Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Gateron Smoothie

Overview

When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Gateron Smoothie stand out as two popular linear options, each appealing to different typing preferences. The Matcha Latte V2 is celebrated for its smooth and subtle typing experience, striking a harmonious balance between lightness and a satisfying bottom-out feel, enhanced by generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking premium linear performance at an accessible price point. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie pushes the boundaries of quality without breaking the bank, featuring an all-POM construction that delivers a thocky sound signature alongside remarkable smoothness and a lightweight touch. While the Matcha Latte V2 is ideal for users who appreciate a refined and balanced feel, the Smoothie caters to those who prefer a punchy auditory experience and buttery action. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your unique typing style.

By the numbers

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

Gateron Smoothie Linear

$3.99 per 10

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Gateron Smoothie utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly affects the overall sound and feel of each switch. The Matcha Latte V2 boasts a POK top housing that is renowned for its smoothness, owing to its low coefficient of friction at 0.04. This high level of smoothness makes the key feel more responsive and ensures a satisfying actuation. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie's top housing is made from POM, which, while smooth, has a slightly higher friction coefficient at 0.03. However, POM is also known for producing a distinct sound profile that is deeper and more muted, setting it apart from the crisper sound produced by the POK material in the Matcha Latte V2. Therefore, while both switches provide a smooth typing experience, the distinct differences in their housing materials lead to varied acoustic characteristics that can cater to different user preferences.

On the other hand, both the Matcha Latte V2 and the Smoothie utilize POM for their bottom housings, which creates a consistency in how they deliver sound and typing feedback. The nylon bottom housing of the Matcha Latte is recognized for producing a fuller, deeper sound, as it's a softer material that absorbs sound vibrations, leading to a muted acoustic experience. The Smoothie’s POM bottom housing, while likely producing a satisfying sound, does not achieve the same depth, giving a relatively more distinct tone that harmonizes with its top POM housing. This duality illustrates how the bottom housing contributes considerably to the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed. Consequently, the Matcha Latte V2's use of nylon enhances its sound profile through a rounder tone compared to the nuances provided by the POM.

Ultimately, despite the differences in sound profiles and the top housing materials, both switches can yield similar results owing to their shared bottom housing material. This shared POM composition in both switches indicates a level of consistency in the tactile experience when the switch bottoms out, ensuring that they remain satisfying for users. Because the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out feel and sound, the presence of POM in both models allows for comparable performance in that regard. Nevertheless, users will notice differences in the resonance and overall experience when releasing keys, primarily due to the contrasting top housing materials between the Matcha Latte V2 and the Gateron Smoothie, showcasing the nuanced interplay between housing materials in mechanical switches.

Weight

The Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch each have distinct actuation forces that cater to different user preferences. The Matcha Latte V2 requires an actuation force of 45 grams, making it the heavier option compared to the Smoothie, which has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This difference means that users who prefer a heavier typing experience may gravitate towards the Matcha Latte V2, while those who favor a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions might find the Smoothie more appealing. Both switches have their bottom out forces listed as unknown, preventing a direct comparison on that front. However, their actuation forces indicate that users seeking a lighter feel will likely prefer the Gateron Smoothie for less fatigue during prolonged use, while those desiring a more substantial feedback will opt for the Matcha Latte V2.

Travel distance

Both the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making their travel distances equal. As a result, users can expect a similar experience when pressing down on a key for both switches. This uniformity in travel distance suggests that those who prefer a consistent actuation feel across their keyboard will find both options satisfying.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound characteristics, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 offers a pleasant yet undefined auditory profile, which likely leans toward a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie is well-known for its distinctly thocky sound signature, producing a deep, rich sound that conveys a satisfying tactile response. This switch generates low-pitched tones, adding a bass-heavy, mellow quality to your keystrokes. The Smoothie also features a subdued character, resulting in a dampened sound compared to louder switches, but still more pronounced than what one might expect from the Matcha Latte V2.

Regarding the tactile experience, the Matcha Latte V2 delivers a smooth and subtle linear typing experience, likely characterized by lightness coupled with a solid bottom-out feel, although its specific tactile feedback isn’t detailed. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie excels in providing an incredibly smooth execution of each keystroke, described as buttery, creamy, and silky. This exceptional smoothness is attributed to both its lubrication and the POM material used, ensuring that typing feels effortless, akin to gliding your fingers across the keys.

In summary, while both switches promise a linear typing experience, they cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. The Matcha Latte V2 seems to prioritize a more understated sound with a pleasingly balanced feel, whereas the Gateron Smoothie emphasizes sound clarity and a smooth, luxurious keystroke. If you lean towards a quieter but still enjoyable typing experience, the Matcha Latte V2 may be suitable for you. Alternatively, for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback and an exceptionally smooth typing session, the Smoothie will likely deliver the desired results. Ultimately, both switches provide quality options regardless of your preferred typing style, making them each a valuable choice in the mechanical keyboard realm.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Gateron Smoothie largely depends on your personal preferences regarding typing feel and sound. If you appreciate a smooth and balanced typing experience with solid bottom-out feedback, and you're looking for a switch that feels refined and slightly lighter, the Matcha Latte V2 could be your ideal choice. Its factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble ensure a premium linear performance, making it suitable for both casual typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more thocky sound profile combined with a buttery feel, the Gateron Smoothie may be the right switch for you, especially if you prefer a lighter touch and a deeper audio experience while typing. Its creamy and silky keystrokes create a delightful tactile journey, making it particularly enjoyable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, consider what aspects of a switch matter the most to you—whether it's the acoustics or the typing experience—before making your final decision.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$3.99 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn more