users who appreciate a firmer feedback when bottoming out.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that if you are looking for a more responsive feel, the WS Heavy Tactile may be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which allows for quicker actuation and response times. On the other hand, the Matcha Latte V2 offers a more substantial travel distance, providing a deeper and more satisfying tactile experience that some users might prefer. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches would depend on whether you prioritize speed or the sensation of depth in your key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 comes in at $3.99, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile comes in at $3.50.
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 Matcha Latte V2 switches are designed to offer a linear typing experience which typically means they are quieter and smoother compared to their tactile counterparts. While the specific qualities of the Matcha Latte V2's sound profile haven’t been detailed, it can be inferred that the linear nature minimizes auditory feedback, resulting in a more subdued and refined sound. Conversely, the WS Heavy Tactile switches exhibit a much more pronounced auditory experience characterized by a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound. The nylon housings contribute to a captivating "thocky" resonance that makes each keystroke feel more impactful, offering an engaging auditory experience ideal for those who enjoy the nuances of sound in their typing.
When considering feel, the Matcha Latte V2 switches provide a smooth typing experience, with an effortless key press that aims to eliminate any scratchiness commonly associated with linear switches. Their generous lubrication aids in delivering a refined sensation, ensuring a lightweight touch without compromising on that satisfying bottom-out feel. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile switches deliver a richly tactile experience marked by a 70g bump and immersive resistance. The combination of accented, sharp, bouncy, and invigorating characteristics makes for a responsive and lively typing sensation, appealing to users who appreciate discernible feedback with each keypress. The tactile bump provides a medium feel that is neither too overwhelming nor too subtle, perfectly balancing engagement and comfort.
In summary, while the Matcha Latte V2 switches focus on a smooth and quieter linear experience, the WS Heavy Tactile switches cater to those who crave pronounced tactility and a more immersive auditory presence. Choosing between these two would ultimately come down to personal preference—if you favor a tranquil yet satisfying typing style, the Matcha Latte V2 may be the ideal choice. However, if you're seeking a more dynamic interaction with clear feedback in both sound and feel, the WS Heavy Tactile will cater to that desire perfectly. Both switches offer distinct experiences, allowing users to select based on their typing habits and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended use cases. If you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance, the Matcha Latte V2 is an excellent choice. It offers a light and fluid linear feel that makes rapid key presses easy and satisfying, perfect for tasks that require speed and agility, such as gaming or long hours of coding. Moreover, if you appreciate a quieter typing sound, the Matcha Latte V2’s sound profile would be more conducive to a less distracting work environment. On the other hand, if you find value in tactile feedback and a satisfying auditory experience, the WS Heavy Tactile switch is your best bet. Its pronounced bump and engaging "thocky" sound create an immersive typing feel that can enhance your writing experience, making it particularly enjoyable for those who write or type longer documents. The heavier actuation force of 70 grams gives it a more deliberate sensitivity, which some typists prefer as it helps prevent accidental key presses. Ultimately, both switches offer their unique advantages, so it truly comes down to whether you favor the smooth linear action of the Matcha Latte V2 or the tactile engagement of the WS Heavy Tactile switch.
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