HMX Hibiscus vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence both the typing experience and overall enjoyment. The HMX Hibiscus switch stands out as a linear option, celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and ultra-light actuation force, making it a dream for those who prioritize speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. With a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound profile, the Hibiscus offers an engaging auditory experience that many users find appealing. In contrast, the KTT Matcha serves as a tactile switch that delivers a comfortable, snappy feedback on each keystroke, ensuring that typists feel a subtle yet satisfying "bump" with each press. The Matcha’s long pole stem contributes to a distinctively clean bottom-out sound, further enhancing the tactile typing experience. While the Hibiscus might be ideal for users looking for uninterrupted speed and smoothness, the Matcha caters to those who appreciate tactile feedback and a satisfying audible response. 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
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T3
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The HMX Hibiscus and KTT Matcha switches showcase distinct differences in their housing materials, with the Hibiscus utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housings, while the Matcha incorporates polycarbonate for its top and bottom housings. The Hibiscus’s nylon construction lends itself to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softness, which absorbs sound effectively. This results in a rounder sound that can be particularly satisfying for users who prefer a more muted auditory experience when typing. The uniformity of nylon in both housings reinforces this sound profile, making the Hibiscus a consistent performer in delivering a rich acoustic feedback.
In contrast, the KTT Matcha employs polycarbonate housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced, leading to a more dynamic typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination effects that are less pronounced in nylon housings. The difference in material not only influences the auditory feedback but also enhances the visual appeal of the Matcha switches, making them a popular choice for enthusiasts seeking both performance and aesthetics.
Despite their differing materials, both switches can achieve an enjoyable typing experience by leveraging the respective characteristics of their housing. The Hibiscus’s nylon can provide a cozy and soft touch, making it suitable for users who appreciate a more traditional feel, while the Matcha’s polycarbonate offers a crispness that can be invigorating for fast typists or gamers. If users seek a balance, mixing and matching these switches in a keyboard could yield interesting results, as they could experience both the rich tones of nylon and the sharper notes of polycarbonate in one setup. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference, with each offering unique sound profiles and tactile sensations that cater to different styles of typing.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, both exhibit light forces that cater to differing preferences for typing experiences. The Hibiscus has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Matcha features a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. As a result, the Matcha is the lighter of the two switches overall, making it a potentially better choice for those who favor longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, despite the differences in force, both switches maintain relatively close specifications, which can provide a similar typing experience for users who prefer a lighter touch. For those who prefer a more substantial feel under their fingers, the Hibiscus, being marginally heavier, may be the more appealing option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, a notable difference emerges. The Hibiscus has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Matcha features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This puts the Hibiscus in the category of shorter travel distances, which might appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, while the Matcha, with its longer travel distance, caters more to those who prefer a deeper, more substantial press. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that offers a more rapid key actuation, the Hibiscus would be the better choice, whereas the Matcha would be advisable for users who enjoy a tactile experience with more pronounced feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Hibiscus switch offers a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that can elevate the auditory experience of typing. This sound is characterized by a sharp, bright, and percussive quality, making each keystroke feel impactful while providing an engaging auditory feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switch produces a distinctly clean bottom-out sound, thanks to its long pole stem. While both switches have unique auditory characteristics, the Matcha leans towards a more refined and controlled sound profile, contrasting with the Hibiscus’s more vibrant and lively acoustics.
In terms of feel, the Hibiscus switch is renowned for its ultra-light actuation force, which makes it particularly smooth and enjoyable to type on. The overall typing experience is geared towards a seamless and effortless keystroke, minimizing finger fatigue. Conversely, the KTT Matcha switch provides a rich tactile experience defined by a snappy and comfortable responsiveness. It features a stepped feel that offers two stages during the keystroke, making it less overwhelming than hypertactile switches while still delivering a satisfying tactile bump. Additionally, the Matcha’s design allows for its snappy, accented nature that feels alive and responsive, making it a pleasure for those who appreciate tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the HMX Hibiscus and KTT Matcha switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Hibiscus is ideal for users who value a more vibrant and clacky auditory experience alongside an ultra-smooth typing surface, while the Matcha appeals to those who prefer a snappier, tactile response with a clean sound. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will depend on whether one prioritizes smoothness and sound dynamics, or a tactile experience with a pronounced yet precise auditory feedback. Regardless of choice, each switch holds the potential to provide a gratifying typing experience, tailored to individual tastes and typing styles.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you desire a smooth, lightweight typing experience that delivers a clacky and crispy sound, the Hibiscus is an excellent choice. Its ultra-light actuation and satisfying auditory feedback can enhance typing enjoyment, making it particularly appealing for those who engage in fast-paced typing or require a seamless experience, such as gamers and writers. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback to guide your keystrokes without feeling overwhelmed, the KTT Matcha is the way to go. Its comfortable snappy tactility allows for a more defined typing experience, ideal for tasks that benefit from feedback during input, like programming or any meticulous writing task. Moreover, if you're in a shared workspace, the Matcha's cleaner bottom-out sound might be less distracting. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and the kind of work or gaming you engage in.
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