Kailh Box Royal vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch with a satisfying level of tactility, both the Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Matcha are excellent options to consider. The Box Royal switch is widely regarded for its extremely tactile nature, offering a sharp and binary tactility that is hard to beat. If you prefer a switch with a nearly aggressive tactility, the Box Royals are the perfect choice for you. Additionally, their sound profile tends to be relatively higher pitched, providing a distinct auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switch stands out for its comfortable and snappy tactility, making typing on it a joyous experience. Furthermore, you can look forward to a distinctly clean bottom-out sound, thanks to its long pole stem. The Matcha switch falls under various categories, including stepped, snappy, accented, clacky, feathery, and subtle. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages, however, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Matcha differ in their housing materials, with the Box Royal featuring a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Matcha utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. The use of nylon in the Box Royal results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate housing of the Matcha produces a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. This difference in housing materials ultimately leads to variations in the overall sound experience of the switches.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate housing of the Matcha has an advantage as it is see-through, allowing for the use of RGB lighting. This makes the Matcha an excellent choice for those seeking a switch that offers a visually appealing experience with customizable lighting effects. On the other hand, the Box Royal's nylon housing lacks translucency, which may not be as suitable for those who prioritize RGB lighting in their keyboard setup.
While the top and bottom housings of the Box Royal and the Matcha differ, it is essential to note that they both offer unique qualities that contribute to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing, which has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, benefits from the qualities of the housing material used. The softer nylon bottom housing of the Box Royal creates a duller and rounder sound, while the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Matcha results in a clearer and resonant sound. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the sound profile of each switch will be influenced by both the top and bottom housing materials employed.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal and the KTT Matcha differ in their housing materials, with nylon being used in the Box Royal and polycarbonate in the Matcha. This variance in materials leads to distinct sound profiles, with the Box Royal offering a deeper and fuller sound, and the Matcha delivering a sharper and crisper sound. The Matcha's polycarbonate housing also provides the advantage of translucency, allowing for stunning RGB lighting effects. While the top and bottom housing materials influence different aspects of the typing experience, the overall sound profile of each switch will be determined by a combination of both housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, we see some noticeable differences. The Box Royal has an actuation force of 45 grams, slightly heavier than the Matcha's 40 grams. This means that it requires a bit more force to trigger a keystroke on the Box Royal. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Box Royal is 70 grams, while the Matcha requires only 45 grams to fully press down. This indicates that the Box Royal provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Matcha offers a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing experience. Depending on personal preference, the lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Matcha may be preferable for those who desire a keyboard that allows them to type for longer periods of time without straining their fingers. On the other hand, the Box Royal's heavier forces might be ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile and satisfying keystroke. In either case, both switches offer unique experiences, catering to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Matcha tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Matcha switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box Royal switch. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional, while a distance of 3.0 mm is more shallow. Gamers commonly prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, as it allows them to register keystrokes more quickly. If you prioritize responsiveness, opting for the Box Royal switch with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a switch with more depth. In such cases, the Matcha switch with its longer travel distance would be a suitable option. Both switches offer unique characteristics, catering to different preferences and needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
The Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25 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
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is known for its sharp, binary tactility, providing a nearly aggressive press feel. This switch has a relatively higher pitched sound profile, which produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha tactile switch offers a comfortable, snappy tactility. It has a stepped feel, which means it has two stages of tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The Matcha switch also has a distinct clean bottom-out sound, thanks to its long pole stem. The sound profile of the Matcha switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. It is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Based on the available information, the Box Royal and Matcha switches provide different tactile and auditory experiences. The Box Royal is characterized by its sharp tactility and higher pitched sound, making it suitable for those who prefer an aggressive feel and a sharp, crisp sound. On the other hand, the Matcha switch offers a comfortable, snappy tactility with a stepped feel and a distinct clacky sound. It is important to consider personal preferences and typing needs when choosing between these two switches. If you enjoy a strong and binary tactile experience with a higher pitched sound, the Box Royal may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a more comfortable and snappy tactile feel with a clacky sound, the Matcha switch would be a great option. Remember to take into account other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps to optimize the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a keyboard switch with aggressive tactility and a higher pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is the perfect choice for you. These switches provide a sharp and binary tactility, making each keypress feel distinct and intense. Additionally, the Box Royal has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which adds a medium-heavy feel to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more comfortable and snappy tactility, along with a clean bottom-out sound, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, the Matcha switch offers a lighter typing feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Moreover, the Matcha switch has a stepped feel, meaning it provides a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for tactility, sound profile, and typing feel.
Mentioned in this article
