TTC Flaming Pink vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the smoothness of linear switches like the TTC Flaming Pink and the tactile feedback offered by the KTT Matcha. The Flaming Pink switches are celebrated for their silky feel and satisfying bottom-out sound, making them an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prefer a seamless typing experience without the distraction of a click. Their sound profile strikes a balance, providing a bright yet unobtrusive auditory feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switches shine for their distinctly tactile sensation, delivering a snappy feel with each keystroke that many users crave for a more engaging typing experience. The Matcha's long pole stem not only enhances the tactile feedback but also contributes to a clean and pleasant bottom-out sound, catering to those who enjoy a little more character in their typing sounds. While both switches have their unique appeals—whether it’s the Flaming Pink's smoothness or the Matcha's tactile nature—it's essential to consider your typing style and preferences. 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
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Pink and KTT Matcha switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a consistent sonic profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. This shared material choice leads to a higher-pitched and crisper sound that resonates well during key presses. The translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances the aesthetic appeal, particularly in setups featuring RGB lighting, but also guarantees that both switches will deliver similar visual effects when illuminated. A clear housing often suggests the use of polycarbonate, making it a widely preferred option for enthusiasts aiming for both performance and style in their keyboard constructions.
However, the two switches diverge significantly in their bottom housing materials. The Flaming Pink's nylon bottom housing imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer and sound-absorbing characteristics. This leads to a more muted, rounder tonal quality, which contrasts with the Matcha's polycarbonate bottom housing that reinforces the crisp sound originally established by its top housing. While the Matcha maintains a sharp, resonant tonal quality throughout the key press, the Flaming Pink balances this with the richness of its nylon construction, resulting in a more complex auditory experience when typing.
Ultimately, the structural differences in the bottom housing between the two switches heavily influence their overall sound and feel. The Flaming Pink’s nylon provides a softer feel and a dampened sound during bottom-out, while the Matcha’s entirely polycarbonate build yields a consistent sharpness both when pressed and released. Thus, users can expect distinct auditory experiences from each switch, despite the shared polycarbonate top housing. These unique characteristics ensure that, even though both switches share the same material for the upper portion, their overall performance reflects their individual bottom housing materials, leading to varied outcomes in tactile feedback and auditory response.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, both switches exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. The Flaming Pink has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Matcha features a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Consequently, the Matcha switch is the lighter option, offering a softer press and requiring less effort to actuate. In contrast, the Flaming Pink switch, while still light, provides a slightly heavier push that some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. Overall, both switches will yield similar tactile feedback but cater to slightly different typing preferences—those who appreciate a lighter feel might lean toward the Matcha, whereas those seeking a bit more resistance may find the Flaming Pink more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, the Flaming Pink measures 3.6 mm while the Matcha has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference indicates that the Flaming Pink switch offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive keystroke. On the other hand, the Matcha's 4 mm travel provides a more substantial depth, potentially offering a more satisfying tactile feel for those who prefer a heartier typing experience. Consequently, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Flaming Pink would be the better choice, whereas the Matcha is ideal for users who appreciate a deeper travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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.
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 TTC Flaming Pink linear switch is characterized by a bright yet not overly loud sound profile, which contributes to a pleasant typing experience without being distracting. The sound it produces upon bottom-out is satisfying, striking a balance between a smooth actuation and a subtle auditory feedback that many users find ideal for both gaming and daily typing tasks. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha tactile switch offers a clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that is crisp, bright, and percussive. This distinct sound quality is accentuated by its long pole stem, which aids in generating a clean bottom-out noise. While both switches have their unique auditory signatures, the Flaming Pink leans toward a more subdued sound, while the Matcha focuses on providing a more pronounced, lively click.
Regarding feel, the Flaming Pink switch is known for its smooth and responsive character, which enables seamless key presses without any noticeable bump or resistance. This makes it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a linear feel that supports fluidity during fast-paced gaming or typing sessions. In contrast, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is celebrated for its comfortable, snappy tactility. It features a stepped mechanism that provides a noticeable tactile bump, allowing for a distinct but not overwhelming sensation. This switch strikes a balance between being snappy and precise, ensuring an engaging experience while typing. With its accented touch and light press, the Matcha creates an enjoyable feedback that many users find satisfying for extended use, contrasting with the smoothness of the Flaming Pink.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flaming Pink and KTT Matcha switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Flaming Pink excels in providing a smooth and muted auditory experience integrated with a responsive feel, making it suitable for a variety of tasks without being intrusive. In contrast, the Matcha shines with its crisp clack and pronounced tactile feedback, appealing to those who enjoy a dynamic and engaging typing experience. While they offer different sensory experiences, both switches can facilitate a pleasant overall typing experience depending on what the user values most in their mechanical keyboard. Ultimately, the choice will hinge on whether one prefers the linear smoothness of the Flaming Pink or the tactile feedback of the Matcha.
Conclusion
To sum up, when you’re deciding between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, your choice should align with your specific typing preferences and typical usage scenarios. If you appreciate a smooth, responsive feel and are looking for a versatile switch that excels in both gaming and daily typing tasks, then the Flaming Pink would be the ideal choice. Its light actuation force and satisfying sound profile make it particularly enjoyable for those who favor a seamless and fluid typing experience. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile feedback that enhances your typing precision, the KTT Matcha is the way to go. Its snappy and comfortable tactile bump can provide that satisfying feedback during typing, making it perfect for those who want a bit more engagement with each keystroke. Furthermore, if you find yourself typing in shared spaces or need a quieter option, the Matcha’s distinctly clean bottom-out sound paired with its subtle tactility can be very appealing. Ultimately, your decision hinges on whether you prioritize the smoothness and versatility of the Flaming Pink or the tactile feedback and snappiness of the Matcha.