Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often seek the perfect blend of feel and responsiveness, and two standout options are the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Huano Matcha Latte V2, both linear switches known for their smooth operation. The Glory Yellow switches are recognized for their heavier keystroke, which provides a satisfying travel distance and an enjoyable typing experience, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a more substantial feedback with each press. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 switches are celebrated for their lightweight, subtle linear feel, coupled with a solid bottom-out experience, thanks in part to generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble. This combination delivers high-quality linear performance at a budget-friendly price. Both switches cater to different preferences in typing style—whether you favor a heavier touch or a lightweight, refined 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Huano Matcha Latte V2, notable differences arise from the top housing specifications. The Gateron Glory Yellow features a top housing made from nylon, a material renowned for its softer, sound-absorbing properties. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, lending to a more subdued and rounded auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 is constructed with a POK material for its top housing. Polyketone is characterized by its smoother feel due to its lower coefficient of friction, along with an impressive durability that outstrips nylon in terms of both wear and shock resistance. This leads to a keystroke experience that is not only smoother but also generates a more clacky sound, presenting a distinct contrast to the sound profile of the Glory Yellow.
However, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in shared characteristics that influence their overall sound. The nylon's inherent qualities ensure that both switches provide a deeper and rounder bottom-out sound. This similarity contributes to a consistent typing experience across both models when considering the bottom housing. Therefore, while the top housings introduce varying elements—where Gateron aims for a fuller sound and Huano a smoother click—the compatibility of nylon in the bottom housing provides a baseline sound and feel that will resonate similarly during keystrokes.
In summary, while each switch offers a unique typing experience with variations in top housing materials, the commonality of nylon in their bottom housings ensures some degree of similarity. This combination of materials results in differentiated sound profiles shaped predominantly by the top housing's characteristics. Ultimately, a typist can expect a softer, fuller auditory feedback from the Gateron Glory Yellow, while the Huano Matcha Latte V2 provides a smoother and sharper response, yet both maintain a fundamental sonic foundation due to their shared use of nylon below.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch in terms of actuation force, the Glory Yellow has a force of 50 grams, while the Matcha Latte V2 is lighter at 45 grams. This difference indicates that the Matcha Latte V2 may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, those who enjoy a heavier feel may gravitate towards the Glory Yellow, as its greater actuation force provides a more substantial typing experience. Unfortunately, both switches have an unspecified bottom out force, making direct comparisons in that regard impossible. Overall, if you favor lighter key presses, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 is the better option, while the Gateron Glory Yellow may appeal to those who appreciate a firmer key response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, a notable difference can be observed. The Glory Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Matcha Latte V2 has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This 0.4 mm difference suggests that users of the Matcha Latte V2 might experience a more responsive feel, which is often preferred by gamers seeking quicker actuation times. Conversely, those opting for the Glory Yellow may appreciate the added depth, as a longer travel distance can provide a more substantial tactile feedback when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus the desire for a more traditional and hearty keypress experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron Glory Yellow switches presents a muted and soft thock upon bottoming out, making them a suitable option for quieter environments, while the travel distance adds to the overall pleasant acoustic feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches offer a similar quiet performance characteristic, producing a subtle, gentle sound that complements its smooth linear action. Both switches can be quite similar in terms of sound, and ultimately, external factors such as the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps can influence the final auditory experience.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Gateron Glory Yellow provides a smooth keystroke with a noticeable heaviness that gives users a solid tactile presence throughout the typing experience. The travel distance is well-balanced, contributing to its overall comfort. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches deliver a light yet satisfying typing experience, striking a nice balance that allows for swift and effortless keystrokes. The high-quality factory lubrication enhances the smoothness further, while minimal stem wobble ensures solid performance. Though different in their weight and character, both switches center on a linear feel that promotes an enjoyable typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches offer smooth typability that caters to different preferences—one leaning towards a heavier, more solid feel and the other favoring a lighter, breezier experience. While their sound profiles are aligned towards quieter performance, the differences in their tactile sensation can shape your typing experience significantly. Selecting between them will depend on whether you want heft and presence or lightness and ease, but either option ensures a premium linear performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal typing style and preferences. If you enjoy a more grounded and heavy typing experience with smooth keystrokes and a satisfying travel distance, the Glory Yellow may be the better option for you. It’s especially well-suited for those who type with force and prefer a more pronounced bottom-out feel. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch with a focus on a fluid and responsive typing experience, the Matcha Latte V2 could be the ideal switch. With its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, it offers a premium linear performance that's both accessible and satisfying. Additionally, if sound is a factor for you, you might find the Matcha Latte V2 to be quieter and more subtle, while the Glory Yellow could provide a more pronounced feedback. Ultimately, assess your typing habits and preferences on weight, sound, and feel to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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