Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 both stand out as excellent choices for linear enthusiasts, each bringing unique traits to the table. The CAP Anniversary switch is celebrated for its innovative CAP structure that enhances keystroke smoothness and stability, thanks to its aerodynamic stem design and carefully crafted air-release holes. Users often describe these switches as snappy, creamy, and polished, making them ideal for those who seek a refined typing experience with minimal wobble. On the other hand, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 offers a smooth and subtly delightful linear typing experience, striking a harmonious balance between a light touch and solid bottom-out feel. With generous factory lubrication and reduced stem wobble, this switch provides premium performance, all while being budget-friendly. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize the advanced design and stability of the CAP Anniversary or the accessible, smooth dynamics of the Matcha Latte V2. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Yes
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Huano Matcha Latte V2, a clear distinction is found in their top housings. The CAP Anniversary employs polycarbonate, a material renowned for its stiffer properties that yield a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality not only enhances acoustic clarity but also contributes to the appeal of RGB lighting through its translucency, making it an optimal choice for illuminated setups. Conversely, the Matcha Latte V2 utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which, while also effective, provides slightly different acoustic characteristics. The POK material's smoothness and higher friction coefficient result in a sound that is more clacky, distinguishing itself in terms of tactile feedback and user experience, although it still retains durability and strength.
Examining the bottom housings reveals an interesting comparison where both the CAP Anniversary and the Matcha Latte V2 utilize nylon. This commonality underscores the reliability of nylon as a traditional switch housing material. Both switches will produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, this shared characteristic leads to a rich, rounded sound when typing, making both switches appealing for users who appreciate a more subdued auditory experience. In this respect, the nylon bottom housing serves to align the two switches, facilitating a similar acoustic experience during typing.
The combined effects of the distinct top housings paired with the similar bottom housings create unique yet somewhat complementary experiences in sound profile and tactile feedback. While the CAP Anniversary, with its polycarbonate top, provides a brighter and more resonant sound on release, the Matcha Latte V2’s POK top would resonate with a slightly more muted, clacky tone, resulting in an overall different auditory experience when pressing keys. However, with both featuring nylon bottom housings, users can expect a deeper sound consistent across both models. This dynamic interplay between the differing top materials and similar bottom housings illustrates how each switch offers its own unique personality while sharing core characteristics that will likely appeal to enthusiasts of tactile and auditory feedback alike.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force of the Matcha Latte V2 remains unspecified. The CAP Anniversary requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the 45 grams needed for the Matcha Latte V2, making the former the heavier option. This difference may lead to varied typing experiences, with some users finding the lighter actuation of the Matcha Latte V2 more comfortable for prolonged use, especially during long typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier actuation of the CAP Anniversary could appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile feel when typing. With the bottom out force of the Matcha Latte V2 being unknown, it's difficult to draw direct comparisons; however, the known bottom out force of 65 grams for the CAP Anniversary confirms its medium-heavy weight classification. Overall, if you're seeking a lighter feel, the Matcha Latte V2 would be the recommended choice, while those who favor a heavier response might lean towards the CAP Anniversary.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, it is clear that the CAP Anniversary offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Matcha Latte V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The difference between the two is subtle yet significant for typists and gamers alike. With its longer travel distance, the CAP Anniversary may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke and a deeper experience when typing or gaming. Conversely, the Matcha Latte V2, with its shorter 3.6 mm travel, caters to users seeking a snappier and more responsive action, aligning with contemporary trends favoring quicker response times. Therefore, if you prioritize depth in your keystrokes, the Gateron CAP Anniversary is the right choice, whereas for a more immediate response, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 would suit you better.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CAP Anniversary has an MSRP of $4.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CAP Anniversary for $4.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch is characterized by its muted, soft acoustic profile that allows for a more discreet typing experience, making it ideal for office or shared environments. While this switch maintains a satisfying thocky sound when bottomed out, it doesn't produce any additional noise that might be disruptive. On the other hand, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 delivers a similarly quiet operation, with a low sound signature that complements its linear design. As with the CAP Anniversary, the sound profile here can be influenced by various factors like the choice of keycaps and the keyboard case material.
When it comes to feel, the CAP Anniversary switches stand out for their snappy responsiveness, creamy smoothness, and polished finish. The combination of these qualities results in an exceptionally pleasant typing experience, with a deliberate tactile response that doesn’t detract from the fluidity of keystrokes. Users can expect a luxurious glide as their fingers travel across the keys. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 also provides a smooth linear experience, described as light yet solid upon bottoming out. Its factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble contribute to a premium feel, ensuring a comfortable typing session without any harsh interruptions.
Overall, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches exhibit extraordinary qualities that cater to users seeking smooth and enjoyable linear typing experiences. While the CAP Anniversary may offer a snappier responsiveness and a more refined acoustic profile, the Matcha Latte V2 still delivers an impressive linear feel with its balanced performance and accessible pricing. Regardless of your choice, you can expect a high-quality typing experience that emphasizes smoothness and comfort in both cases.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch that delivers a refined, smooth, and polished typing experience with a snappy and creamy feel, the CAP Anniversary is an excellent choice. Its unique design enhances stability and reduces wobble, making it particularly appealing for those who value a tactile yet smooth keystroke. On the other hand, if you seek a lighter touch with a well-balanced and satisfying bottom-out feel, the Matcha Latte V2 would be more suitable for you. With its lightness, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, this switch offers a fantastic typing experience at an accessible price point, making it ideal for users who appreciate a subtle, linear response. Ultimately, consider what aspects—such as force, smoothness, and overall feel—matter most to your typing experience before making your decision.
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