Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, both linear switches that provide distinct tactile experiences. The Matcha Latte V2 is celebrated for its smooth and subtly engaging typing experience, striking a harmonious balance between a buoyant feel and a solid bottom-out, thanks to its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a reliable and premium performance at an accessible price. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver excels with its all-POM construction and short travel distance, offering lightning-fast actuation paired with a distinctive thocky sound and unmatched smoothness, ideal for users who prefer a feather-light touch and a low-pitched auditory feedback system. Each switch has its unique strengths, catering to different preferences in both feel and noise profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

Gateron Smoothie Silver Linear

$3.99 per 10

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Gateron Smoothie Silver present an intriguing study in contrasts, particularly in terms of their top housing choices. The Matcha Latte V2 features a top housing made from POK (polyketone), which is known for its exceptional smoothness due to a coefficient of friction of 0.04. This makes it one of the smoother materials available for switch construction. In comparison, the Smoothie Silver's top housing utilizes POM (polyoxymethylene), which, while also offering a smooth experience at a slightly lower coefficient of friction (0.03), brings a distinctively different acoustic profile. The POK material lends a clacky and sharp sensation to the pressing experience, while the POM top housing develops a more muted, deeper sound, showcasing how varied upper housing materials can influence not only tactile feedback but also auditory characteristics.

When examining the bottom housing components, both the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Gateron Smoothie Silver utilize different materials that still highlight their unique characteristics. The Matcha Latte employs a nylon bottom housing, which stands out for its ability to absorb sound and yield a fuller, deeper acoustical profile. This contrasts with the POM bottom housing used in the Smoothie Silver, which is also noted for producing a pleasing and muted sound; however, its inherent hardness may result in a slightly less deep sound than those generated by nylon's softer qualities. The sound dynamics and typing experience derived from the two bottom housing materials underscore how the juxtaposition of softer and harder plastics can significantly modify the overall auditory and tactile responses felt during use.

Ultimately, if both switches display a complementary blend of their respective materials, users can still achieve satisfying performance from both options, albeit in slightly different manners. The contrasting sound profiles of each switch's housing materials affect not only their auditory feedback but also their tactile responses during typing. Users of the Matcha Latte V2 may find the combination of POK and nylon results in a smooth and full sound experience, while users of the Smoothie Silver enjoy a unique and muted sound due to the properties of POM in both the top and bottom housings. Regardless of the differences, both switches exhibit a commitment to producing quality, responsive feel and sound, appealing to those who prioritize tangible typing experiences and distinct auditory feedback.

Weight

The Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch both share the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that users will experience a similar feel when triggering keystrokes across both switches. However, both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to compare how forcefully users would need to press down for a full keystroke. Since both switches have the same actuation force, they can be seen as equally lightweight options in terms of triggering a key, which is advantageous for users who prefer extended typing sessions or gaming marathons without fatigue. However, without a specified bottom out force, the overall typing experience regarding how these switches feel when pressed down fully remains uncertain. Ultimately, whether you choose the Matcha Latte V2 or the Smoothie Silver, expect a similar tactile experience in terms of actuation, with both switches positioned as lighter options for users who prefer less force.

Travel distance

The Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Smoothie Silver the shorter option, providing a quicker response time that many gamers may favor for fast-paced actions. In contrast, the Matcha Latte V2 offers a bit more depth in its travel, which could appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial keystroke. While both switches sit within the current trend of shorter travel distances, the Matcha Latte V2 is better suited for those who prefer a more pronounced key press, whereas the Smoothie Silver aims to deliver a snappier typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference for responsiveness versus depth in keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Matcha Latte V2 is not explicitly described, but it generally leans toward a more subtle auditory experience compared to many other switches. This can imply a more muted or refined sound profile that likely doesn't draw attention away from your typing. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver switch is characterized by its thocky sound, producing a deep and satisfying tone reminiscent of a soft thud upon actuation. This low-pitched quality gives it a bass-heavy presence, contributing to a subdued yet rich auditory signature, ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced sound while typing.

When it comes to feel, the Matcha Latte V2 is often described as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like feedback that enhances the typing experience. This results in a lively response with an effortless rebound upon key release, along with a silky smoothness attributed to its factory lubrication. The Smoothie Silver, on the other hand, is also noted for its creamy texture, delivering a buttery and fluid keystroke experience. The seamless transition of each press offers a uniform typing sensation that feels similarly smooth, which can appeal to users who prefer a lightweight touch.

Overall, both the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches provide distinct yet overlapping experiences for typists. While the Matcha Latte V2 leans towards a more subtle sound and a bouncy feel, the Smoothie Silver stands out with its pronounced thocky sound and ultra-smooth actuation. Both switches feature a creamy feel that ensures a delightful typing experience, making them suitable choices based on your sound and tactile preferences. Whether you prioritize sound or tactile feedback, either switch can deliver satisfying performance, though each has its unique character that may resonate differently with individual users.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches, your choice will largely depend on your typing preferences and intended use. If you gravitate towards a smooth yet tactile experience that balances lightness with a satisfying bottom-out feel, the Matcha Latte V2 may be your go-to option. Ideal for typists who appreciate a bouncy, creamy sensation, this switch can enhance both typing comfort and efficiency, making it excellent for extended writing sessions or general typing tasks. Conversely, if you're looking for speed and responsiveness, the Smoothie Silver is designed for quick actuation, making it optimal for gaming or fast-paced work environments. Its thocky sound profile adds an auditory layer to your keystrokes, creating a rich and fulfilling experience as you type. In essence, choose the Matcha Latte V2 for a more balanced, smooth feel, and the Smoothie Silver if you prioritize rapid response and a pronounced acoustic signature.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Matcha Latte V2 Linear

$3.99 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Smoothie Silver Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn more