KTT Matcha vs. KTT Mint

Overview

If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself torn between the KTT Matcha and the KTT Mint. The Matcha is a tactile switch that is best known for its comfortable and snappy tactility while typing. It provides a distinctly clean bottom-out sound, thanks to its long pole stem. On the other hand, the Mint is a linear switch that offers a satisfyingly smooth typing experience. Its long pole stem provides a poppy thockiness and a light and fleeting type feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that make them appealing options, depending on your preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Matcha Tactile

KTT Mint Linear

$5.20

$4.88 per 10

$2.91 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Matcha and KTT Mint keyboards both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both keyboards. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate creates a clear and resonant sound, making it a suitable choice for those looking for a more vibrant typing experience. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for users who plan to incorporate RGB lighting into their setups, as it allows for a visually appealing illumination effect. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either the Matcha or the Mint.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Matcha and Mint keyboards differ in their choice of material. The Matcha features polycarbonate as its bottom housing material, mirroring the top housing. This ensures that the characteristics of polycarbonate, such as the sharper and crisper sound profile, extend to the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on the keyboard. On the other hand, the Mint opts for a nylon bottom housing. This traditional choice of material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon absorbs more sound compared to stiffer plastics. Consequently, the Mint keyboard may offer a slightly different typing experience with a duller and rounder sound compared to the Matcha.

In summary, both the KTT Matcha and the KTT Mint keyboards leverage the advantages of polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profiles. The difference lies in the bottom housing, with the Matcha utilizing polycarbonate to extend the qualities of the top housing throughout the keyboard, while the Mint utilizes nylon to create a deeper and fuller sound. Understanding these distinctions allows users to choose the keyboard that best suits their desired typing experience, whether they prefer a consistent polycarbonate sound or a deeper, rounder nylon sound.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, there are both similarities and differences to consider. The Matcha has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Mint's slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams. Similarly, for the bottom out force, the Matcha requires 45 grams of force while the Mint requires a slightly heavier 53 grams. These differences in force can greatly impact the typing experience for users. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Matcha would be the ideal choice as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, if someone craves a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, they may opt for the Mint as it requires a slightly heavier force for both actuation and bottoming out. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of the Matcha and Mint switches provide options for users to choose based on their personal preferences and typing requirements.

Travel distance

The KTT Matcha tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, which means they both travel 4mm from the top to the bottom when pressed. This ensures that users will get a similar tactile experience and key feel regardless of which switch they choose. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer the same result.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Matcha tactile switch offers a distinct and clean bottom-out sound thanks to its long pole stem. This results in a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, often described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch has a low-pitched sound profile, which is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. It is also described as having a neutral sound, meaning it falls in the moderate range and is suitable for various purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so these descriptions are not the sole determinants of the sound produced by these switches.

When it comes to feel, the KTT Matcha tactile switch offers a stepped experience, meaning it has two stages of tactility. It provides a comfortable and snappy tactility, offering a medium level of tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the Matcha switch is considered accented, which means it provides a prominent amount of tactility while still being smooth and refined. It is also described as snappy and feathery, offering a super responsive typing experience and requiring little exertion from your fingers. This lightweight actuation force reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch is described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It is also considered polished, providing a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience.

In conclusion, the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Matcha switch provides a clacky and snappy sound with a comfortable and snappy tactility, while the Mint switch has a low-pitched sound and offers a more gentle and polished typing experience. The choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as the specific application and environment in which they will be used. Keep in mind that the subjective experiences mentioned here are based on available information, and individual preferences may vary.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a light bottom out force, go for the Matcha with its 45-gram force. The Matcha offers a comfortable and snappy tactility while typing, along with a clean bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Mint with its 53-gram force is a good choice. The Mint provides a satisfyingly smooth linear experience, with a poppy thockiness and a light and fleeting type feel.

In terms of sound, the Matcha has a clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, while the Mint offers a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow. The Matcha's clacky sound is crisp, bright, and percussive, while the Mint's low-pitched sound is neutral, making it suitable for various purposes.

In terms of feel, the Matcha offers a stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle typing experience. The stepped feel provides two stages, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The snappy nature of the Matcha makes it super responsive, enhancing the typing experience. The accented feel of the Matcha provides a prominent amount of tactility without overwhelming or subtlety. The feathery feel makes it light to press, reducing finger fatigue. Lastly, the subtle feel maintains a gentle resistance and a light typing feel, suitable for shared spaces.

On the other hand, the Mint offers a mild and polished typing experience. The mild feel provides a gentle typing experience without pronounced characteristics, suitable for most users. The polished feel indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Consider these factors when making your decision between the KTT Matcha and Mint switches, and choose based on your preferred bottom out force, sound, and feel. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and finding the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Matcha Tactile

$5.20

$4.88 per 10

Learn more

KTT Mint Linear

$2.91 per 10

Learn more