Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black 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 switches can significantly impact your typing experience, and two noteworthy linear options are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Huano Matcha Latte V2. The G Pro 3.0 Black stands out for its robust build quality and heavier actuation force, offering a more substantial and tactile experience for those who prefer a firmer feel when typing. With a 60g actuation and a 70g bottom-out force, it strikes a balance between resistance and responsiveness, making it ideal for users who enjoy a slightly weightier key feel. Additionally, its medium-high pitch sound and improved RGB lighting diffusion add an aesthetic touch to your setup. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 prioritizes smoothness with its lighter actuation and solid bottom-out feel, enhanced by generous factory lubrication that minimizes stem wobble for a refined typing experience. It caters to those who value a subtler auditory profile while still delivering satisfying feedback. Both switches offer unique benefits: the G Pro 3.0 Black for its heft and auditory character, and the Matcha Latte V2 for its silky smoothness and ease of use. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Huano Matcha Latte V2, it is clear that each switch utilizes distinct materials for its top housing, resulting in different auditory characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Black features Gateron’s proprietary INK blend, which promotes a sound profile that is pointed and high-pitched, leading to a clackier typing experience. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 employs POK material, which, while also producing a smooth and clacky sound, emphasizes a slightly higher coefficient of friction, contributing to its durability and tactile responsiveness. While both materials boast superior smoothness and sound, the G Pro’s INK blend leans towards a sharper auditory signature, whereas POK offers a more nuanced variety due to its durability characteristics.
Turning to the bottom housing, the materials diverge yet again, influencing the overall typing experience in different ways. The G Pro 3.0 Black utilizes POM for its bottom housing, which tends to create a deeper, more muted sound profile that complements the high-pitched response of its top housing. On the other hand, the Matcha Latte V2 employs nylon, a more traditional switch housing material known for absorbing sound effectively. This results in a deeper and fuller sound when bottoming out, blending well with the switch's overall sound profile. Both the POM and nylon materials create a rounder auditory experience, showcasing how the bottom housing plays an integral role in shaping the switch's final sound when pressure is applied.
Ultimately, the combination of the G Pro 3.0 Black's INK blend top housing with its POM bottom housing creates a unique tonal experience that emphasizes sharpness and depth, while the Matcha Latte V2 with its POK top and nylon bottom housing provides a smoother, yet equally full-bodied sound. If users are seeking a similar auditory outcome, they can find common ground in the overall clackiness produced by both switches, albeit expressed differently due to the distinct materials. This illustrates that while the materials differ, the end result can still achieve satisfying acoustic qualities, allowing enthusiasts to select based on preference rather than outright performance disparity.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The G Pro 3.0 Black has a higher actuation force of 60 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while the Matcha Latte V2 is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing and gaming sessions might favor the Matcha Latte V2. However, while the bottom out force of the G Pro 3.0 Black is at 70 grams, the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is unknown, which prevents a direct comparison in that regard. Nevertheless, for those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing, the G Pro 3.0 Black, with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, might provide a more satisfying experience. Overall, if you prefer a lighter touch, the Matcha Latte V2 is the better option, whereas the G Pro 3.0 Black caters to those who enjoy a heavier and more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The G Pro 3.0 Black boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a traditional choice that offers a deeper feel when pressed. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, which caters more to gamers seeking quicker response times. This variance means that users who prefer a more tactile and robust typing experience might gravitate towards the G Pro 3.0 Black, while those who favor rapid key action and responsiveness would likely opt for the Matcha Latte V2. Therefore, if you're looking for a hearty depth in your keystrokes, the G Pro 3.0 Black is the superior choice, whereas for faster, more sensitive interactions, the Matcha Latte V2 is preferable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Black for $2.77.
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 G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch produces a sharp and snappy clacky sound that is crisp and bright, providing a distinct auditory feedback during use. This characteristic can enhance the typing experience, especially for those who enjoy a more pronounced audio response. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 remains unspecified, which may suggest a more subdued auditory presence. Given that sound is highly influenced by factors like the keyboard construction and keycap material, it’s likely that users seeking a quieter sound signature might find better suitability in the Matcha Latte V2 depending on their specific setup.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black is characterized by a creamy and silky smoothness, allowing for a very pleasant typing experience that minimizes resistance and maximizes ease of use. This smoothness is complemented by a subtle pocket of resistance that doesn't feel too light, creating a balanced typing experience. Conversely, the Matcha Latte V2 offers a unique bouncy response alongside a creamy sensation, creating an elastic feedback that adds a lively character to each keystroke. While both switches share that creamy feel, the added bounciness of the Matcha Latte V2 could appeal to those desiring a more dynamic interaction when typing, making the overall typing experience distinct.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches present appealing qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The G Pro 3.0 Black excels in delivering a pronounced auditory experience with its clacky sound and offers a smooth and creamy typing feel, while the Matcha Latte V2 provides a balance of bounce and creamy smoothness, though its sound profile remains unclear. For newcomers, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience, but individual preferences in tactile feedback and sound may ultimately dictate the best choice for each user.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 largely depends on your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you seek from your keyboard. If you’re inclined towards a more substantial typing experience that offers a medium-to-heavy feel with a crisp auditory feedback, the G Pro 3.0 Black might be the right switch for you. Its 70-gram bottom-out force ensures that every keystroke feels deliberate, making it an excellent option for those who type with force or enjoy a more tactile sense of touch. Additionally, if you appreciate RGB lighting, its frosted light diffuser further enhances your visual experience. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch that seamlessly glides under your fingers while still providing a lively feedback, the Matcha Latte V2 would likely be more suited to your needs. With its bouncy and creamy characteristics, combined with generous factory lubrication, this switch offers a satisfying balance that can appeal to both casual typists and gamers alike. Ultimately, your decision should hinge upon whether you value a heavier, more tactile feedback experience or a lighter, more fluid typing journey.
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