KTT Matcha vs. SP-Star Meteor White

Overview

The KTT Matcha and the SP-Star Meteor White are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct typing experiences. The Matcha is a tactile switch that provides a comfortable and snappy tactility, making typing on it a joy. Additionally, it produces a clean bottom-out sound thanks to its long pole stem. On the other hand, the Meteor White is a linear switch known for its subdued and gentle typing feel. It is easy to push and has a soft, pitter-patter sound profile. While both switches offer unique characteristics, the Matcha leans towards a more tactile and pronounced typing experience, while the Meteor White provides a softer and gentler feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific needs.

By the numbers

KTT Matcha Tactile

SP-Star Meteor White Linear

$5.20

$4.88 per 10

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Matcha and the SP-Star Meteor White differ in terms of their composition and the resulting sound profiles. The Matcha features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that allows for a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Meteor White utilizes a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound profile. Therefore, if you prioritize a sharper and more defined sound, the Matcha's polycarbonate top housing would be the preferable choice, while if you prefer a deeper and fuller sound, the Meteor White's nylon top housing would be more suitable.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Matcha features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which similarly creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. As mentioned earlier, the stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Conversely, the Meteor White utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, when pressing down on the switch, you will feel the qualities of the bottom housing, with the Matcha offering a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound and feel, while the Meteor White provides a deeper and more resonant bottom-out experience.

Overall, while the KTT Matcha and the SP-Star Meteor White may have different housing materials for both the top and bottom, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. If you prioritize a sharper and more precise sound, the Matcha with its polycarbonate housing would be a better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and fuller sound, the Meteor White's nylon housing would be more suitable. It's important to consider these characteristics when selecting a switch, as they will have a direct impact on the overall sound and feel of your typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it becomes apparent that the Matcha has a lighter feel. The Matcha requires an actuation force of 40 grams, which is suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Meteor White's actuation force is unavailable, suggesting that it may be heavier than the Matcha. However, the Matcha has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In comparison, the Meteor White's bottom out force is 57 grams, which falls into the medium-light category. It is worth noting that if the actuation force of the Meteor White is similar to or lighter than the Matcha, the typing experience in terms of triggering a keystroke can be expected to yield similar results. However, for those who prioritize weight as a factor in their switch selection, the Matcha offers a lighter option, while the Meteor White provides a slightly heavier alternative.

Travel distance

The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard switch. In the case of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is known for its clean and crisp bottom-out sound. This is attributed to its long pole stem, which creates a distinct sound that can be described as clacky. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a gentle and pitter-patter sound profile. This switch is more subdued and neutral in sound, with a thocky characteristic that produces a deep and satisfying sound. It is important to note that the sound of both switches can be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Overall, if a clacky sound is desired, the Matcha switch would provide that sharp and snappy sound, while the Meteor White switch offers a more neutral and thocky sound profile.

In terms of feel, the KTT Matcha switch provides a stepped, snappy, and accented tactile experience. With a stepped switch, users can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, resulting in a mildly tactile sensation. Additionally, the snappy characteristic of the Matcha switch makes it highly responsive, enhancing the typing experience. The accented feature of the Matcha switch provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. A mild switch offers a gentle typing experience without pronounced characteristics, making it approachable and comfortable for most users. The polished characteristic indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In terms of feel, the Matcha switch provides a more stepped, snappy, and accented experience, while the Meteor White switch offers a milder and polished typing experience.

Considering the subjective qualities described, the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offer distinct differences in sound and feel. The Matcha switch provides a clacky sound and a stepped, snappy, and accented feel. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch offers a thocky sound and a mild and polished feel. Both switches are suited for different preferences and purposes. If a sharp and snappy sound profile with a more tactile typing experience is desired, the Matcha switch would be a preferred choice. However, if a softer and more neutral sound profile with a mild and polished typing experience is preferred, the Meteor White switch would be the better option. It is important to consider personal preferences and the intended use case when choosing between these two switches.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a light bottom out force and a comfortable, snappy tactility, the KTT Matcha would be an excellent choice for you. The Matcha also offers a distinctly clean bottom-out sound, enhancing your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a more subdued typing experience, the SP-Star Meteor White is the switch for you. The Meteor White is easy to push and produces a gentle, pitter-patter sound profile. Additionally, it falls in the safe, middle-ground zone in terms of its feel and sound, making it suitable for most users. Ultimately, the choice between the Matcha and the Meteor White depends on your personal preferences and typing requirements. Whether you prioritize a tactile switch with a light feel and clean sound or a linear switch with a gentle typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your keyboarding experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Matcha Tactile

$5.20

$4.88 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Meteor White Linear

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more