TTC Flame Red vs. KTT Matcha

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flame Red and KTT Matcha offer two distinct options with their own unique features and qualities. Starting with the Flame Red, it is renowned for its stunning visual appeal, particularly its dazzling light diffuser that makes it the perfect choice for those who have a backlit, RGB keyboard. Typing on the Flame Reds provides a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, giving users a satisfying tactile experience. Additionally, its categorized as "Neutral", "Mild", and "Polished," emphasizing the refined nature of this linear switch. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha is an exceptional example of a tactile switch, offering a comfortable and snappy tactility when typing. Its long pole stem facilitates a clean bottom-out sound, elevating the overall typing experience. Categorized as "Stepped", "Snappy", "Accented", "Clacky", "Feathery", and "Subtle," the Matcha switch provides a unique blend of characteristics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your individual needs and preferences.

By the numbers

TTC Flame Red Linear

KTT Matcha Tactile

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

$5.20

$4.88 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the KTT Matcha, specifically their top housings, differ significantly. The Flame Red's nylon top housing absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Matcha's polycarbonate top housing is stiffer, creating a sharper and crisper sound with a higher pitch. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for switches featuring RGB lighting. Despite their differences, both materials contribute to the overall sound experience of the switches, albeit in different ways. Whether you prefer a round and dull sound or a clear and resonant sound, these two housing materials offer distinct options depending on your auditory preferences.

Similarly, the bottom housings of the Flame Red and Matcha switches display contrasting characteristics. The nylon bottom housing of the Flame Red, like its top housing, provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softness and increased sound absorption. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Matcha contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile with higher pitch. Just like their top counterparts, the bottom housings differ in the type of sound they produce. However, when pressing down on the switch, the impact and resulting sound will be influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing. Conversely, when releasing a key, the sound will be more influenced by the characteristics of the top housing. So, while the materials differ, they both play a significant role in the overall sound generation and typing experience.

Despite the differences between the Flame Red and Matcha housing materials, they both offer unique auditory experiences during typing. The nylon and polycarbonate materials have their own advantages and contribute distinctive qualities to the sound profiles of the switches. Each material absorbs and resonates sound differently, resulting in either a fuller and rounder sound or a crisper and more resonant sound. Choosing between the two types depends on your personal preference for sound, whether you prefer the softer and deeper tones of nylon or the sharper and clearer tones of polycarbonate. Regardless of the material used, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Flame Red requires an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Matcha only requires 40 grams, making the Matcha lighter in terms of actuation force. Similarly, the Flame Red has a bottom out force of 54 grams compared to the Matcha's 45 grams, indicating that the Flame Red is heavier when it comes to bottoming out.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Matcha tactile switch would be a suitable choice as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out. This lighter actuation and bottom out force can be beneficial for individuals who type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who favor a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Flame Red linear switch. With its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force, it offers a stronger push, providing a more substantial typing experience.

Overall, the choice between the Flame Red and Matcha switches boils down to personal preference regarding the typing feel. Both switches have their own advantages, and individuals can make a decision based on whether they prefer a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force.

Travel distance

The TTC Flame Red linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch have identical travel distances, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of movement. Both switches offer a comfortable amount of travel distance, allowing users to feel the satisfying feedback of pressing a key. Whether you choose the TTC Flame Red or the KTT Matcha, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Flame Red switch is best known for its dazzling light diffuser, making it the perfect choice for those who prefer a backlit, RGB keyboard. When typing on these switches, users will experience a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Matcha switch offers a comfortable, snappy tactility when typing and produces a distinctly clean bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem.

In terms of sound, the Flame Red switch is described as being neutral, providing a moderate sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of purposes. This makes it a great option for both beginners and advanced users, whether they are using the switches at home or in a work environment. On the other hand, the Matcha switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Flame Red switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. The switch has a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users, as its qualities stand in a safe middle-ground zone. It also has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Matcha switch is described as stepped, providing a tactile experience with two stages. It offers some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving it a more mild feel compared to switches with a large bump. The switch is also known for being snappy and accented, providing a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, it offers a feathery typing experience, requiring little exertion from the fingers and reducing finger fatigue. Lastly, the switch has a subtle resistance and a non-resonant sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces.

In conclusion, the Flame Red and Matcha switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Flame Red has a neutral sound profile with a weighty smoothness and clacky sound, while the Matcha has a clacky sound profile with a clean bottom-out sound. In terms of feel, the Flame Red offers a mild and polished typing experience, while the Matcha provides a stepped, snappy, and accented feel with a feathery and subtle typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on individual preferences and the specific requirements of the user.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, several factors should be considered. If you prioritize visual aesthetics and have a backlit, RGB keyboard, the Flame Red is the clear choice with its dazzling light diffuser. Additionally, the Flame Red offers a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Matcha is favored for its comfortable and snappy tactility, accompanied by a clean bottom-out sound. The Matcha's long pole stem contributes to its unique feel. In terms of sound, the Flame Red is described as neutral, making it suitable for various purposes and environments. Conversely, the Matcha is classified as clacky, producing a sharp and percussive sound. When it comes to feel, the Flame Red offers a mild and polished experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Matcha, however, provides a stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle feel, making it suitable for diverse typing preferences and reducing finger fatigue. Ultimately, your choice between the Flame Red and Matcha switches will depend on your individual preferences in terms of visuals, sound, and feel.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Flame Red Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

Learn more

KTT Matcha Tactile

$5.20

$4.88 per 10

Learn more