Huano Matcha Latte V2 vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, your choice can significantly impact your typing experience, and two compelling options are the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Gateron Weightlessness. The Matcha Latte V2 excels with its smooth, linear feel, providing a subtle typing experience that strikes an ideal balance between lightness and a solid bottom-out sensation. Enhanced by generous factory lubrication and minimal wobble, this switch promises a premium linear performance that's accessible to many users. In stark contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness caters to those who prefer a tactile experience. With its subtle to moderate tactile feedback, it offers a satisfying sensation with each keystroke, complemented by a balanced sound profile that adds to the overall typing pleasure. While the Matcha Latte V2 is perfect for users who seek a seamless and smooth typing experience, the Weightlessness caters to those who enjoy a bit more feedback and engagement with their keys. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 and the Gateron Weightlessness, it is essential to focus on their top housing compositions. The Matcha Latte V2 utilizes POK material, known for its low friction coefficient of 0.04 which allows for a smoother keystroke compared to Gateron's Nylon, which typically exhibits a friction coefficient of 0.03. Although Nylon from Gateron is widely recognized for producing a satisfying and deep sound profile, the POK material excels in durability and shock resistance, significantly enhancing the lifespan of the switches. This distinction ultimately influences the overall typing experience, with the Matcha Latte V2 offering a more robust and stable keystroke and the Weightlessness embodying a richer acoustic quality.
Both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, which means they will share similar characteristics regarding sound absorption and acoustic profile. Nylon's softer structure permits it to absorb sound better than harder materials, resulting in a fuller, richer sound when typing. As both the Matcha Latte V2 and the Gateron Weightlessness utilize nylon in this context, users can expect a comparable auditory feedback when bottoming out. This shared use of nylon partakes in creating a more pleasant typing experience, as the material dampens the noise and delivers a rounder acoustic signature prevalent among mechanical switch enthusiasts.
The differing materials used for the top housing in the Matcha Latte V2 and the Weightlessness leads to a contrast in their tactile feedback and overall feel. The friction-resisting properties of POK versus the softer touch of nylon in Gateron results in diverse experiences during typing. While the Matcha Latte V2 provides a snappier, more responsive feel due to its lower coefficient of friction, the Weightlessness offers a cushier, softer engage, promoting a unique tactile feedback. Ultimately, while both switches deliver satisfying sound and texture through their bottom housings, the top housing materials create unique qualities that cater to varying preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Matcha Latte V2 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Weightlessness requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This means that those who prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions or gaming might find the Matcha Latte V2 more comfortable. However, the Weightlessness may appeal to users looking for a more substantial feel due to its higher actuation force. Unfortunately, both switches have unspecified bottom out forces, making it impossible to draw any conclusions about how they perform when fully depressed. Overall, for users prioritizing a lighter touch, the Matcha Latte V2 would be the better choice, while those seeking a heavier push experience would likely prefer the Weightlessness.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, a clear distinction arises. The Matcha Latte V2 features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Weightlessness has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Weightlessness the more responsive option, appealing particularly to gamers who value quick actions. On the other hand, the Matcha Latte V2 offers more depth in its travel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, your choice would depend on whether you favor the rapid response of the shorter switch or the more substantial feel of the longer switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 switches are characterized by their muted auditory profile, delivering a quiet typing experience that is favored in office settings or shared environments. The gentle linear movement results in minimal noise, which can be appealing for users who prefer a subtle sound while typing. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness switches produce a sound that balances light tactile feedback with a relatively soft auditory feedback, making them less intrusive than other tactile switches. The moderate sound produced complements the tactile experience without overwhelming the overall typing ambiance, thus both switches favor quieter environments, although their sound profiles may differ slightly based on the specific build configuration.
When considering feel, the Matcha Latte V2 excels with its smooth, linear operation that provides a pleasingly light touch and a solid bottom-out sensation. This translates to an effortless typing experience, ideal for those who favor rapid key presses without distractions from tactile bumps. In contrast, the Weightlessness switches offer a subtle to moderate tactile sensation, making the typing experience more engaging without being overly pronounced. The tactile bump provides feedback that is noticeable yet not disruptive, catering to users who enjoy a slight resistance as they actuate their keys. While the Matcha Latte V2 favors a seamless glide, the Weightlessness adds a layer of tactile interaction, accommodating different typing preferences.
In conclusion, both the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch present unique characteristics that cater to distinct typing styles. The Matcha Latte V2 is best for those who appreciate a quiet, smooth experience with minimal interruption, making it excellent for fast, uninterrupted typing. Meanwhile, the Weightlessness switch appeals to users looking for a mild tactile feedback without excessive noise. Ultimately, whether you prefer the gliding feel of the Matcha Latte V2 or the gentle tactile response of the Weightlessness, both switches offer quality performance that can elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Matcha Latte V2 linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you favor a smooth, linear experience with minimal resistance and enjoy the feeling of a lightly weighted keystroke that provides a solid bottom-out, the Matcha Latte V2 would be an excellent choice. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize a fluid and consistent typing motion, such as programmers or writers who spend long hours at the keyboard. On the other hand, if you seek a more tactile experience that allows you to feel each key press without it being overly pronounced, the Weightlessness switch is more suited to your needs. It offers a delightful tactile bump that enhances your typing experience, making it preferable for users who appreciate feedback from their keys. Additionally, the balanced sound profile of the Weightlessness may be more appealing in quieter environments or office settings. By considering how you like to type and what you value in a switch, you can make an informed decision that will enhance your overall keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
