Gazzew LT vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gazzew LT and Huano Matcha Latte V2 stand out as exceptional linear options catering to different preferences. The Gazzew LT, with its alluring lilac hue, is celebrated for its deep, resonant "thock" sound that adds a satisfying auditory experience to your typing. This switch is characterized by its low-pitched, bassy sound profile and a seamless glide that allows for effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more acoustic feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 presents a versatile alternative, offering a smooth, linear typing experience that strikes a perfect balance between a light touch and a solid bottom-out feel. With generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, these switches deliver exceptional performance at an accessible price point, appealing to both casual users and enthusiasts alike. Each switch has its unique strengths, catering to different typing styles and preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gazzew LT and Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches utilize distinct housing materials that create unique auditory and tactile experiences. The Gazzew LT features a proprietary blend referred to as "boba plastic" for its top and bottom housings, which is designed to deliver a rich and deep sound profile. This softness not only contributes to a pleasant acoustic signature but also influences the feedback felt during keypresses, allowing the switch to feel smooth and satisfying. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 employs POK for the top housing, known for its smooth properties and exceptional durability, while its nylon bottom housing enhances the sound profile further by absorbing vibrations, leading to a deeper and rounder auditory experience. While the Gazzew LT leans into cozy, plush sound characteristics, the Matcha Latte V2 accentuates clarity and crispness thanks to the POK's unique frictional qualities.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both switches adopt different approaches to achieving sound depth and type feel. The Gazzew LT’s boba plastic bottoms create a sonorous and muffled tone, aligning with its rich sound signature. Alternatively, the nylon bottom housing of the Matcha Latte V2 provides a similar tonal depth but differentiates in texture; the high wear resistance of nylon contributes to a durable build, allowing for consistent performance over time. Users of either switch can expect a full-bodied sound experience, but the Matcha Latte V2’s nylon introduces an element of resilience and durability that may be appealing for those who prioritize long-term use in a gaming or typing environment.
Although the materials differ, both switches will deliver satisfying results largely due to the thoughtful design of their housing combinations. The influence of the top housing in terms of sound will manifest in distinct manners; the POK’s properties contribute to smoother releases while the boba plastic promotes a deeper tonal richness. Ultimately, while the two switches employ different materials, the nuanced balance between sound profile and type feel is skillfully crafted in both models, ensuring users can enjoy a pleasant and engaging typing or gaming experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Gazzew LT has an unspecified actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 65 grams, which indicates a medium-heavy keystroke feel. In contrast, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. However, its bottom out force is unknown, leaving some uncertainty regarding the overall typing experience. This means that if the bottom out force of the Matcha Latte V2 were to be lighter than that of the Gazzew LT, users could expect a softer feel when pressing down completely. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience conducive for extended use or gaming, the Matcha Latte V2 would be the more suitable choice, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel might lean toward the heavier Gazzew LT.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, the two switches differ significantly. The Gazzew LT has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Huano Matcha Latte V2 features a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you are looking for a more responsive switch with a quicker actuation time, the Gazzew LT would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a more substantial feel with deeper engagement, the Matcha Latte V2, with its longer travel distance, would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference; if you favor speed and responsiveness, the LT is the way to go, whereas the Matcha Latte V2 caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50, 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
The sound profile of the Gazzew LT linear switches is characterized by a deep, resonant thocky quality that offers a satisfying auditory experience during typing. With their bassy and low-pitched tonal properties, these switches produce a rich, thudding sound reminiscent of a soft knock, creating an engaging atmosphere with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches do not have specific audio descriptors available, but they are known to deliver a smooth and subtle linear experience. Given the sound emphasis on richness for the LT, it's clear the auditory feedback from these switches is particularly distinct and appealing to those who enjoy a pronounced thock.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gazzew LT switches provide a seamless glide with every keystroke, although more specific tactile feedback characteristics aren’t detailed. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 switches are lauded for their smoothness and the combination of lightness along with a solid bottom-out feel. This implies that while the LT may excel in terms of fluid keypresses, the Matcha Latte V2 offers a balanced sensation that combines ease of actuation with the satisfaction of a noticeable bottom-out, indicating a slightly different experience in terms of tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the Gazzew LT and Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The LT is ideal for those who enjoy a rich, thocky auditory experience, while the Matcha Latte V2 provides a smoother, more balanced linear feel without a distinct sound profile. Ultimately, selecting between these two may come down to personal preference, with auditory and tactile experiences being crucial in determining which switch aligns best with one’s typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, your needs and preferences will play a significant role. If you appreciate the auditory experience of typing and prefer a keyboard switch that delivers a medium-heavy feel, the Gazzew LT is an excellent choice. Its unique combination of deep thocky sound and smooth glide makes it ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a lightweight, subtler experience with a premium feel, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 might be better suited for you. Its accessible price point, coupled with generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, ensures a smooth typing experience without compromising on quality. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches depends on whether you desire a rich auditory experience or a lighter touch with consistent performance.
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