Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Gateron Quinn offer distinct experiences tailored to different types of users. The Matcha Latte V2 is celebrated for its smooth, linear typing experience, characterized by a lightweight actuation paired with a solid bottom-out feel. This switch benefits from generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, delivering premium performance at an affordable price, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a streamlined and uninterrupted keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn stands out as a tactile switch that combines crisp, light tactility with a deep and resonant sound profile, thanks to its specialized nylon construction. Each keystroke produces a rich, immersive acoustics that adds character to the typing experience, while the precise tactile bump ensures users know exactly when a key has registered. With their differing attributes—smoothness versus texture and sound—each switch caters to specific preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Gateron Quinn differ primarily in their top housing materials, with the Matcha Latte V2 featuring a POK top housing and the Quinn utilizing nylon. The POK material, known for its smoothness due to its low coefficient of friction of 0.04, provides a distinct tactile experience when typing. It is exceptionally durable, with wear resistance significantly outperforming that of POM and shock resistance surpassing nylon by 2.3 times. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Gateron Quinn produces a different feel during typing. While nylon is known for a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, it does not achieve the same level of smoothness as POK. Thus, users may find that the Matcha Latte V2 facilitates a smoother keystroke due to the POK top housing, while the Quinn offers a richer auditory experience.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which ensures a cohesive characteristic in the overall typing experience. The nylon material, being a classic switch housing option, creates a deeper sound profile and is favorable for those who prefer a rounder, less sharp acoustic output. This shared material in the bottom housing indicates that despite their differing top housings, both switches will produce a similar sound quality upon bottoming out, which is largely influenced by the nylon material. Consequently, the tactile response and auditory feedback of each switch will significantly converge at the bottom housing, leading to a reassuring familiarity for gamers and typists alike.
In conclusion, when considering the overall performance of the Matcha Latte V2 and the Gateron Quinn, the contrast in top housing materials significantly influences the experience of the user. The POK material of the Matcha Latte V2 provides a smooth typing experience with a more refined feel, while the nylon top of the Quinn offers warmth in sound and a slightly different tactile sensation. However, both switches benefit from a nylon bottom housing, which ensures a consistent foundation in sound and feel regardless of the varied top housing designs. Thus, users seeking a distinct auditory or tactile preference may gravitate toward the Matcha Latte V2 or the Quinn based on the importance of smoothness versus depth in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, we find distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Matcha Latte V2 requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it potentially more suitable for users who favor a less strenuous typing experience, especially during long work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn demands a heavier actuation force of 59 grams, providing a more substantial tactile feedback that may appeal to those who prefer a stronger push feel when typing. The Quinn also has a defined bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating that it offers a firmer resistance upon bottoming out, while the bottom out force for the Matcha Latte V2 remains unknown. Overall, users seeking a lighter switch would lean towards the Matcha Latte V2, while those desiring a heavier, more pronounced feeling should opt for the Gateron Quinn.
Travel distance
The Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference highlights the Matcha Latte V2 as the better choice for those who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing down on keys, offering a deeper and potentially more satisfying response. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers and users looking for quicker actuation and faster response times. Ultimately, the Matcha Latte V2 provides a more immersive typing experience due to its longer travel distance, while the Quinn caters to those who prefer snappier interactions with their keyboard.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 switches offer a subtle and smooth auditory experience, ensuring that while they provide feedback through each keystroke, they do so without being overly pronounced or intrusive. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switches present a distinctive auditory profile characterized by their deep, resonant tones. Users can expect a rich sound that combines elements of both bass and clacky notes, contributing a lively and immersive environment as they type. This combination of low-pitched, bassy sounds and sharp, clacky responses creates a far more dynamic auditory experience compared to the more uniform sound of the Matcha Latte V2.
When evaluating feel, the Matcha Latte V2 switches are noted for delivering a smooth and polished typing experience, thanks to their factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble. This results in a linear switch that provides a pleasant sensation while typing but lacks any tactile feedback that would indicate the actuation point. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn switches are designed for a tactile experience with pronounced snappiness and a lively bounciness. Their unique tactile bump allows users to feel a distinct point of actuation, delivering a sense of satisfaction with each keystroke. This tactile feedback, combined with the polished finish, ensures that while both switches provide smoothness, the Matcha Latte V2 offers a linear feel, whereas the Quinn adds a discernible tactile element to the experience.
In conclusion, both the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and Gateron Quinn switches cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Matcha Latte V2 excels in providing a smooth, linear experience with an unobtrusive sound profile, making it ideal for those who favor seamless key presses. Conversely, the Quinn switches offer a vibrant, tactile feel along with a rich and immersive auditory character, perfect for users who enjoy expressive typing feedback and sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on whether one prioritizes the smoothness and subtlety of linear switches or the crisp tactile sensation and dynamic sound that tactile options provide.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, your preferences will play a significant role in your choice. Opt for the Matcha Latte V2 if you prioritize a smooth and seamless linear typing experience that allows for effortless key presses, ideal for typing or gaming where speed and fluidity are crucial. This switch also features minimal stem wobble and a satisfying bottom-out feel, making it perfect for those who appreciate a balanced combination of lightness and a solid keypress without the auditory feedback of a tactile switch. However, if you enjoy a tactile typing experience that provides a noticeable bump with each press, along with a rich and immersive sound profile, then the Gateron Quinn would be the better choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force and unique resonance make it appealing for users who appreciate a snappy and polished feel, coupled with the deep bassy tones during key presses that add character to your typing environment. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style and the sensory experience you seek, whether that’s the creamy, smooth performance of the Matcha Latte V2 or the dynamic, textural interaction offered by the Quinn.
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