TTC Gold Pink vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, two excellent options to consider are the TTC Gold Pink and the KTT Matcha. Although both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, they offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Gold Pink is renowned for its feather-light 37g actuation force, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate fast and effortless typing or gaming. With its clacky sound and buttery feel, this switch delivers a light and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Matcha stands out as a tactile switch with a comfortable and snappy tactility. Its long pole stem ensures a clean bottom-out sound, offering a distinctly satisfying sensation while typing. However, let's take a deeper dive into the characteristics of these switches to help you decide which one best suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Pink and the KTT Matcha have similar housing materials in their top housing as they both use polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar sound and lighting experience due to their polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Gold Pink uses nylon while the Matcha uses polycarbonate. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, polycarbonate in the bottom housing of the Matcha contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. These different materials result in different sound experiences when pressing down on the switches, as the qualities of the bottom housing have more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches benefit from the translucent nature of their polycarbonate top housing. This allows for RGB lighting to shine through and create visually appealing effects. However, they differ in the material used for their bottom housing. While the Gold Pink utilizes nylon, the Matcha sticks with polycarbonate, which does not offer the same level of transparency. This means that the Gold Pink may have a more visually pleasing overall appearance when it comes to RGB lighting.
In summary, the Gold Pink and the Matcha share the use of polycarbonate in their top housing, resulting in similar sound profiles and visual effects with RGB lighting. However, they diverge in the material used for their bottom housing. The Gold Pink's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Matcha's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the Gold Pink may have a more visually appealing appearance due to its translucent nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, we can observe some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Starting with the actuation force, the Gold Pink requires 37 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Matcha requires 40 grams. Both forces are relatively light, allowing for smooth and effortless typing. Similarly, when examining the bottom out force, both switches require 45 grams of force for full depression. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience regarding the bottom out force.
Considering weight as a factor, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch to enable longer periods of typing without fatigue or strain. In this regard, both the Gold Pink and the Matcha can provide a favorable experience due to their light actuation and bottom out forces. These switches would be suitable for prolonged use, such as in office settings or during extended gaming sessions.
However, some users may prefer a stronger and more substantial typing experience, characterized by a heavier and more pronounced push feel. In such cases, it would be necessary to consider options with heavier forces. Unfortunately, the paragraph does not provide information on which switch is lighter or heavier.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel a consistent distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer the same result to the user. Therefore, there is no difference in travel distance between the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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 Gold Pink linear switch is known for its clacky sound, which produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive, providing a satisfying level of feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is described as having a distinctly clean bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem. While the specific sound of the Matcha switch is not mentioned, it can be expected to have a pleasant and satisfying sound based on its clean bottom-out characteristic. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch offers a variety of descriptors including buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. These qualities indicate that the Gold Pink switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users. The light actuation force of the switch also reduces finger fatigue, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch adds to the sleek typing experience by reducing friction and providing smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is described as stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle. These descriptors suggest that the Matcha switch has a mild tactility with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving it a stepped feel. The snappy characteristic of the switch makes the typing experience more responsive and alive. The switch provides a noticeable amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle, resulting in an accented tactile feel. Similar to the Gold Pink switch, the Matcha switch is also feathery, requiring little exertion from the fingers and reducing finger fatigue. The gentle resistance of the switch maintains a light typing feel, and the sound signature is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the Gold Pink linear switch and the Matcha tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Pink provides a clacky sound and a light and lively typing experience, while the Matcha offers a clean bottom-out sound and a comfortable and snappy tactility. Both switches are suitable for rapid typing and gaming. Although specific differences in sound and feel are highlighted, it's important to consider other factors such as board and keycap choices, as they can also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches. However, based on the provided descriptions, users can expect similar results in terms of a satisfying typing experience with both switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and effortless typing experience, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches have a bottom out force of 45 grams, making them one of the lightest switches available. They are designed for rapid typing or gaming, providing a fast and responsive feel. The Gold Pinks also offer a satisfying level of feedback with their clacky sound, adding to the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a clean bottom-out sound, the KTT Matcha switch would be a better fit. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches provide a comfortable and snappy tactility when typing. The Matcha switches also have a variety of descriptors, such as stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle, which contribute to a unique and enjoyable typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch depends on your personal preferences. Consider factors such as the desired typing experience, sound preferences, and any specific features you are looking for. Both switches offer their own benefits and can enhance your overall typing or gaming experience.
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