Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the nuances between different models can greatly impact your typing experience. The Huano Matcha Latte V2 is celebrated for its smooth, linear typing feedback, providing an ideal balance of lightness and a solid bottom-out feel. With its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, it delivers premium performance while remaining accessible in price, making it an attractive option for enthusiasts seeking a reliable everyday switch. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black excels in quieter environments, offering a cushy, pillow-like feel and minimal audio feedback that appeals to users needing to maintain a considerate noise level. Though both switches are linear and offer a satisfying typing experience, their distinctive characteristics cater to different preferences and use cases. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches, several notable differences emerge, particularly in their top housings. The Matcha Latte V2 features a POK top housing, known for its smoothness and durability, boasting a coefficient of friction of 0.04 and exceptional wear resistance. This smoothness contributes to a clacky and tactile experience, making it an attractive choice for enthusiasts seeking responsive switches. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, producing a high-pitched yet not overly sharp sound profile. The combination of these materials leads to different acoustic profiles, where the Matcha Latte’s sturdiness enhances its tactile feel, while the Silent Ink Black offers a more distinct, pointed sound.
In terms of bottom housing, the Matcha Latte V2 employs a nylon material that significantly influences the overall sound profile of the switch. Known for its sound-absorbing properties, nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller acoustic experience, which complements the top housing's characteristics. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black also integrates the INK blend for its bottom housing, resulting yet again in a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. The key difference here lies in how each material interacts with the keypress. The softer nylon of the Matcha Latte V2 produces a rounder, muffled sound profile, while the INK blend in the Silent Ink Black promotes a sharper, more pronounced sound when bottomed out.
Ultimately, while the Matcha Latte V2 and Silent Ink Black switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings, there is a shared aspect of sound quality. Both switches aim for a clacky auditory feedback, albeit through different pathways—one via the sturdiness and smoothness of POK combined with nylon and the other through the sharpness of the proprietary INK blend. Although their materials differ, both switches can deliver satisfying results thanks to their meticulously engineered housing compositions, allowing users to experience unique acoustic sensations while still enjoying the engaging characteristics of their respective designs. Thus, despite the variations in raw materials, the end-user experience reveals how similar outcomes can be achieved through distinct approaches in switch housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, we find notable differences that cater to various preferences among users. The Matcha Latte V2 features an actuation force of 45 grams, which is lighter than the Silent Ink Black's actuation force of 60 grams. This difference makes the Matcha Latte V2 more suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel, allowing for extended typing or gaming sessions without as much fatigue. However, the bottom out force of the Matcha Latte V2 is unavailable, making it difficult to assess how it compares to the Silent Ink Black's bottom out force of 70 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. For those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, the heavier Silent Ink Black may be the preferred option due to its more pronounced tactile feedback when bottoming out. In summary, the lighter Huano Matcha Latte V2 is ideal for users looking for a quick and responsive keystroke, while the heavier Gateron Silent Ink Black offers a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, a distinct difference emerges. The Matcha Latte V2 features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Ink Black has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Matcha Latte V2 the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times and a more responsive feel. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more pronounced tactile experience for those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding the desired balance of responsiveness and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 Matcha Latte V2 switch provides a delicately subtle auditory experience, producing a pleasant yet understated noise when typing. This makes it suitable for environments where a little sound is acceptable but not overpowering. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch excels in providing a muted acoustic profile, engineered specifically to minimize noise. This design is perfect for those who primarily type in quieter settings, as it significantly reduces the typist’s auditory footprint, making it suitable for shared spaces or during late-night sessions.
When it comes to feel, the Matcha Latte V2 switch offers a smooth and comfortable typing experience, featuring a light actuation force while delivering a satisfying bottom-out sensation. It strikes a harmonious balance, allowing for enjoyable prolonged typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black provides a luxurious typing feel described as both silky and polished. This switch ensures a refined, smooth travel that minimizes any resistance during keystrokes while also achieving a plush, cushion-like bottom-out—ideal for users who favor a soft touch with zero disruption.
In conclusion, while both switches serve different user preferences, they each provide unique benefits. The Matcha Latte V2 is optimal for those who enjoy a soft typing sound with a well-rounded feel, while the Silent Ink Black caters to the needs of typists looking for a quieter option with a luxurious touch. If you're seeking a balance of sound and feel, either can provide a delightful typing experience, and your ultimate choice will likely depend on your specific environment and sensitivities regarding noise and tactile response.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches ultimately comes down to your typing environment and personal preferences. If you value a lightweight and smooth linear experience with a subtle yet satisfying bottom-out feel, the Matcha Latte V2 is likely your best choice. This switch’s combination of generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble makes it an excellent option for users seeking a reliable and enjoyable typing experience, especially if they work in quieter settings or don’t mind some sound during key presses. On the other hand, if you're in a noise-sensitive environment, such as an office or shared space, the Silent Ink Black would be more suitable for you. Its muted sound and cushy, polished typing feel are designed to minimize audio feedback, allowing for quiet operation without sacrificing comfort. Additionally, the heavier actuation force may cater to those who prefer a more deliberate typing style. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a smooth, lightweight experience or a quieter, slightly firmer feel when selecting your mechanical keyboard switches.
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