Gateron Glory Red vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, preferences often boil down to subtle differences in response and feel, and the Gateron Glory Red and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 exemplify this distinction beautifully. The Gateron Glory Red, celebrated for its smooth keystroke and lighter actuation, provides an enjoyable typing experience with a pleasing travel distance, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a more effortless and airy typing sensation. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 offers a balanced linear typing experience, complete with generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble. This creates a satisfying yet light bottom-out feel that appeals to users looking for premium performance at an affordable price point. While both switches are linear, their unique characteristics cater to different typing needs, making the choice between them a matter of personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Glory Red Linear

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$3.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches, notable differences arise, particularly in their top housings. The Gateron Glory Red utilizes a nylon top housing, a material recognized for its softer nature, which aids in producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This sound characteristic is attributed to nylon's ability to absorb sound better than harder plastics, resulting in a muted auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 features a POK top housing, a polyketone material known for its exceptional durability and smoothness, attributed to its lower coefficient of friction at 0.04. This allows for a cleaner and more pronounced clacky sound profile, distinguishing it from the Glory Red despite both being high-quality materials.

However, when examining the bottom housings of both switches, we find common ground, as they both utilize nylon. This shared material provides a similar sound signature for the bottom portion of the switches, contributing to that staple deep and rounded sound profile when a key is bottomed out. Given that the bottom housing plays a critical role in the key feel and bottom-out sound, users of either switch will appreciate a comparable tactile experience at this level. Therefore, while the top housings contribute differently to the overall auditory experience, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housings serves to unify and enhance user satisfaction across both models.

Ultimately, the combined characteristics of the Gateron Glory Red and Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches illustrate the importance that materials play in defining a switch's overall performance. The different top housings contribute to a distinctly different sound profile when pressing down and releasing keys, while the matching nylon bottom housings ensure that both switches still deliver an impressive, deeper sound when bottoming out. Consequently, while each switch has its unique traits, typing experiences can feel surprisingly similar due to the synergy between the top and bottom housing materials, allowing users to select based on their sound and tactile preferences while still achieving satisfactory results.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means that users will experience a similar keystroke feel when pressing either switch, appealing to those who prefer a medium weight for their typing or gaming experiences. However, both switches have an unknown bottom out force, leaving a gap in understanding how they perform when pressed fully down. Due to their identical actuation forces, both the Glory Red and Matcha Latte V2 can provide a comparable typing experience, allowing users to type for extended periods comfortably. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged use will find both options equally suitable regarding actuation force, though the total experience will depend on the unknown bottom out forces.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Glory Red and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that they have the same keypress depth from top to bottom. This similarity means that users will experience comparable feel and responsiveness when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. As a result, for those seeking a uniform typing experience, these switches will deliver similar performance in terms of travel distance. Overall, there is no difference in travel distance between the two, as both offer the same 3.6 mm travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch is notably quiet, providing a muted acoustic feedback that allows for a minimal distraction during typing sessions. This low sound profile is ideal for those who work in shared spaces or prefer a more subtle auditory experience. On the other hand, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch similarly showcases a quiet operation, contributing to a peaceful typing environment. Both switches excel in delivering a sound experience that is unobtrusive, but it's essential to remember that the final sound may vary depending on the specific keyboard, case, and keycap choices.

When examining the feel of these switches, the Gateron Glory Red offers a lightweight and smooth keystroke, allowing for fluid motion and reducing finger fatigue over extended typing periods. Its travel distance is optimized for an enjoyable typing experience, particularly suited for fast typists who prefer a softer actuation. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 presents a balanced feel between lightness and a solid bottom-out, thanks to its generous factory lubrication and minimized stem wobble. This design choice creates a satisfying tactile response while still maintaining the smooth linearity that many users appreciate in a linear switch.

In summary, both the Gateron Glory Red and Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches deliver a smooth and quiet typing experience, catering to users who value a linear switch. The Glory Red is lighter and provides an enjoyable keystroke for extended use, while the Matcha Latte V2 strikes a fine balance between lightness and a confident bottoming out. Both options present excellent choices for anyone looking to enhance their typing comfort, offering similar results in a sound-dampened, linear typing experience.

Conclusion

To wrap up, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth keystroke with an enjoyable travel distance and tend to prefer lighter keypresses, the Gateron Glory Red could be your go-to option, providing a satisfying, effortless typing experience that shines in fast-paced gaming and rapid typing scenarios. On the other hand, if you value a more nuanced balance between lightness and a solid feel at bottom-out, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 is an excellent choice. Its factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble enhance the overall tactile experience, making it suitable for both typing and gaming, particularly for users seeking consistency and a touch of premium quality without breaking the bank. Ultimately, consider what aspects matter most to you—whether it's the light, smooth action of the Glory Red or the well-rounded, balanced feel of the Matcha Latte V2—and let that guide your decision in your mechanical keyboard journey.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$3.99 per 10

Learn more