Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 stand out as notable options within the linear category, each catering to different preferences and uses. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver is celebrated for its exceptional gaming performance, offering a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm that promotes rapid actuation—ideal for competitive gamers seeking that split-second edge. With a vibrant RGB lighting system and a lively auditory feedback characterized as 'bassy' and 'thocky,' these switches create an engaging atmosphere for immersive gameplay. On the other hand, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 emphasizes a premium typing experience, boasting generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble that contributes to a smooth feel and satisfying bottom-out experience, making it a great choice for typists and those who enjoy a more refined, tactile engagement. While both switches present compelling features at accessible price points, their unique characteristics serve different preferences—be it fast-paced gaming or a more leisurely typing experience. 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
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches, the most notable difference lies in their top housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Silver uses polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This particular quality is attributed to the enhanced resonance polycarbonate offers, making the sound profile clear and distinct. Importantly, due to its translucency, polycarbonate is advantageous for RGB lighting setups, allowing light to pass through effectively. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 employs POK (polyketone) as its top housing material. Although POK is also engineered for smooth operation, it contributes to a slightly different auditory experience. Instead of the crispness of polycarbonate, POK is known for a clacky sound, creating a different character in the overall typing experience.
Both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which underscores a similarity in their fundamental design. Nylon is valued for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile because of its softer properties, which absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. As such, both switches are expected to deliver a pleasant auditory experience on the lower end, achieving deeper tones that many typists find appealing. This consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that regardless of the differences in their top housings, users of both switches can expect a similar character in the bottom-out sound and feel, as the bottom housing's influence predominates during actuation.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials between the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Matcha Latte V2 provide unique auditory profiles while retaining a common foundation through their nylon bottom housings. Users can expect a bright and clear sound from the G Pro 3.0 Silver due to the polycarbonate top, while the Matcha Latte V2 will favor a smoother, clackier response from its POK housing. However, both will elicit similar deeper sounds due to their shared nylon base. Whether users lean towards the transparency and crispness of polycarbonate or appreciate the clackiness of POK, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches provide satisfying acoustic feedback with a robust feel.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means users can expect a similar light feel when triggering keystrokes with either switch. However, the bottom out force differs significantly, as the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a definitive resistance as the switch is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is currently unknown, making it difficult to evaluate its overall tactile feedback upon bottoming out. Consequently, while both switches offer a light actuation force that is suitable for extended typing and gaming sessions, the G Pro 3.0 Silver provides a more substantial bottom out experience, making it the heavier option in terms of bottom-out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, whereas the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Silver allows for a more responsive keystroke, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for quicker response times. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2, with its longer 3.6 mm travel distance, may provide a more substantial tactile experience for those who enjoy deeper keystrokes. Ultimately, if you're seeking a sharper responsiveness, the G Pro 3.0 Silver would be the better option, while the Matcha Latte V2 would cater to those who appreciate a bit more depth in their key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
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 Silver switches stand out with their richer, deeper sound profile, characterized as bassy and low-pitched, delivering a thocky auditory experience that is both satisfying and immersive during gaming sessions. This rich sound comes from the unique construction of the switch, which tends to produce a “thud” or “knock” when the keys are pressed and released, making each keystroke feel substantial. In contrast, the sound qualities of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches remain unknown. However, it is worth noting that the overall sound can also depend on factors like the keyboard frame and keycap choice, which can influence the final auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are described as buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and fluid typing experience. The factory lubrication contributes significantly to this sensation, resulting in a seamless and effortless keystroke that glides under your fingers. This characteristic enhances the user experience, especially during extended gaming sessions or typing tasks. The tactile feedback of the G Pro Silver is geared towards providing a satisfying and enjoyable engagement with each key press. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 switches also remain uncharacterized, but the descriptor of a light yet solid bottom-out feel implies a pleasant typing experience that might be worth exploring.
Considering all the information available, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches excel in both sound and feel, making them an excellent choice for gamers seeking responsive switch performance coupled with auditory satisfaction. The rich, thocky sound and the buttery feel contribute to a compelling keyboard experience that can elevate gameplay significantly. Meanwhile, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches promise a smooth linear typing experience, yet their specific qualities related to sound and feel are yet to be detailed. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, but both options hold the potential to deliver satisfying performance.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches ultimately depends on your primary use case and the experience you’re looking for. If you are an avid gamer who thrives on quick key presses and rapid response times, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is clearly your best bet. With its light 50-gram bottom-out force and shorter travel distance, it offers the speed and performance needed for competitive gaming, along with a bassy sound profile that adds a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, if you seek a smooth, linear typing experience for general typing or casual use, the Matcha Latte V2 offers a balanced feel with its premium lubrication, minimizing stem wobble for a satisfying motion. Although specific bottom-out force data for the Matcha Latte V2 is unavailable, its design is crafted to provide a gentle yet tactile bottom-out experience that many users find enjoyable for typing. Ultimately, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is ideal for those who prioritize gaming performance, while the Matcha Latte V2 is suited for users seeking an overall refined typing experience.
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