Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Gazzew U4Tx offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Matcha Latte V2 is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness, providing a linear typing experience that balances lightness with a solid bottom-out feel, making it an ideal choice for those who favor a quick and uninterrupted keystroke. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble further enhance the overall performance, delivering premium quality at an accessible price point. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx captivates enthusiasts with its cleverly engineered blend of tactile feedback and acoustic refinement. The U4Tx switch offers a unique typing experience, highlighted by a satisfying tactile bump and an impressive sound profile—a deep "thock" when bottoming out combined with a muted whisper at the top, making it a great choice for users who enjoy a more engaging typing experience. While both switches deliver exceptional performance, they cater to different typing styles and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Gazzew U4Tx switches, one can note both similarities and distinctions that influence their performance characteristics. The Matcha Latte V2 employs a POK top housing, which is recognized for its superior smoothness and exceptional durability when compared to alternative materials like nylon and POM. Its coefficient of friction is relatively low, contributing to a seamless typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx utilizes a proprietary blend often referred to as "boba plastic" for its top housing, which may offer a smoother texture but is fundamentally designed for producing a distinctive sound profile rather than focusing primarily on friction. Both materials promise to deliver a smooth typing experience, yet they achieve this through different priorities in their structural makeup.
Examining the bottom housing reveals a more noticeable parallel between the two switches. Both the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and Gazzew U4Tx feature nylon and Gazzew's proprietary soft plastic blend, respectively, as their bottom housing materials. Nylon is a classic and reliable choice known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributed to its softer and sound-absorbing properties. The U4Tx’s bottom housing, while constructed from a proprietary blend, shares the same goal of providing a rich sound profile due to its similar soft nature. This similarity suggests that both switches will exhibit comparable auditory qualities when bottoming out, allowing users of either switch to appreciate a satisfying and rounded sound.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials—POK for the Matcha Latte V2 and the proprietary Gazzew blend for the U4Tx—will deliver diverse tactile experiences particularly when releasing keys, as they influence the upper sound profile when letting go. However, the shared characteristics of the bottom housings lead to similar acoustic properties during typing action, creating an intriguing blend of distinct and overlapping features. Users can expect both switches to offer a pleasurable typing experience, although the nuances in sound and feel will vary based on the specific top housing materials utilized in each model.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, the actuation forces present a notable difference. The Matcha Latte V2 features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it on the lighter side, which can enhance comfort during extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the U4Tx's actuation force remains unspecified. However, its bottom out force of 62.5 grams indicates a more substantial resistance when fully depressed, suggesting a heavier overall feel. This discrepancy may attract users who prefer a tactile and denser typing experience. While the Matcha Latte is clearly lighter due to its known actuation force, without an available actuation force for the U4Tx, it's difficult to draw a direct comparison regarding the overall feel without additional data for the tactile switch. Nevertheless, the heavier bottom out force of the U4Tx could imply a firmer switch overall for users who appreciate that characteristic, while the lighter actuation of the Matcha Latte V2 is advantageous for those desiring reduced finger strain over long periods.
Travel distance
Both the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning they offer the same distance from the top to the bottom when pressed. This similarity ensures that users will experience consistent keypress feedback and actuation depth with either switch. Since both switches have the same travel distance, one can expect similar performance in terms of how far each key travels when pressed, making them comparable options for keyboard enthusiasts who prioritize travel distance in their typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 comes in at $3.99, whereas the Gazzew U4Tx comes in at $6.50.
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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Matcha Latte V2 switches are designed for a smooth linear typing experience, which typically translates to a quieter and more unobtrusive auditory profile. These switches have a more subdued sound signature, making them ideal for users who prefer a less distracting environment. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx switches produce a richer and more dynamic acoustic experience. They deliver a deep, resonant “thock” upon bottoming out, complemented by a muted sound when they are topped out, creating a bolder auditory landscape. The U4Tx's deeper bassy notes combined with its whisper-quiet characteristics emphasize a more sophisticated sound, appealing to typists who enjoy the auditory feedback of their keystrokes.
In terms of feel, the Matcha Latte V2 switches excel at providing a light yet solid typing experience, characterized by a smooth keypress with minimal resistance and an agreeable bottom-out sensation. The generous factory lubrication further enhances this fluid feel, allowing for minimal stem wobble, which contributes to an overall pleasant typing experience. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx switches are marked by their sharp tactile feedback, providing an unmistakable and crisp bump with each keypress. This prompt tactile response is a defining feature, pleasing those who appreciate a distinct feel from their switches and require a high level of tactile satisfaction during typing sessions.
In conclusion, while both the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and Gazzew U4Tx switches offer unique experiences, they cater to different preferences in sound and tactile feedback. The Matcha Latte V2 appeals to those valuing a smooth and quiet linear feel, while the U4Tx excites with its pronounced tactile response and rich acoustic profile. Ultimately, choosing between the two serves to highlight the user's personal typing style; if you favor a more subdued experience, the Matcha Latte V2 is the way to go, whereas if you relish pronounced feedback and sound, the U4Tx is sure to satisfy.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and needs. If you favor a smooth and consistent linear experience, characterized by a light touch and minimal resistance, the Matcha Latte V2 would be ideal for you. This switch's generous lubrication and relatively low bottom-out force will offer you a quiet and silky typing experience, making it perfect for extended typing sessions or gaming where rapid key presses are beneficial. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile experience with auditory feedback, the Gazzew U4Tx switch is designed to delight you. With its medium bottom-out force and distinct sharp tactile bump, this switch not only provides a satisfying feel but also produces a rich "thock" sound upon bottoming out, striking a balance between a robust acoustic profile and quiet operation when typing lightly. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how you prioritize smoothness versus tactility in your typing experience.
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