Gateron CM vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron CM and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 stand out as two compelling linear options, each catering to different preferences. The Gateron CM breaks away from traditional polycarbonate housings with its full nylon design, producing a richer, deeper sound signature that paired with a meticulously applied factory lube, creates a sensation of effortless, smooth typing. The dual-staged spring in the CM contributes to a bouncy, immersive experience that many typists cherish, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more tactile and resonant feel with each keystroke. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 emphasizes a smooth and subtle typing experience, where lightness meets a solid bottom-out, proving to be an excellent option for those seeking budget-friendly yet premium performance. With generous lubrication and minimal stem wobble, this switch appeals to users who prioritize a clean, consistent action at their fingertips. Both switches offer unique sensations and experiences to consider; 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron CM and Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings, which contributes to a contrasting sound and typing experience. The Gateron CM employs a nylon top housing, recognized for its softer characteristics that enhance sound dampening capabilities. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, as the nylon absorbs vibrations better than harder plastics. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 uses POK material for its top housing, which boasts a higher coefficient of friction, making it one of the smoothest materials available. The POK also delivers a more clacky sound, thanks to its durability and inherent properties, which allow for a different auditory experience compared to the deeper tones produced by the nylon material of the CM.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Gateron CM and Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches utilize nylon, leading to similar sound characteristics in this respect. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile when bottoming out, providing a consistent experience between the two models in this area. Since the bottom housing significantly affects the feel and sound when the switch is fully pressed, users can expect a similar tactile response and auditory feedback when engaging these switches. This shared use of nylon provides a level of harmony in their performance, even though the top housing materials diverge markedly.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials lend unique qualities to each switch, while the uniformity in bottom housing keeps certain sound attributes consistent across both models. The Gateron CM’s nylon top housing offers a warmer sound profile, ideal for users seeking a softer typing experience, whereas the Huano Matcha Latte V2’s POK top housing caters to those who prefer a slicker and potentially more striking auditory sensation. Thus, while users can anticipate diverse results based on the top housings, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that the fundamental typing experience retains a degree of similarity, combining both nuanced and contrasting characteristics in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CM linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, the differences in actuation force underscore their suitability for various typing preferences. The Gateron CM requires an actuation force of 55 grams, making it medium-heavy and offering a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer, particularly those who enjoy the tactile feedback of a stronger push. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, which can result in a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for long hours of usage or gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is unavailable, leaving a gap in understanding how it performs under full compression compared to the Gateron CM’s bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Without this information, it’s difficult to fully assess how the Matcha Latte V2 manifests in terms of overall feedback during use. Ultimately, while the Gateron CM is the heavier option with a more forceful actuation and bottoming out, the lighter Matcha Latte V2 may be more suitable for those who favor an easier keystroke.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CM linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. As a result, users can expect similar tactile feedback and performance from both switches, making them quite comparable in terms of travel distance. Since both switches have the same specification, it indicates that they may provide a unified typing experience in terms of depth and resistance, allowing users to enjoy a consistent feel regardless of which switch they choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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 CM linear switch stands out with its rich and deep audio profile, characterized by a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched quality. Pressing these keys produces a satisfying “thud” or soft “knock,” reminiscent of a full-bodied acoustic experience. The sound is refined further by the full nylon housing that deviates from conventional materials, enhancing the overall auditory appeal during use. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches have no specified sound qualities listed, which leaves their acoustic profile largely unknown. However, it’s important to remember that the sound produced can also be affected by the keyboard's construction and keycap choice, so results may vary.
In terms of feel, the CM switches are renowned for their buttery, polished, and creamy texture, which delivers an exceptionally smooth and forgiving typing journey. The factory lubrication significantly reduces friction, resulting in a gliding sensation as fingers dance across the keys without resistance. This creates a frictionless experience ideal for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the specifications for the feel of the Matcha Latte V2 are not documented. Without detailed descriptors, it’s challenging to gauge how their tactile feedback compares, but it is generally understood that they provide a light and solid bottom-out feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron CM linear switches impress with their deeper sound profile and luxuriously smooth feel, making them a prime choice for users seeking an elevated typing experience. While the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches might offer their own set of qualities, the lack of detailed descriptions leaves some uncertainty regarding their performance in both sound and feel. Therefore, if you are looking for a rich audio experience coupled with a polished tactile sensation, the Gateron CM switches will likely deliver a more predictable and pleasurable typing journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the experience you desire. If you prefer a medium-heavy force with a rich, deep sound signature and a smooth, buttery feel, the Gateron CM is your go-to option. Its full nylon housing and exceptional lubrication provide a luxurious typing experience accompanied by a satisfying thocky sound, making it suitable for users who appreciate a premium tactile feedback and auditory feedback during their typing sessions. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter, more accessible linear switch that still offers a substantial bottom-out feel, the Matcha Latte V2 might be the ideal choice. It delivers a smooth typing experience without overwhelming resistance, making it especially appealing for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you value a more pronounced auditory experience and heavier actuation with the CM or the lighter, yet fulfilling performance of the Matcha Latte V2.
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