Gateron Aliaz vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options to consider are the Gateron Aliaz and the Huano Matcha Latte V2. The Aliaz is a tactile switch designed for quiet environments like offices, offering a medium-heavy actuation force that delivers noticeable feedback with each keystroke, making it ideal for users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile sensation without the associated noise. Its silky, muted, and polished characteristics enhance the typing experience in a serene setting. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 is a linear switch that provides a smooth, creamy typing experience for avid gamers and typists alike. Known for its light weight and solid bottom-out feel, along with generous factory lubrication, it minimizes stem wobble to deliver a premium performance at an accessible price point—perfect for those who enjoy a seamless and uninterrupted keystroke. Both switches have their own merits based on personal preference and intended use, 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches utilize distinctly different materials for their top and bottom housings, each contributing unique sound and feel characteristics. The top housing of the Gateron Aliaz is made from polycarbonate, a stiff plastic known for its sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. Its translucency enhances the visual effects of RGB lighting, making it particularly appealing for visually customizable keyboards. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 features a top housing made of POK (polyketone), which offers notable durability and smoothness due to its low friction coefficient. While POK material results in a smooth and clacky sound, it lacks the sharpness of polycarbonate, showcasing a significant tonal variance between the two switches.
Examining the bottom housings reveals another layer of comparison. The Aliaz utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, reinforcing the switch’s clean, resonant sound. This choice results in a consistent sound profile across the switch, contributing to both the bottoming-out and releasing keystroke noise that is bright and clear. On the other hand, the Matcha Latte V2 employs a nylon bottom housing, which introduces a deeper and fuller sound profile to the switch. Given that nylon tends to absorb sound better, this housing material creates a rounder, more muted acoustics, which can be perceived as more satisfying for users who prefer a softer sound when typing.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials affects the overall typing experience and sound profile of the switches. While both the Aliaz and Matcha Latte V2 have distinct sound signatures—defined by the polycarbonate's crispness and nylon's fullness—they can yield similar results depending on user preferences. If one seeks a keyboard experience that emphasizes sharp keystrokes, the polycarbonate elements of the Aliaz would be more suitable. Conversely, for those who prefer a softer acoustic profile, the Matcha Latte V2’s nylon bottom housing offers a more muted experience. Understanding these distinctions allows users to choose switches that align closely with their tactile and auditory desires.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, there is a notable difference in actuation force. The Aliaz requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience that can help reduce accidental key presses. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, which is more accommodating for prolonged typing sessions and can enhance comfort during extended use. While the bottom out force of the Aliaz is registered at 75 grams, the Matcha Latte V2’s bottom out force remains unspecified. This makes it difficult to draw precise comparisons regarding bottom out feel. Overall, the Gateron Aliaz offers a heavier feel both in terms of actuation and bottoming out, while the Huano Matcha Latte V2 is lighter, appealing to users looking for ease during long typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, we find that the Aliaz has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Matcha Latte V2 measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This difference highlights the Aliaz as a preferable option for those who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their key press, providing a tactile sensation that some users may find more satisfying. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Matcha Latte V2 caters to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, as shorter trajectories generally allow for faster actuation. The choice ultimately boils down to personal preference; if you desire a deeper, more substantial feel, the Gateron Aliaz would be suitable, while the Huano Matcha Latte V2 may be ideal for those prioritizing speed and efficiency.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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 it comes to sound, the Gateron Aliaz switch is designed to operate quietly, making it the perfect option for office environments or any setting where noise sensitivity is important. The muting of its audible feedback helps minimize the characteristic sounds typically associated with mechanical keyboards, allowing for a discreet typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 does not have a specified sound profile, which suggests that its sound characteristics may vary based on the keyboard it’s used with and other factors such as the choice of keycaps. Therefore, users may experience a wider range of sound qualities with the Matcha Latte V2, depending on their specific setup.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Aliaz delivers a silky and polished typing experience thanks to its medium-heavy weight and well-crafted design. This smoothness enhances the overall typing experience, minimizing resistance as keys are pressed and released. The Aliaz gives a substantial feel, letting typists appreciate a satisfying feedback without being too heavy. On the other hand, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 offers a bouncy and creamy feel, providing spring-like feedback that enhances the sensation of rebounding when pressing keys. This combination can create an engaging experience, characterized by a smooth, buttery glide that feels both lively and effortless as fingers dance across the keys.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Aliaz and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 offer uniquely appealing characteristics. While the Aliaz excels in providing a muted sound profile and a silky, polished feel suited for quieter environments, the Matcha Latte V2 stands out with its bouncy and creamy touch that appeals to those who enjoy a more dynamic typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, either switch can cater to different typing styles, ensuring that users can attain their desired keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the typing environment you find yourself in. If you often work in quiet settings like an office and appreciate a more tactile feel with a heavier bottom-out force, the Aliaz switch is an excellent choice for you. Its muted sound and silky, polished feel cater to those who prefer a pronounced typing experience without the accompanying noise that can disrupt others. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother, more fluid typing experience and enjoy the sensation of a bouncy, creamy switch, then the Matcha Latte V2 is likely to serve you better. This switch’s lightness and generous factory lubrication will make your typing feel effortlessly enjoyable, ideal for those long typing sessions or even gaming. By considering your environment and your preferred typing experience, you can make an informed decision that enhances your overall keyboard experience.
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