Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) are two compelling linear options worth considering. The Matcha Latte V2 is renowned for its smooth and subtle typing experience, skillfully combining a weighty yet satisfying feel with generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, all at an accessible price point. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a balanced tactile experience without sacrificing performance. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro dazzles with its buttery smooth keystrokes and low-pitched "thock" sound, appealing to users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. While both switches excel in providing a premium linear feel at budget-friendly prices, they each offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence the overall feel and sound profile of each switch. The Matcha Latte V2 features a POK material for its top housing, known for its low coefficient of friction (0.04) and exceptional durability, surpassing traditional materials like POM and Nylon. This POK construction promotes a smooth keystroke, resulting in a clacky sound and feel when typing. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro's top housing is made from nylon, a classic material that dampens sound due to its softer composition. Consequently, the Milky Red Pro produces a deeper, fuller sound, reflecting the more muted properties of nylon compared to the sharp clarity of POK.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, there is a notable similarity: both the Matcha Latte V2 and the Milky Red Pro utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This shared material contributes to a deeper sound profile in both switches, emphasizing the plush and rounded auditory experience caused by the softer characteristics of nylon. As a result, both switches will exhibit similar acoustic properties during key presses, effectively minimizing any harshness or high-pitched tones typically associated with harder materials. The nylon bottom housing allows both switches to produce a satisfying sound, ensuring a consistent experience when the switch bottoms out.
The impact of each housing material on the overall feel and sound of the switches highlights how different combinations of materials can create unique typing experiences. The Matcha Latte V2's POK top housing delivers a smooth and crisp action, while the nylon bottom housing adds depth to the overall sound profile. Conversely, the Milky Red Pro relies entirely on nylon for both its top and bottom housings, achieving a more uniform and subdued sound throughout the switch. Although the Matcha Latte V2 benefits from a combination of materials to enhance its properties, both switches ultimately provide satisfying and pleasant typing experiences in their own right, demonstrating that even with differing materials, one can achieve enjoyable results.
Weight
The Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch have similar actuation forces, both requiring 45 grams of effort to register a keystroke. This means that users will experience comparably light tactile feedback when typing or gaming, making either switch apt for extended use without causing fatigue. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Matcha Latte V2 lacks this specification, while the Milky Red Pro features a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. As a result, the Milky Red Pro provides a more substantial feel when the key is fully pressed down, which may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, if you are looking for a lighter switch experience, the Matcha Latte V2 is your best choice; however, if you seek a heavier, more substantial feel at the bottom, the Gateron Milky Red Pro would be the better option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, we find that the Matcha Latte V2 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference indicates that the Matcha Latte V2 offers a shorter and potentially more responsive experience, making it appealing for gamers who favor quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro provides a more traditional 4 mm travel distance, which may feel more substantial and satisfying for users who prefer a deeper key press. Thus, if you seek rapid responsiveness, the Matcha Latte V2 would be the recommended choice, whereas those who enjoy a hearty depth might gravitate towards the Milky Red Pro.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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
In terms of sound, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switch has not been specifically described. However, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is characterized by its deeper, richer sound profile that many users describe as “thocky,” offering a satisfying acoustic feedback that resembles a soft “knock” when pressed. This low-pitched noise can enhance the overall typing experience by providing a pleasing auditory cue, adding a layer of enjoyment to each keystroke. It’s important to note that the sound produced by both types of switches can be influenced by the keyboard’s construction, switch housing, and the type of keycaps used, so you might find variations in sound depending on the setup.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switch stands out with its smooth, linear typing experience that boasts a good balance of lightness and a solid bottom-out feel. It features generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, leading to a premium typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is recognized for its buttery smooth keystrokes, providing a fluid and effortless typing sensation that many users appreciate. While both switches deliver a linear feel, the Matcha Latte V2 emphasizes a solid feedback at the bottom, whereas the Milky Red Pro focuses more on smoothness throughout the keystroke.
In conclusion, while the Matcha Latte V2 and Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches share qualities of smoothness, they differ in their auditory and tactile experiences. The Matcha Latte offers a more balanced, solid feel while the Milky Red Pro leans towards a buttery smoothness paired with a rich, acoustic feedback. Depending on your personal preferences, either switch could be a great choice, but the differences may cater to varying typing styles, making it worthwhile to try each one to see which aligns better with your specific needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switches, consider your personal typing preferences and the feel you desire. If you prioritize a smooth and subtle typing experience with a good balance of lightness and a solid bottom-out feeling, the Matcha Latte V2 is an excellent choice. Its generous factory lubrication ensures premium linear performance, making it ideal for those who appreciate a refined touch without any distractions from stem wobble. On the other hand, if you're looking for an affordable option that still offers a smooth keystroke but with a more pronounced sound profile, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) could be your go-to switch. Its medium-light bottom-out force produces a satisfying “thock” sound that is enjoyable for both typing and gaming, especially if you prefer a bassy and rich auditory feedback. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you want a switch that excels in a gentle, luxurious feel or one that combines smoothness with an engaging acoustic experience; both have their unique strengths depending on your preference.
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