Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White 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 switch, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 present compelling options for enthusiasts who appreciate linear switches. The G Pro 3.0 White is celebrated for its ultra-light actuation force of just 38g, making it a perfect choice for those who desire a feather-light, effortless typing experience. Its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting, creating an aesthetically pleasing setup, while the medium-high pitch offers enjoyable auditory feedback, ideal for typists who appreciate a bit of sound with their keystrokes. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 excels in providing a smooth and satisfying linear feel, striking an excellent balance between lightness and a robust bottom-out sensation. With generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, it promises a premium typing experience that doesn’t skimp on performance. While both switches cater to users looking for a creamy and enjoyable typing experience, their unique characteristics make them suited to different preferences. 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
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Huano Matcha Latte V2, significant distinctions can be seen in their top housings. The G Pro 3.0 White utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This results in a sharper and crisper sound profile, contributing to a more resonant auditory experience overall. Such characteristics make polycarbonate an attractive option for RGB lighting setups because its clarity allows for vibrant light diffusion. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 is constructed with POK (polyketone), a material renowned for its outstanding durability and smoothness, yet possessing a slightly higher friction coefficient than other common materials. While the Matcha Latte’s top housing may not emphasize translucency or crispness in the same manner as the G Pro’s polycarbonate, it still promotes a smooth keystroke experience and a clacky sound profile, albeit through different attributes.
The bottom housings of both switches are notably more alike, utilizing nylon, which is a staple material in mechanical keyboard switches. Both the G Pro 3.0 White and the Matcha Latte V2 exhibit a similar deeper and fuller sound profile attributes due to the nylon material's softer nature. Since nylon absorbs more sound compared to stiffer plastics, it tends to produce a more muted, rounded auditory experience. As such, regardless of the differences in the top housings, the shared nylon bottom housing means that the end-user experience, particularly in terms of sound when bottoming out, will reflect the same deep and absorbing characteristics. This similarity provides a sense of unity in performance between the two switches despite the distinct materials used in their upper portions.
Considering the impact of each housing material on the overall performance of the switches, it becomes evident that both switches possess unique qualities that can complement one another. The top housing's attributes largely define the sound and feel when releasing a key, while the bottom housing dictates the sound upon key actuation. Therefore, while the G Pro 3.0 White focuses on clarity and resonance through polycarbonate and the Matcha Latte emphasizes smoothness and durability through POK, the common ground of nylon in the bottom housing means that users will encounter a familiar auditory experience beneath their fingertips. Ultimately, this interplay between different materials enriches the overall performance of both switches, allowing users to enjoy a blend of unique sound profiles derived from the characteristics of both materials, especially during key presses and releases.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch with the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The G Pro 3.0 White has a relatively light actuation force of 38 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 requires a stronger actuation force of 45 grams, which caters to those who favor a more substantial typing experience. The bottom out force of the G Pro 3.0 White is 45 grams, indicating that it maintains a consistent feel throughout the keystroke, while the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 remains unknown. Consequently, those who prefer lighter switches for comfort will gravitate towards the G Pro 3.0 White, while users seeking a firmer response and heavier feel can opt for the Matcha Latte V2.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, a noticeable difference can be observed. The G Pro 3.0 White has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Matcha Latte V2 offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This 0.4 mm difference can significantly affect the typing experience: the G Pro 3.0 White caters to users who appreciate a deeper, more tactile feel, which can enhance the sensation of pressing down on each key. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers or users looking for quicker actuation and a more responsive experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference: those who enjoy a more pronounced depth will likely prefer the G Pro 3.0 White, while those seeking immediate feedback may favor the Matcha Latte V2.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White 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 White 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 White switch has a versatile profile. It can be described as clacky, which provides a sharp and snappy auditory feedback, yet it can also fall into the neutral category, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced typists in various settings. Its medium-high pitch ensures a satisfying auditory experience during typing sessions. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches remain unknown, leaving it unclear how their sound would compare to the G Pro 3.0 White. It's essential to remember that sound can be influenced by factors like the keyboard build and keycap selection, which means that different setups could yield different experiences.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 White excels with descriptors like creamy and easy-to-press. This translates to a smooth, buttery typing experience, where the lighter actuation force of 38g contributes to a comfortable feel that reduces finger fatigue during extensive usage. The switch offers a silky sensation, allowing for effortless keystrokes. Conversely, the Matcha Latte V2 also showcases a creamy feel, ensuring a smooth experience, but it adds a bouncy quality that gives a springy feedback sensation with each key press. This distinctive bounciness offers a lively typing experience that contrasts with the purely light touch of the G Pro 3.0 White, catering to different preferences in the tactile response.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches present compelling options for those seeking smooth linear experiences, but they differ in key subjective qualities. The G Pro 3.0 White offers a balanced sound profile with lightness and a silky feel, perfect for extended typing without strain. Meanwhile, the Matcha Latte V2 brings a unique bounce, enhancing the tactile feedback while maintaining a creamy smoothness. Ultimately, choosing between these two options depends on whether you prefer a softer sound experience or a livelier, more dynamic typing sensation.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you're someone who values a lightweight typing experience with an effortless actuation force, the G Pro 3.0 White may be the better option for you; its 38g actuation force allows for rapid keystrokes, making it excellent for fast typists and those who may spend long hours typing without experiencing finger fatigue. Additionally, the clacky sound profile can provide a more satisfying auditory feedback experience if you enjoy a bit of acoustic engagement while you work or game. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that balances lightness with a solid bottom-out feel, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 could be your ideal choice. With its creamy and bouncy characteristics coupled with generous factory lubrication, it offers a smooth, premium typing experience that minimizes wobbly keys and enhances the overall tactile feedback. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you seek a more stimulating auditory output and an ultra-light touch with the G Pro 3.0 White or a rich, buttery feel with reliable performance from the Matcha Latte V2.
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