Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 stand out as two excellent linear options, each with its unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Ink Box Black is celebrated for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, offering a sound profile reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, with a clacky and high-pitched tone that some users may find delightful. Conversely, the Matcha Latte V2 prides itself on delivering a subtle yet satisfying linear typing experience, striking a harmonious balance between lightness and a solid bottom-out feel, all while benefitting from generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble. For those seeking a distinctive auditory experience and an ultra-smooth keystroke, the Ink Box Black could be the perfect choice, while the Matcha Latte V2 provides a premium tactile feeling without breaking the bank. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Huano Matcha Latte V2, we find distinct advantages and characteristics that influence their overall performance and sound profiles. The Ink Box Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, which produces a sharp, clacky sound that is both high-pitched and satisfying. This uniformity in material creates a cohesive auditory experience, as the same properties resonate throughout the entire switch. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 features a POK material for its top housing, which is celebrated for its smoothness and durability. The use of polyketone ensures that this switch produces a similarly clacky sound, but it may differ in tonal quality when compared to the Ink Box Black due to the distinct properties of POK versus the INK blend.
The variation in bottom housing materials further distinguishes the two switches. The Ink Box Black continues with its proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing, offering a consistency in acoustics that helps preserve the high-pitched sound signature throughout the keystroke. In the case of the Matcha Latte V2, the bottom housing is crafted from nylon, a traditional material known for its softer feel and sound absorption capabilities. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile upon bottoming out, offering a tactile contrast to the higher-pitched sound produced by the POK top housing. Consequently, the resonating effects of the bottom housing play a substantial role in shaping the overall sound experience when these switches are activated.
When considering the accumulated effects of the top and bottom housings, it becomes clear that the construction of each switch allows for distinctly different auditory experiences. With the Ink Box Black, the sound profile remains consistent and higher-pitched due to the use of the same INK blend in both sections, leading to a clackiness that resonates throughout the switch. Meanwhile, the hybrid material approach of the Matcha Latte V2 allows for a more complex sound experience; while the POK top housing contributes to smoothness and clackiness, the nylon bottom housing introduces a richness to the sound that complements the quick release characteristic of its top counterpart. Therefore, while both switches can achieve similar clacky outcomes, the distinct materials result in different acoustical nuances that cater to the preferences of different users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, there are notable differences. The Ink Box Black features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy and appealing to those who prefer a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, which may be more suitable for users looking for an easier typing experience, especially for extended sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is unavailable, making it difficult to assess how hard it feels when pressed fully down. Without this information, it’s challenging to determine how similar the two switches might feel at their maximum depth. Overall, if one were to prioritize weight, the Matcha Latte V2 would be the lighter option, while the Ink Box Black would be heavier, making it better suited for those who enjoy a firmer, more pronounced key feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch both have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will experience the same keypress depth when using either switch. With this equal travel distance, both switches offer a similar tactile experience, allowing for consistent feedback and performance during typing or gaming. Since they share the same travel distance, individuals can expect identical results in terms of key feel and responsiveness, making either switch a suitable choice for those who prefer a linear switch with a consistent depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 comparing the sound characteristics of the Gateron Ink Box Black and Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches, the Ink Box Black stands out with its distinctive clacky and high-pitched sound profile. This offers a sharp, snappy audio experience reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, contributing to an energetic atmosphere while typing. In contrast, specific sound descriptors for the Matcha Latte V2 are not provided, leaving the overall auditory experience somewhat ambiguous. However, the Ink Box Black will deliver a more pronounced and lively audio experience than what is known about the Matcha Latte V2.
In terms of feel, the Ink Box Black switches are exceptional, often described as silky and polished. This ensures an incredibly smooth typing experience with refined key travel and minimal resistance, enhanced further by the quality of factory lubrication. The Matcha Latte V2 is noted for its smooth and subtle linear typing experience as well, with a satisfying balance between a light touch and a solid bottom-out feel. Both switches promise a pleasurable tactile engagement, leading to a similar sensation when typing on either, although the Ink Box may offer an even more luxurious smoothness.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Black and Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches provide distinct yet appealing auditory and tactile characteristics. The Ink Box Black excels in its sound with a vibrant clacky tone and boasts an exceptionally silky feel, while the Matcha Latte V2 provides a more subtle auditory experience but maintains a smooth and satisfying typing experience. Both choices deliver high-quality performance, appealing to different preferences, with the Ink Box Black likely providing a more immersive sound and luxurious feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a firmer, more robust feel while typing, the Ink Box Black's medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams will likely appeal to you, providing a solid physical feedback that can enhance your typing confidence. Furthermore, if you enjoy the auditory experience of a clacky, high-pitched sound, along with a silky and polished feel, the Ink Box Black offers an enticing auditory and tactile experience that can make typing feel lively and engaging. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter, more subtle touch with a smooth and efficient typing experience, the Matcha Latte V2 is designed to deliver that gentle performance without compromising on comfort. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble ensure a premium experience at an accessible price point, perfect for those who may favor long typing sessions or are sensitive to key resistance. Ultimately, your choice should align with your desired typing feedback and sound profile, allowing you to create a keyboard setup that perfectly caters to your preferences.
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