Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, you have some interesting options to consider. The Keygeek Raw stands out for its unique material blend, combining Nylon and UMPE in the top housing and UMPE with a hint of Silicon in the bottom. This results in a creamy yet lightweight feel, perfect for enthusiasts who enjoy hand-lubing their switches. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha offers a comfortable and snappy tactility when typing, along with a clean bottom-out sound thanks to its long pole stem. While the Keygeek Raw is categorized as textured, mild, neutral, and subtle, the Matcha is described as stepped, snappy, accented, clacky, feathery, and subtle. 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
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Keygeek Raw and the KTT Matcha both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile and aesthetic of the switches. The Keygeek Raw utilizes a Nylon & UPE blend for its top housing, while the Matcha uses polycarbonate. While both materials offer a clear housing option for RGB lighting, the polycarbonate top housing of the Matcha creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Keygeek Raw's blend. However, both switches provide a crisp and resonant sound due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate and the exclusive blend used in the Keygeek Raw.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Keygeek Raw boasts a UMPE & Si blend, while the KTT Matcha features a polycarbonate bottom housing. Both materials contribute to the overall feel and sound of the switches, with the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Matcha also creating a sharper, crisper sound profile similar to its top housing. The Keygeek Raw's exclusive blend adds its own unique properties to the switch, providing a different tactile experience for users. Both switches benefit from the stiffness of their respective bottom housing materials, enhancing the overall performance and feel of the switches.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall switch experience, it is clear that each material brings its own distinct qualities to the table. The bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed, while the top housing material influences the sound when a key is released. Both the Keygeek Raw and the KTT Matcha showcase the importance of housing materials in creating a unique and enjoyable typing experience, with each switch offering its own blend of materials to cater to different preferences and needs of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the Keygeek Raw linear switch to the KTT Matcha tactile switch, there are notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The Keygeek Raw has an actuation force of None grams, providing a smooth typing experience without a specific force required to trigger a keystroke, while its bottom out force is 57.5 grams, offering a medium level of resistance when fully pressing the key down. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha has an actuation force of 40 grams, requiring a light touch to initiate a keystroke, and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is also on the lighter side. This makes the Matcha switch lighter overall, making it a preferred choice for those looking for a more effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the Keygeek Raw provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier bottom out force, while the KTT Matcha offers a lighter touch for smoother and easier typing.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the KTT Matcha tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Keygeek Raw would provide a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster reaction speed. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switch with its longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying and deliberate key press for those who prefer a deeper actuation feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is known for its clacky sound, providing a sharp and percussive typing experience. The sound produced by both switches will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switch offers a mild and subtle tactile experience with a slightly textured feel, making it a versatile choice for many users. In contrast, the KTT Matcha switch provides a stepped, snappy, and accented tactile feel, offering a more pronounced tactile response with distinct stages during typing. Additionally, the Matcha switch is described as feathery, requiring minimal exertion and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Overall, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Keygeek Raw provides a neutral sound profile and a mild, textured feel, the Matcha switch delivers a clacky sound and a more pronounced, snappy tactile feel. Depending on personal preference and typing requirements, users can choose between these two switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their specific needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a unique material blend that provides a slightly textured feel and is perfect for enthusiasts who prefer to hand-lube their switches, then the Keygeek Raw linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a comfortable, snappy tactility and a clean bottom-out sound, the KTT Matcha switch would be the better option. Consider the Keygeek Raw for a medium bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, while the Matcha offers a light bottom out force and a clacky sound profile. In terms of feel, the Keygeek Raw offers a textured and mild typing experience, while the Matcha provides a stepped and snappy feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for material, sound, and feel when choosing between these two switches.
Mentioned in this article
