Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow 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 Yellow and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 both stand out as exceptional options, each bringing its unique characteristics to the table. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow is celebrated for its budget-friendly performance, delivering a higher-pitched clacky sound profile and a distinctly bouncy feel that many typists enjoy. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 offers a smoother linear typing experience, characterized by a pleasing balance of lightness and a solid bottom-out feel, enhanced by factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble. Those seeking an engaging auditory experience and a lively typing feel may gravitate towards the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, while those who prioritize a silky-smooth keystroke with premium performance might lean towards the Matcha Latte V2. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
15.4mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches, the most notable distinction lies within their top housing. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing that is designed to produce a sharper and more resonant sound profile, enhanced by its translucent quality that is particularly beneficial for RGB lighting enthusiasts. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 utilizes a POK (polyketone) material for its top housing. This material is praised for its smoothness due to a low coefficient of friction, allowing for a clackier and more tactile typing experience. While polycarbonate provides clarity in sound, the POK housing emphasizes a more muted, yet smooth typing characteristic, creating diverse auditory experiences between the two switches.
Both switches feature nylon as the bottom housing material, which introduces a level of uniformity in terms of sound profile. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory feedback upon key presses. This characteristic remains consistent in both the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Matcha Latte V2, allowing for a rounded sound regardless of the differences in their top housing materials. Given that nylon contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel, users of both switches may find a similar tactile experience when pressing down on the keys, creating a seamless typing experience despite the divergent properties of their top housings.
In summary, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches differ in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus POK—both employ nylon for the bottom housing, leading to a shared tactile experience and sound profile during key presses. This blend of materials allows users to enjoy different auditory characteristics when releasing a key, thanks to the distinct contributions from the top housings, while maintaining a consistent and full sound profile due to the nylon bottom. Whether one prefers the crispness of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow or the smoothness of the Matcha Latte V2, the combination of these materials enhances the overall functionality and enjoyment of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, it is evident that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Matcha Latte V2's lighter 45 grams. This difference suggests that users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Matcha Latte V2 more comfortable. In terms of bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a measurable bottom out force of 67 grams, which is also classified as medium-heavy, indicating a more pronounced tactile feedback upon pressing the key fully down. Unfortunately, the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is unknown, making it difficult to analyze its overall performance in this regard. However, given that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is heavier in both actuation and bottom out force, it might better suit users who enjoy a more substantial push feel during their typing experience, whereas the Matcha Latte V2 could cater to those looking for a lighter switch without information on its bottoming out characteristics.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a more traditional feel, which could be preferable for those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke and hearty depth. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers looking for quicker response times, providing a snappier experience that can enhance performance in fast-paced situations. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness and a swift actuation, the Matcha Latte V2 may be the better choice, while those who favor a deeper keystroke should consider the G Pro 3.0 Yellow due to its longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
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 Yellow switches produce a distinct high-pitched clacky sound, which is characterized as sharp and crisp. This sound profile lends itself to a resonant auditory experience, allowing each keystroke to feel clean and immersive. On the other hand, while specific sound characteristics for the Huano Matcha Latte V2 are not provided, it's worthwhile to note that the performance of switches can vary significantly depending on factors like board construction and keycap materials. Therefore, it’s possible that the Matcha Latte V2 could deliver a similarly pleasant sound experience, though this remains unknown.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches stand out with a combination of a polished and creamy typing experience. Users can expect a smooth and refined finish thanks to either high-quality materials or effective factory lubrication, leading to reduced friction and effortless key travel. The creamy texture further enhances the typing experience, giving a silky sensation that makes each keystroke feel effortless. Details on the feel of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches have not been articulated, so we can't directly compare their tactile experience. However, if they are designed with similar attention to factory lubrication and precision, they might also offer a satisfying typing sensation.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellows are celebrated for their high-pitched, resonant sound and a notably polished and creamy feel that promises a refined typing experience. Although the specific sound and feel characteristics of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches are less defined, the emphasis on premium performance and accessibility suggests they may deliver similar qualities. For newcomers to mechanical keyboards, exploring both options can provide insight into how sound and feel can affect your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a more tactile experience and don’t mind a higher bottom-out force, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, with its medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams, will provide you with a satisfying bounce and a higher-pitched sound, perfect for a spirited typing experience. This switch is ideal if you enjoy a sharper sound profile and a polished, creamy feel under your fingers, which can enhance your overall typing enjoyment, especially in a loud or busy environment. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smoother, more subtle typing experience, the Matcha Latte V2 is designed with a focus on lightness and factory lubrication that minimizes stem wobble. This switch is perfect for those who prefer a more muted sound and a seamless gliding sensation while typing, offering an excellent balance for both casual and professional use. Therefore, consider your sound and feel preferences, as well as your typing habits, to make the best switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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