KTT Matcha vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Matcha and the Gateron Melodic are two popular options with their own unique characteristics to consider. The Matcha is a tactile switch that offers a comfortable and snappy typing experience, along with a clean bottom-out sound thanks to its long pole stem. On the other hand, the Melodic is a clicky switch from Gateron that brings advancements such as smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems to provide users with a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback without sacrificing smoothness. While the Matcha is known for its stepped and clacky feel, the Melodic is characterized by its buttery and crunchy sensation. 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
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Matcha and the Gateron Melodic both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Melodic stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Matcha's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While the KTT Matcha and Gateron Melodic share the same polycarbonate top housing, they differ in terms of the materials used for their bottom housings. The split between the top and bottom housing materials means that the qualities of each material will impact different aspects of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This highlights the importance of both housing materials in shaping the overall sound profile and tactile feel of the switches.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Matcha and Gateron Melodic comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. The Matcha's polycarbonate top and bottom housing offer a sharp and crisp sound profile, ideal for those looking for a clearer and more resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Melodic's combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, appealing to users who prefer a rounder and duller sound profile. Both switches showcase how housing materials play a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience and sound signature.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch differ in weight. The KTT Matcha has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a light typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic has a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, but its actuation force is unknown, offering a more substantial typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the KTT Matcha, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more robust keystroke may gravitate towards the Gateron Melodic for a heavier push feel. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users will experience the same amount of travel distance. In terms of comparing and contrasting, both switches offer a consistent and comfortable typing experience with the same amount of physical feedback. Therefore, whether you choose the Matcha or the Melodic, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, the Matcha is known for its clacky sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Melodic is described as resonant and crunchy, providing a higher-pitched sound profile with a crisp and sharp tone reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Matcha delivering a cleaner bottom-out sound due to its design and the Melodic offering a classic clicky sound with smooth factory lubing enhancing the overall experience.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Matcha is characterized by its stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle tactile sensations. The switch provides a comfortable and responsive typing experience, with varying levels of tactility for users to enjoy. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic is described as buttery and invigorating, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and snappy feel. Both switches aim to provide a tactile typing sensation, with the Matcha emphasizing a medium level of tactility while the Melodic focuses on a smoother and more uniform typing experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Matcha and Gateron Melodic switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Matcha excels in providing a clean bottom-out sound and a comfortable tactile feedback experience, the Melodic shines in delivering a smooth and invigorating typing sensation. Depending on whether you prefer a sharper, clackier sound with varying levels of tactility or a more buttery, uniform keystroke experience with pronounced feedback, both switches offer excellent options for customizing your mechanical keyboard setup to suit your preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter actuation force, a comfortable and snappy tactile feedback, and a clean bottom-out sound, the Matcha would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium actuation force, a classic clicky sound with smooth factory lubing, and a more immersive typing experience, the Melodic may be the better option. Consider how the sound and feel of each switch align with your preferences and choose the one that best suits your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles, so you can't go wrong with either choice.
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