HMX Gravel vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Gravel and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 both showcase the allure of linear switches, yet they cater to distinct preferences in typing feel and performance. The HMX Gravel is lauded for its exceptional smoothness and lighter actuation force, presenting a responsive and effortless typing experience that is particularly appealing for those who favor speed and agility in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 strikes a balance between lightness and a satisfying bottom-out feel, thanks to its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, making it an excellent choice for users who value both smoothness and feedback in their typing experience without compromising on quality. While both switches offer unique benefits—smoothness and ease of typing for the Gravel, and a meticulously balanced typing experience for the Matcha Latte V2—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Gravel Linear

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Gravel and the Huano Matcha Latte V2, notable differences in the top housing materials emerge. The Gravel's top housing is crafted from polycarbonate, a versatile plastic known for its stiffness and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it particularly effective for switches designed for RGB lighting due to its clear appearance. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing, which, while also delivering a smooth experience, emphasizes durability and wear resistance over the pronounced sound characteristics of polycarbonate. The comparison suggests that while both materials aim to achieve high performance, the Gravel’s polycarbonate offers a more resonant and illuminating quality, enhancing sound clarity, especially for RGB enthusiasts.

Meanwhile, the bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, a classic choice in switch design. Nylon's softer composition contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, which is consistent between both models. Since both the Gravel and the Matcha Latte V2 use nylon for the bottom housing, users will experience similar auditory results when typing or bottoming out the switches. This consistency in material ensures that the softer, sound-dampening qualities of nylon are present in both models, leading to a unified tactile experience when engaged with the switches, regardless of the differing top housing materials.

In summary, the differences between the HMX Gravel's polycarbonate top housing and the Huano Matcha Latte V2's POK top housing create distinct sound profiles that are grounded by their shared nylon bottom housings. The Gravel may excel in providing crisp, clear sounds with enhanced lighting effects, while the Matcha Latte V2 focuses on smoothness and durability. The combined effect of their respective materials means that the overall performance is uniquely tailored to each switch, with the nylon bottoms creating a familiar sound experience that underscores the distinctive characteristics of the top housings. Ultimately, while they diverge in design philosophy, both switches can deliver commendable performance, making them appealing choices for different preferences in tactile and auditory feedback.

Weight

The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch both feature an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of keystroke activation. This similarity suggests that typists can expect a similar ease of actuation with both switches, which is advantageous for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force varies between the two: the Gravel switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires a bit more effort to register a full keystroke. Meanwhile, the bottom out force of the Matcha Latte V2 remains unknown. This uncertainty means that while the Gravel may provide a more substantial feel upon bottoming out, the Matcha Latte’s performance in that regard cannot be assessed. As a result, if you prefer a heavier switch experience for feedback, the Gravel would be the preferable option with its definitive bottom out force, while both switches’ light actuation force caters well to those who prioritize reduced fatigue during long use.

Travel distance

The HMX Gravel linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. While both switches fall within a generally favored range for modern keyboards, the Gravel's shorter activation may provide a more responsive feel, catering to gamers who seek rapid key presses and quick reactions. On the other hand, the Matcha Latte V2, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more pronounced feedback, which some users might find more satisfying or suitable for typing tasks that benefit from a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between them hinges on personal preference for response speed versus depth of feel, with the Gravel being the shorter option and the Matcha Latte V2 the longer.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Gravel linear switch tends to produce a relatively quiet and subdued sound profile, thanks to its smooth operation and lack of tactile feedback. Users often appreciate this for its unobtrusive nature, making it ideal for office environments or quiet settings. Similarly, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch also delivers a quiet typing experience, characterized by a soft landing without any audible clicks or bumps. This shared attribute means that both switches are suitable for users who prefer less noise while typing, although the exact sound may still vary based on the specific keyboard and keycap combination employed.

In terms of feel, the Gravel excels with its exceptional smoothness and a notably refined typing experience. The medium-light actuation force provides a responsive sensation, making each keystroke feel effortless and fluid. On the other hand, the Matcha Latte V2 combines a similar smoothness with an emphasis on a balanced bottom-out feel, enhanced by generous factory lubrication that minimizes stem wobble. Both switches offer a pleasant, linear typing experience, catering to users who value a consistent and enjoyable keystroke, allowing for a seamless transition whether typing or gaming.

In conclusion, the HMX Gravel and Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches both present compelling options for newcomers to mechanical keyboards. While the Gravel is praised for its exceptional smoothness and light actuation, the Matcha Latte V2 shines with its well-rounded performance and solid bottom-out feel. Both options offer quiet sound profiles, making them suitable for a variety of environments. Overall, users looking for a smooth and responsive typing experience will find satisfaction in either switch, allowing for personal preference to guide their choice based on individual typing styles and needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch largely depends on your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a lighter actuation with a smooth and refined experience, the Gravel would be an ideal choice for you, especially if you enjoy a quick and effortless typing feel. This switch is particularly well-suited for long typing sessions or gaming where speed is essential. On the other hand, if you value a balance of lightness and a more substantial bottom-out feel, the Matcha Latte V2 might be the better option. Its factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble contribute to a premium linear performance, making it perfect for those who enjoy a bit of tactile feedback while still wanting a smooth stroke. Ultimately, consider what aspects are most important to you in your mechanical keyboard experience—whether it's the effortless smoothness of the Gravel or the balanced performance of the Matcha Latte V2—to make the best choice for your setup.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$3.99 per 10

Learn more