Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Huano Matcha Latte V2

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of various options, and two intriguing choices are the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Huano Matcha Latte V2, both of which belong to the linear switch category. The Gateron Lunar Probe stands out for its innovative dual rail mechanism, ensuring stable and consistent keypresses while delivering a silky, polished feel complemented by a subtle sound signature. This switch caters to users seeking an incredibly smooth typing experience, ideal for both gaming and typing without distraction. Conversely, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 also promises a smooth experience but distinguishes itself with a light and bouncy touch, offering a satisfying bottom-out feel that balances responsiveness with stability, all at an accessible price point. While the Lunar Probe is perfect for those craving a subdued and refined feel, the Matcha Latte V2 provides a delightful mix of creaminess and buoyancy. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique typing style and preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron Lunar Probe Linear

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$6.50

$4.19 per 10

$3.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Lunar Probe and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 showcase distinct characteristics in their housing materials, particularly regarding the composition of their top housings. The Lunar Probe features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This stiffness allows for a clearer resonance, enhancing the auditory experience, especially when combined with RGB lighting, which is accentuated by the translucency of polycarbonate. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 utilizes a POK (polyketone) material for its top housing, offering a different sound experience. While POK is known for its smoothness and durability, contributing to a clackier feel, it does not share the same crispness as polycarbonate. This divergence in materials influences the tonal differences that users will experience when typing on each switch.

Regarding the bottom housings, both the Lunar Probe and the Matcha Latte V2 employ nylon, which is a classic choice in switch design. Nylon's softer properties contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing sound more effectively than the stiffer materials found in some other switch housings. As a result, both switches will deliver a rounded auditory experience when bottoming out, leaning towards a more muted sound. Since the bottom housing influences the feel and sound when the key is pressed down, both switches will exhibit similar characteristics due to their reliance on nylon for this part.

The differentiation in top housing materials between the two switches underscores how various materials contribute to sound profiles and tactile feedback. With the Lunar Probe's polycarbonate top producing sharper sounds and a more pronounced auditory experience, compared to the smoother yet softer qualities of the Matcha Latte V2's POK housing, users can expect a distinct typing experience. However, with the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing, both switches provide a uniform foundation that tempers the overall sound profile, lending some commonality in the overall typing experience. Ultimately, while the top and bottom housing materials yield unique characteristics, the combined effects can yield satisfactory results depending on the user's preferences in sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch, we find intriguing similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which can provide users with a similar typing experience in terms of the initial keystroke activation. However, the Lunar Probe has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating it provides a slight tactile resistance when fully depressed. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 remains unknown, leaving some uncertainty about how it might feel upon pressing the switch all the way down. Given that the Lunar Probe's bottom out force is defined, it suggests a more predictable typing experience, particularly for those who prefer a definitive feedback on key presses. Since both switches have the same actuation force, they both cater to users who favor lighter switches, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, due to its defined bottom out force, the Lunar Probe may appeal more to those who appreciate a solid feeling at the end of their key presses, while the Matcha Latte V2's lack of information could leave potential users wondering about its overall experience.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch share the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressed down, both switches offer an identical tactile experience as the key travels the same distance from top to bottom. Consequently, users can expect similar performance and feedback from both switches, making them comparable choices for those seeking linear switches in their mechanical keyboards.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch delivers a subdued auditory experience. This means that while it is not completely silent, pressing the keys produces a dampened sound that is more subtle compared to many other switches, making it suitable for shared environments. On the other hand, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 does not have a specified sound profile, but it's worth noting that sound characteristics can vary based on the keycaps and the particular keyboard used. As a result, while the Lunar Probe guarantees a quieter experience, the Matcha Latte V2 remains an unknown in this respect.

In terms of feel, the Lunar Probe excels with its silky and polished nature, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance during key presses and releases. The additional descriptors of mildness and subtle sensitivity further highlight its approachable design, making it a solid choice for those who favor a more gentle typing experience. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 provides a distinct sensation characterized by bounce and creaminess, lending to an elastic feedback and a buttery smooth typing feel. Both switches contribute to a high-quality linear experience, but they cater to slightly different preferences: the Lunar Probe leans towards a sleek, minimalistic feel, while the Matcha Latte V2 offers a more lively and dynamic typing experience.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Lunar Probe and Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches provide unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience. The Lunar Probe stands out for its subdued sound and exceptionally smooth, polished feel, making it ideal for quieter, more refined typing environments. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2, with its bouncy and creamy characteristics, appeals to those who enjoy a more engaging and elastic response. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a subdued, silky touch or a lively, buttery feel. Either way, both will ensure a satisfying linear typing experience, allowing you to enjoy mechanical keyboards to their fullest.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing requirements. If you find yourself favoring a light actuation force and desire a typing experience characterized by silky smoothness and subtle sound, the Lunar Probe may be your ideal choice. Its dual rail mechanism ensures consistent keypresses, making it a great option for both typing and gaming where precision is key. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit more bounce in your keystrokes along with a creamy, enjoyable typing feel, the Matcha Latte V2 could be the better fit for you. Although less is known about its specific force, its balance of lightness and solid bottom-out feel can appeal to those who enjoy a lively typing experience that still retains the virtues of smoothness and minimal wobble. In environments where quieter switches are preferable, the subdued sound of the Lunar Probe would be beneficial, while the Matcha Latte V2 might be more fitting for individuals who enjoy a more dynamically responsive switch. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a consistently smooth experience or a more buoyant and lively feel.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Lunar Probe Linear

$6.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$3.99 per 10

Learn more