Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown 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 switch, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 offer distinctly different experiences tailored to individual preferences. The Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch that seamlessly combines tradition with modernity, featuring a single-stage spring that delivers a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight. This makes it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate tactile feedback during their typing sessions, while its high-precision molds and enhanced backlight effects add a polished aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches provide a smooth and effortless linear typing experience, characterized by their light actuation force and satisfying bottom-out feel. With generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, these switches offer reliable performance and accessibility, appealing to gamers and typists looking for a seamless and swift typing experience. Both options have their unique benefits, with the Jupiter Brown favoring tradition and tactile feedback, while the Matcha Latte V2 embraces smoothness and ease of use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Spring steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches, there are clear distinctions in the top housing, while the bottom housing remains the same for both. The Jupiter Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffness and translucency. This stiffness allows for a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for users who appreciate a crisper auditory feedback when typing. The clear nature of polycarbonate further enhances RGB lighting effects, showcasing the aesthetic qualities of illuminated switches. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 utilizes POK (polyketone) for its top housing. While this material does not offer the same translucent benefits, it boasts a smooth feel due to its low coefficient of friction and significant durability advantages, such as enhanced wear and shock resistance.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, a material well-known in the mechanical keyboard community for its sound properties. The nylon bottom housing contributes a deeper and fuller sound profile, effectively absorbing sound and dampening vibrations due to its softer nature. This shared bottom housing means that while users can expect different auditory experiences upon release, they will likely find a comparable bottom-out sound and tactile feel across both switches, as the nylon material plays a significant role in defining that experience. Consequently, even with different top housing materials, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing aims to provide a familiar typing experience in terms of sound dynamics.
In summary, while the Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes crispness and light diffusion, and the Matcha Latte V2's POK top housing prioritizes smoothness and durability, both switches share a common nylon bottom housing that rounds out their respective sound profiles. This combination results in a unique interplay of auditory experiences, where the top housing primarily influences the release sound while the bottom housing shapes the bottom-out feedback. Users can expect a diverse typing sound, characteristically enhanced by the distinct materials at play, yet they will find a cohesive auditory foundation stemming from the commonality of the nylon in both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Jupiter Brown has a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams, while the Matcha Latte V2 is lighter at 45 grams. This makes the Matcha Latte V2 more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue, while the Jupiter Brown may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel due to its heavier actuation force. The bottom out force for the Jupiter Brown is 70 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when fully pressed down. However, the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is unavailable, making it challenging to draw a complete comparison in this aspect. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter and potentially more effortless typing experience, the Matcha Latte V2 would be the better choice, whereas those favoring a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the Jupiter Brown.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, the Gateron Jupiter Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Matcha Latte V2 has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing the keys, the Jupiter Brown offers a more pronounced depth due to its longer travel distance, which can provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who enjoy a hearty keystroke. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2, with its shorter 3.6 mm travel distance, is likely to deliver a quicker response time, appealing to gamers or those who prefer a less abrupt feel while typing. Therefore, if responsiveness is a priority, the Matcha Latte V2 would be the better choice, whereas the Jupiter Brown is ideal for users who appreciate a more substantial keypress sensation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80, whereas the Huano Matcha Latte V2 comes in at $3.99.
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
In terms of sound, the Jupiter Brown switches are known for their subtle acoustic profile, providing a moderately soft thock that is pleasant without being overly loud. This makes them suitable for both quiet office environments and casual gaming. On the other hand, the Matcha Latte V2 linear switches produce a smoother, quieter experience with minimal sound, given their linear design; they lack the tactile bump that adds additional noise in other switch types. However, the auditory experience can vary significantly based on the choice of keyboard build and keycap materials, which can impact resonance and tonal quality.
When discussing feel, the Jupiter Brown switches offer a mild, polished typing experience characterized by their gentle tactile bump. This makes them approachable for new users while still giving experienced typists the tactile feedback they often enjoy. The stepped tactile sensation provides a sense of engagement without overwhelming the user, making long typing sessions comfortable. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 switches deliver a smooth and refined linear feel, enhanced by generous factory lubrication that ensures less friction and a solid bottom-out sensation. This combination allows for a satisfying glide throughout the keystroke, making them ideal for users who prefer a more straightforward but still luxurious typing experience.
Overall, both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches provide distinct tactile and auditory experiences tailored to different preferences. The Jupiter Brown excels in delivering a classic tactile feedback with a subdued sound profile while remaining polished and comfortable. Conversely, the Matcha Latte V2 prioritizes a smooth and quiet operation, perfect for those who favor linear switches. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean towards a tactile response or a seamless, uninterrupted keystroke experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, your choice should hinge on your specific preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a tactile feedback that provides a pleasant bump while typing, and you enjoy the traditional feel of slightly heavier switches, the Jupiter Brown is an excellent option. Its medium-heavy actuation force and polished feel make it suitable for typists who prefer a solid response with each keystroke while maintaining a relatively gentle experience. On the other hand, if you seek a smoother, uninterrupted typing experience with minimal resistance, the Matcha Latte V2 might be your go-to. Its linear design and generous factory lubrication deliver a satisfying, fluid motion that many gamers and fast typists favor. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value the tactile feedback of the Jupiter Brown or the smoothness of the Matcha Latte V2, as both switches cater to different typing experiences that enhance your overall keyboard enjoyment.