Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie each offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers. The Matcha Latte V2 stands out with its smooth, subtle linear typing experience that strikes an impressive balance between lightness and a solid bottom-out feel, making it a fantastic choice for those who appreciate a tactile response without the noise. With generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, it promises a premium linear performance at an accessible price point. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie presents a medium-weight all-POM design that boasts a thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, making it particularly appealing for users who enjoy a deeper auditory feedback while typing. Its price point also breaks barriers while maintaining high-quality construction. Each switch has its advantages: the Matcha Latte V2 for its refined, quiet experience and the Sea Salt Smoothie for its rich sound and smooth feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual needs.

By the numbers

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.99 per 10

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie highlight a deliberate variation in both design philosophy and auditory experience. The Matcha Latte V2 utilizes a POK top housing, which boasts a notably low coefficient of friction at 0.04, providing a subtly smoother keystroke compared to the Gateron’s POM top housing with a 0.03 coefficient. This difference contributes to the Matcha Latte V2 having a distinctly clacky and smooth feel when typing. The durability of POK is also impressive; its wear resistance excels even against commonly used materials like POM and Nylon. In contrast, while POM contributes to a unique sound profile that leans towards deeper and more muted tones, it does not offer the same level of smoothness and shock resistance as the POK top of the Matcha Latte V2.

When examining the bottom housings, the Matcha Latte V2 employs a nylon material while the Sea Salt Smoothie retains its POM design. The use of nylon in the Matcha Latte V2 produces a fuller and deeper sound, as the inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively. This results in a typing experience that resonates with a rounder quality. While the POM bottom housing in the Sea Salt Smoothie also generates a deeper sound, the combination of POM’s properties previously noted lends a slightly different auditory profile that is unique in its muted character. The differentiation in bottom housing materials means that users will experience contrasting sound characteristics, marking a clear distinction in how each switch completes the auditory landscape.

Although the Matcha Latte V2 and Sea Salt Smoothie employ different materials for their respective top and bottom housings, some overlapping characteristics do emerge. For instance, both switches maintain a preference for deep sound profiles and emphasize user experience, whether through the smoothness of the Matcha Latte V2’s POK top or the muted quality from the POM materials present in the Sea Salt Smoothie. Ultimately, the composite experience users derive from these switches is influenced by how each housing interacts with the tactile feedback and auditory results when typing. Regardless of the differences, both switches can deliver robust and satisfying performance, although the nuances between their material choices can distinctly shape a typist's preferred experience.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch in terms of actuation force, the Matcha Latte V2 requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is slightly heavier at 48 grams. This difference means that the Matcha Latte V2 might be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial feel with its heavier actuation. Regarding the bottom out forces, both switches have this measurement listed as unknown, which means we cannot compare their performance upon fully pressing down. However, since the actuation forces differ, one can expect that the overall typing experience will feel different between the two models, with the Matcha Latte V2 offering a softer touch compared to the firmer resistance of the Sea Salt Smoothie.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the Matcha Latte V2 measures 3.6 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that for users seeking a more responsive feel, the Matcha Latte V2 may be the better choice, as it offers a shorter travel distance that facilitates quicker key presses—ideal for gamers looking for fast response times. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced keypress that feels less abrupt. Thus, the Matcha Latte V2 is the shorter option, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is the longer one, providing users with varied tactile experiences based on their personal preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch is characterized by a subtle, muted acoustic profile that aligns well with its smooth typing experience. This makes it a great option for users who prefer a quieter environment, while still providing a satisfying sound upon bottoming out. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie boasts a distinctive "thocky" sound that resonates with a more pronounced auditory experience. The thocky nature can add a layer of enjoyment for those who appreciate a noticeable sound with each keystroke. However, it’s important to remember that the sound produced by both switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard plate and keycaps, potentially affecting the final acoustic signature.

When considering feel, the Matcha Latte V2 excels in delivering a smooth, lightweight action that transitions seamlessly from key to key, enhanced by its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble. This creates a pleasant typing experience that many users find delightful for extended use. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie provides a medium-weight feel, allowing for a balance between firmness and responsiveness. While both switches focus on smoothness, the differing weight may cater to different typing preferences, where some users may favor the ease of the Matcha Latte V2 while others might appreciate the slightly heftier tactile feedback of the Sea Salt Smoothie.

Overall, both the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The Matcha Latte V2 is perfect for those who seek a lightweight, quiet typing experience, while the Sea Salt Smoothie caters to users who enjoy a more pronounced sound with a touch of thockiness alongside a balanced medium-weight feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and typing feel, with both providing excellent linear performance and satisfaction in their respective qualities.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie comes down to your personal typing preferences and what you value most in your typing experience. If you're looking for a smooth and subtly light typing feel with an excellent balance of solid feedback and minimal stem wobble, the Matcha Latte V2 would be your go-to option. Its generous factory lubrication enhances the overall smoothness, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where responsiveness and comfort are paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-weight switch that offers a thocky sound profile along with exceptional smoothness, the Sea Salt Smoothie might be the better choice for you. This switch is designed to deliver a satisfying auditory experience while maintaining a solid typing feel, which can be especially appealing if you enjoy that deeper sound when typing. Ultimately, both switches excel in their own right, so consider whether your priority lies in a lightweight, velvety feel or a satisfying and slightly heavier tactile experience.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$3.99 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more