Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Gateron New North Pole V2 offers enthusiasts diverse tactile experiences suited to different typing preferences. The Matcha Latte V2 is celebrated for its smooth, subtle linear performance, striking an impressive balance between lightness and a satisfying bottom-out feel, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a plush typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble add to its appeal, delivering premium performance at an accessible price point. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 takes a different approach, eliminating the rubber dampener present in its predecessor to provide a crisper and more pronounced typing feel. With its frictionless glide and creamy texture, this switch caters to those who prefer a streamlined, direct connection between finger and key. Both switches have their unique advantages, allowing users to tailor their typing experience to their needs; 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Gateron New North Pole V2 utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings, leading to unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Matcha Latte V2 features a top housing made from POK (polyketone), which is known for its smoothness and durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, it provides a further enhanced tactile response compared to other materials like LY, while also boasting exceptional strength and impressive shock resistance. This combination contributes to a smooth, clacky sound when switched, making it appealing for gamers and typists alike who prioritize both performance and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, delivering a sharper, higher-pitched sound characteristic. Polycarbonate’s stiffness contributes to a clearer sound profile, making it suitable for users looking for a resonant auditory experience, particularly when accentuated by RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of bottom housing, the two switches diverge yet again, emphasizing the selection of materials and their respective acoustic properties. The Matcha Latte V2 uses a nylon bottom housing, which is traditionally associated with a deeper, fuller sound provides when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound better compared to more rigid materials, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory output. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 continues the trend of using polycarbonate, which offers a sound profile that matches its top housing—clear and crisp. The difference in bottom housing choices illustrates how the materials contribute distinctively to the overall typing experience, creating a dichotomy of sound characteristics that target different user preferences.
When comparing these two switches, it becomes clear that the combination of their specific materials impacts the overall experience significantly. With the Matcha Latte V2, users may enjoy a smoother action and a softer-toned sound thanks to the POK and nylon housing, making it suitable for a warm and rich auditory environment. Conversely, the Gateron New North Pole V2’s reliance on polycarbonate for both top and bottom housing provides a cohesive sound profile that is sharp and clear, ideal for those seeking a livelier switch experience. While users will notice distinct auditory results stemming from the different housing materials, it’s essential to remember that these differences will ultimately shape personal preference, directing users toward their choice based on desired feel and sound when operating the switch.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force reveal distinct characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Matcha Latte V2 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, compared to the New North Pole V2's slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This makes the Matcha Latte V2 a better choice for those who prefer a lighter switch, allowing for more comfortable typing over extended periods, while the New North Pole V2, with its higher actuation force, offers a firmer push that some users may favor for a more substantial typing experience. The bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 is unknown, while the New North Pole V2 features a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, contributing to a noticeable resistance when fully pressed down. In summary, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 is the lighter option, while the Gateron New North Pole V2 is heavier, catering to different preferences in typing feel and resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, there is a noteworthy difference. The Matcha Latte V2 features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the New North Pole V2 has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that choosing the Matcha Latte V2 will provide a more responsive experience, ideal for those who prioritize quick key presses, such as gamers. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2, with its 4 mm travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel and deeper actuation, often deemed more satisfying for typing. Thus, while the Matcha Latte V2 offers a shorter and more immediate response, the New North Pole V2 caters to those looking for a more traditional and pronounced key press experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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
When it comes to sound, the Matcha Latte V2 has not been explicitly described, which leaves its acoustic profile somewhat of a mystery. Conversely, the New North Pole V2 switches are noted for their crisp sound, especially after the removal of the rubber dampener. This change likely results in a sharper and more pronounced acoustics during typing. However, it’s important to remember that the overall sound can vary greatly depending on other factors like the keyboard build and the choice of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Matcha Latte V2 offers a smooth, subtle typing experience that strikes a satisfying balance between lightness and a solid bottom-out feel thanks to its generous factory lubrication. This minimal stem wobble enhances the overall tactile experience. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 features a polished finish that contributes to a refined, sleek typing experience, while its creamy and frictionless characteristics promote an effortlessly smooth key travel. Users can expect a unique sensation that allows fingers to glide across the keys with ease, making it a compelling alternative for those seeking a more responsive typing feel.
In conclusion, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Matcha Latte V2 provides a smooth and balanced experience with solid feedback, whereas the New North Pole V2 features a crisp sound profile and an exceptionally fluid feel. While they may appeal to different user tastes, both switches promise a premium typing experience, making either a solid choice for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a typing experience that is smooth and light, with a satisfying bottom-out feel, then the Matcha Latte V2 would be an excellent choice for you. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble enhance the overall typing experience, making it ideal for both casual typing and extended gaming sessions where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch that provides a crisper and more responsive feel, the New North Pole V2 would be more suitable. Its polished and frictionless typing experience allows for effortless keystrokes, making it a fantastic option for users who value a refined touch and faster typing speeds. In essence, your choice should be guided by whether you prioritize a light and cushioned experience with the Matcha Latte V2 or a firm and precise feel with the New North Pole V2, ensuring that your keyboard matches your unique style and usage.
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