KTT Matcha vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Matcha and the Cherry MX Brown are both tactile switches that offer a comfortable typing experience, but they differ in a few key aspects. The KTT Matcha is known for its snappy tactility, providing a satisfying feel when typing. Additionally, it produces a distinctly clean bottom-out sound, thanks to its long pole stem. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Browns are all about subtlety. With a relatively light typing experience and gentle tactility, these switches offer a more subdued audio feedback. While both switches have their unique characteristics, it's important to delve deeper into their specific features to determine which one is the best fit for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Matcha and the Cherry MX Brown switches offer distinct differences in sound profile and feel. The Matcha's polycarbonate top housing, being a stiffer plastic, creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it suitable for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the MX Brown's nylon top housing absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. While the materials differ, both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Matcha once again contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when the switch is pressed down. Its stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Conversely, the MX Brown's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. This creates a different tactile experience when typing on these switches. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, offering varied experiences depending on the material used.
It's worth noting that if the top and bottom housings are different for a switch, the qualities of each material will be split between the two parts. Pressing down on a switch will primarily showcase the characteristics of the bottom housing, while the sound when releasing a key will be influenced by the top housing. Despite these differences, both the Matcha and the MX Brown provide their own unique sound profiles and tactile feedback, offering options to cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it is clear that both switches have similar characteristics in terms of weight. The Matcha has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the MX Brown has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Matcha switch would be the ideal choice. With its light actuation force and bottom out force, it allows for effortless keystrokes and prolonged typing sessions. This makes it suitable for tasks that require extended periods of typing, such as work or gaming sessions.
On the other hand, the MX Brown switch offers a slightly heavier push feel with its actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 55 grams. This provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to individuals who prefer a stronger tactile feedback when pressing the keys.
Ultimately, the choice between the Matcha and MX Brown switches depends on individual preferences. If a lighter typing experience is desired, the Matcha switch would be the preferred option. However, for those seeking a more substantial and tactile typing feedback, the MX Brown switch would be the better choice.
In summary, while the Matcha and MX Brown switches differ slightly in their actuation and bottom out forces, both switches offer a satisfactory typing experience. Whether one prefers a lighter or slightly heavier push feel, both switches provide reliable performance for different typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance, with each having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience the same distance as they travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, whether using the Matcha or MX Brown tactile switch, one can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance felt while typing or gaming.
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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Matcha switch is known for producing a clean, crisp, and percussive bottom-out sound. This sound is often described as clacky, which adds a satisfying auditory element to typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch offers a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. The sound can be characterized as bassy, with a lower frequency range resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It is also described as low-pitched, providing a more mellow and bass-heavy tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is not solely determined by the switch itself but is also influenced by other factors like the keyboard board and keycaps. So while the Matcha and MX Brown switches have different sound characteristics, the final sound result can be similar depending on these additional factors.
In terms of feel, the KTT Matcha switch offers a unique combination of qualities. It is described as stepped, meaning it has two stages of tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This provides a more mild tactility compared to switches with a single, pronounced bump throughout the keystroke. The Matcha switch is also snappy, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs, which enhances the typing experience by making it feel more alive and responsive. Additionally, it is accented, which means it has a noticeable amount of tactility without being overwhelming or scratchy. This medium tactile switch offers a prominent level of tactility that strikes a balance between subtlety and intensity. Furthermore, it is feathery, requiring minimal exertion from your fingers and reducing finger fatigue. This makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions such as gaming, school, or work. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switch is described as textured or scratchy, indicating noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Matcha and Cherry MX Brown switches have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Matcha switch produces a clacky sound with clean, crisp bottom-out characteristics, while the MX Brown switch offers a bassy, low-pitched sound profile. In terms of feel, the Matcha switch is stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle, providing a comfortable and responsive typing experience without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch is textured, offering a subtle tactile feedback with noticeable friction. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feeling during typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch that offers a comfortable and snappy typing experience, the KTT Matcha is a great choice. With a light bottom out force of 45 grams, it provides a feathery feel that reduces finger fatigue, making it suitable for long typing sessions. Not only does it have a distinctive clean bottom-out sound, but it also offers an accented tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile switch with a slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams, the Cherry MX Brown is an excellent option. It offers a gentle resistance and subdued audio feedback, making it suitable for shared spaces. Additionally, the MX Brown is a textured switch, which may appeal to those who prefer noticeable friction when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Matcha and Cherry MX Brown comes down to personal preference in terms of feel and sound. So, consider your typing preferences and requirements before selecting the switch that suits you best.
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