Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, it's essential to consider factors that cater to your unique typing preferences and styles. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 are both appealing linear switches, albeit with their own distinct characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Red is celebrated for its budget-friendly pricing while providing a smooth typing experience complemented by a medium-light actuation force, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Additionally, its frosted light diffuser shines with vibrant RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your keyboard. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 stands out with its thoughtfully engineered design that incorporates generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, offering a solid bottom-out feel and a smooth, subtle typing experience. While both switches deliver linear performance at accessible price points, they cater to slightly different user preferences, with the G Pro excelling in visual flair and affordability, while the Matcha Latte V2 focuses on premium feel and stability. 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
50g
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
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 each utilize distinct materials for their top housing, contributing to differing sound profiles and feel when typing. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's translucence allows RGB lighting to shine through brilliantly, appealing to users who prioritize aesthetics. Conversely, the Matcha Latte V2 employs POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which contributes to a smooth and clacky sound. Although both switches prioritize clear audio feedback, they achieve this through different material properties—the G Pro 3.0 Red through the hardness of polycarbonate and the Matcha Latte V2 through the unique characteristics of POK.
In terms of their bottom housing, both switches share the same material: nylon. This choice is vital, as nylon is known for its softer properties, which contribute a deeper and fuller sound profile to both switches. The sound absorption qualities of nylon ensure a duller and rounder sound when typing, which contrasts sharply with the sharper characteristics of their respective top housings. Since the typing experience is significantly influenced by the bottom housing, users can expect a consistent auditory experience from both models when they bottom out keys. This shared element allows both switches to convey a robust sound, despite their differing top housing materials.
Ultimately, the differences in sound profiles influenced by the top housing materials will manifest primarily during keystrokes and releases. Users can anticipate that while the G Pro 3.0 Red will offer a crisper sound on release due to its polycarbonate top, the Matcha Latte V2 will exhibit a smoother and slightly clackier tone from its POK material. However, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both keyboards deliver a satisfying deeper sound during bottoming out. Therefore, while the switches have unique profiles based on their top materials, the shared nylon bottom means that users can find enough common ground between the two, resulting in satisfying acoustics throughout their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, both have an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that they require the same amount of pressure to engage a keystroke, making them equally suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming for those who prefer lighter switches. However, the bottom out force differs; the G Pro 3.0 Red has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Matcha Latte V2 lacks this specification, leaving its bottom out force unknown. Consequently, while both switches provide a similar actuation feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red will give a slightly firmer experience when pressed all the way down. Therefore, if you enjoy a lighter touch for lengthy use, the G Pro 3.0 Red is the more suitable option, while the absence of bottom out data for the Matcha Latte V2 makes it hard to assess its overall feel in comparison.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Huano Matcha Latte V2, which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm may seem small, but it can significantly impact the typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Red offers a more substantial key feel, which some users appreciate for its deeper actuation, while the Matcha Latte V2 caters to those who prefer a shorter, more responsive travel, ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. In summary, if you lean towards a more pronounced key press, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red would be the better choice, whereas if you favor quicker actuation, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 might suit your preferences better.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red 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 Red 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch presents a neutral audio profile. This means that the sound produced is balanced and moderate, making it versatile enough for various environments, whether for gaming, typing, or professional use. It strikes a suitable chord for beginners and seasoned users alike, allowing for a pleasant auditory experience without being overly pronounced. In contrast, the sound qualities of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switch remain unknown, meaning there is no comparative detail about its auditory characteristics. Therefore, users opting for the G Pro 3.0 Red will have a clear expectation of sound, while Matcha Latte V2 users may need to discover that for themselves.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red excels with its creamy, mild, polished, and silky characteristics. These descriptors indicate a switch that glides smoothly under the fingers, supported by a gentle actuation and a refined design that minimizes friction. The combination of these qualities creates an overall typing experience that is not only enjoyable but also accessible to a broad audience. Conversely, the feel of the Matcha Latte V2 is not specified, which leaves a gap in understanding how it compares in tactility. Given the G Pro 3.0 Red’s favorable attributes, those familiar with it can expect a more refined and enjoyable typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch offers a well-defined sound and a remarkably smooth feel, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 presents an unknown regarding its sound and tactile experience. However, users of the G Pro 3.0 Red will appreciate its creamy and mild nature, making it suitable for a range of use cases. The Matcha Latte V2, with its focus on delivering a smooth experience and premium performance, may indeed stand on similar ground for feel, but until more details about its specific tactile qualities emerge, it remains an intriguing option for those in search of linear switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch should be influenced by your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a switch that offers a light bottom-out force of 50 grams, combined with a creamy and polished feel that provides a smooth typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Red is an excellent choice for both casual typing and gaming. Its neutral sound profile also makes it a versatile option suitable for work or home settings. On the other hand, if you value a premium linear experience with an emphasis on minimal stem wobble and generous factory lubrication, the Matcha Latte V2 may be more to your liking, especially if you are looking for a slightly different tactile experience without the distraction of additional sound. The Matcha Latte V2 offers a satisfactory balance of lightness and solid bottom-out feel, making it great for those who prioritize a subtle yet refined typing sensation. Ultimately, your decision should align with what you find most comfortable and enjoyable in your typing experience.
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