Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 can significantly influence your typing and gaming experience. The Gateron Jupiter Red is celebrated for its smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes, complemented by a medium-heavy actuation pressure that provides a satisfying feedback without compromising comfort. Its high-precision mold design and softer backlight effects make it an excellent option for those seeking a polished and seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 excels with its subtle linear typing characteristics, delivering a balanced interplay of lightweight touch and a solid bottom-out feel. Enhanced by generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, these switches provide a premium linear experience at an accessible price. Both switches have their unique attributes that cater to different preferences—one might prefer the polished sensation of the Jupiter Red while the other appreciates the value and performance of the Matcha Latte V2. 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 Jupiter Red Linear

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$2.80 per 10

$3.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Jupiter Red and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, contributing to their unique sound profiles and aesthetic appeal. The Jupiter Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a sharper and more resonant sound due to its stiffness. The translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances the aesthetic quality of the switch but also makes it ideal for RGB lighting setups, allowing for brilliant illumination effects. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 utilizes POK, or polyketone, for its top housing, which is favored for its smoothness and robust durability. Although POK does not provide the same level of brightness as polycarbonate, its superior wear and shock resistance create a reliable long-term option that also contributes to smoother key presses.

The bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, a classic material known for its sound-dampening qualities. This consistency in bottom housing results in a shared auditory characteristic between the two switches, specifically a deeper and fuller sound profile when the keys are engaged. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively, providing a rounder auditory experience as opposed to the sharper tones generated by the top housing materials. Therefore, despite the differences in their respective top housings, both the Gateron Jupiter Red and Huano Matcha Latte V2 can deliver a rich and satisfying typing experience, thanks to their nylon bottom components.

The combination of the top and bottom housing materials for each switch ultimately impacts their overall performance. While the Jupiter Red's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a bright and crisp sound when keys are released, the clacking and smoothness offered by the Matcha Latte V2's POK top provides a distinct experience characterized by smooth action. However, both switches benefit from the nylon bottom housing's sound-absorbing properties, leading to a more consistent bottom-out sound and feel across the two. Thus, while there may be differences in the upper housing that cater to different user preferences for sound and aesthetics, the shared bottom housing material ensures that both switches deliver satisfying auditory experiences, enhancing their appeal to typists and gamers alike.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, it's notable that both share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which lends a similar feel for users who prefer lighter switches. This equivalence in actuation force means both switches can facilitate long typing sessions with ease, making them suitable for extended work or gaming without fatiguing the fingers. However, the bottom out force of the Jupiter Red is quantified at 60 grams, providing a more substantial finish when fully pressed, which some users may appreciate for feedback during typing. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is currently unavailable. As a result, while the Jupiter Red offers a heavier overall experience due to its bottom out force, the Matcha Latte V2 could be perceived as potentially lighter or as having an undefined resistance at the bottom, leaving users uncertain about the tactile feedback it provides. Thus, those seeking a firmer push should lean towards the Gateron Jupiter Red, while the Huano Matcha Latte V2 remains ambiguous for users who may prioritize lighter keystrokes.

Travel distance

The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Jupiter Red has a longer travel distance compared to the Matcha Latte V2. For users who appreciate a more pronounced feedback with deeper presses, the Jupiter Red may be the ideal choice as it provides a fuller experience. On the other hand, gamers looking for quicker actuation and faster response times might prefer the Matcha Latte V2 due to its shorter travel distance, which can contribute to quicker key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preference: if you favor depth and a more deliberate keystroke, the Jupiter Red is the better option, while the Matcha Latte V2 suits those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches share a moderate sound profile that leans towards neutrality. The Jupiter Red's description as a neutral switch means it produces a balanced sound that is neither too loud nor too quiet, making it suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in the office. Although the sound characteristics of the Matcha Latte V2 are less detailed, it's reasonable to infer that its sound profile will align closely with the Jupiter Reds, given their common linear switch design. Ultimately, both switches should provide a pleasant auditory experience conducive to focused typing sessions.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Jupiter Red switches stand out with descriptors such as polished, creamy, silky, and mild. This indicates that they offer an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience, one that minimizes friction and resistance, allowing for fluid keystrokes. The factory lubrication enhances their overall performance, providing a buttery sensation when typing. On the other hand, details about the feel of the Matcha Latte V2 are not specified; however, their generous factory lubrication may suggest that they also provide a smooth typing experience. Given that both switches are linear, users can expect a similar experience in terms of smooth key travel, making the typing feel consistent across both options.

In conclusion, while both the Gateron Jupiter Red and Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches cater to those seeking a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience, the Jupiter Red's detailed descriptors in terms of sound and feel suggest a more polished performance overall. However, both switches promise to deliver a satisfying user experience with their linear characteristics, and if you're drawn to one for sound or tactile response, you'll likely find the other provides comparable results, especially in terms of smoothness and pleasant actuation.

Conclusion

To conclude, while both the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches offer distinct advantages, your choice ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you seek a typing experience that exudes polish, smoothness, and a balanced, medium-heavy actuation force, the Jupiter Red is your go-to option. Its refined build and sophisticated feel make it ideal for a broad range of users—whether you’re typing up reports at work or gaming at home, this switch guarantees a solid and satisfying experience. Conversely, if you prefer a more delicate touch with an emphasis on lightness and a consistent feel, the Matcha Latte V2 may suit you better. This switch boasts generous factory lubrication for a smooth typing experience, with an emphasis on reducing stem wobble to enhance stability. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches should reflect how you intend to use your keyboard; the Jupiter Red is great for those desiring a robust and polished experience, while the Matcha Latte V2 excels for those looking for a softer, subtly satisfying linear feel.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

$2.80 per 10

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Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$3.99 per 10

Learn more