KTT Matcha vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Matcha and Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switches stand out as popular contenders, each offering a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences. The KTT Matcha is celebrated for its comfortable and snappy tactility, delivering a distinctly clean bottom-out sound thanks to its long pole stem, making it an expressive choice for those who enjoy a more clacky feel. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches provide a refined tactile experience with a short, medium-strength bump, designed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, allowing for a responsive and accurate keystroke ideal for both typing and gaming. While the Matcha shines in terms of sound and tactile feedback, the Cherry MX Purple RGB focuses on a balanced feel that many users find appealing for extended usage. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
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
When comparing the KTT Matcha switches to the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches, a significant distinction arises in the materials utilized for their housings, both top and bottom. The KTT Matcha features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This creates a more resonant auditory experience that enhances the clarity of keystrokes, making it particularly effective for users who appreciate a pronounced sound when typing. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB's top housing is made of nylon, a softer plastic that absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in material translates to varying auditory feedback, with the Matcha's polycarbonate delivering a higher-pitched sound and the MX Purple's nylon providing a rounder, more muted sound.
The bottom housings further emphasize these differences, as both switches feature materials that align with their respective top housings. The KTT Matcha also employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, solidifying its overall sound profile as sharp and resonant. This consistency enables users to enjoy a coherent auditory experience throughout the keystroke, offering a clear bottom-out sound that maintains the character of the switch. Conversely, the Cherry MX Purple RGB utilizes nylon for its bottom housing as well, which contributes to a deeper and more mellow output when typing. While the Matcha promotes a brighter experience with both its top and bottom polycarbonate materials, the Cherry MX offers a unified, fuller sound across the switch due to its use of nylon in both housings.
Despite these contrasting materials, both the KTT Matcha and the Cherry MX Purple RGB can produce enjoyable typing experiences, albeit with different auditory characteristics. The polycarbonate housing of the Matcha excels in delivering a crisp performance, particularly appealing to users who prefer pronounced feedback. In contrast, the Cherry MX employs nylon to create a softer typing experience with its rounded sound. However, for those seeking specific auditory results, it is worth noting that by thoughtfully integrating the right materials and considering how they interact, users can achieve their desired sound profile, whether they prioritize clarity or warmth in their keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Matcha tactile switch with the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, we can observe some notable differences in their actuation forces. The Matcha switch features a relatively light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch, which can enhance comfort during extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. Conversely, the MX Purple RGB switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams, which aligns with users seeking a more substantial typing experience; however, its bottom out force is unknown. This could imply that the experience of bottoming out may vary with the MX Purple, making it difficult to ascertain its overall pressure dynamics. As a result, while the Matcha is the lighter option, the Cherry MX Purple RGB might be better suited for those who favor slightly heavier resistance when pressing keys.
Travel distance
The travel distance for both the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch is 4 mm, indicating that users will experience similar tactile feedback and keypress depth when using either switch. Since both switches have identical travel distances, this will allow for a consistent typing and gaming experience without noticeable differences in how far each switch moves when pressed. Consequently, if you're considering either option, you can expect comparable performance in terms of key travel.
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 Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 KTT Matcha switch provides a distinctly clacky auditory experience. This means that when the keys are pressed, they emit a sharp and percussive sound, characterized by its crisp and bright quality. This makes for an engaging typing experience, especially for those who enjoy the auditory feedback of their keystrokes. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch does not have a specified sound profile mentioned, but it’s worth noting that the sound produced by any switch can be influenced heavily by the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and other factors. Thus, while the Matcha clearly showcases a specific sound, the auditory characteristics of the MX Purple RGB remain unspecified.
In terms of feel, the KTT Matcha tactile switch excels with a variety of enjoyable qualities. It features a stepped tactile response, meaning users experience multiple stages throughout the keystroke, providing both pre-travel and post-travel sensations. This is paired with a snappy action, making typing highly responsive and lively. Additionally, the Matcha is described as accented, providing a medium level of tactility that feels significant without being overwhelming, and it offers a feathery touch that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. Users might also find it subtly resistant, adding to its comfort, particularly in shared spaces. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switch, however, has an unknown feel quality, so it’s difficult to make a direct comparison on this front.
In summary, the KTT Matcha tactile switch stands out especially for its sound and the nuanced, responsive tactile feedback it provides, making it an attractive option for many typists. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switches, while offering a refined tactile experience, leave certain qualities undefined, particularly in sound and feel. For those considering switches, the Matcha’s clarity in its auditory and tactile experiences provides a stronger foundation for choice, while the MX Purple RGB may ultimately deliver a satisfactory yet less defined performance. Overall, users can find enjoyment in either switch, as they cater to different preferences in sound and tactile feedback, albeit with the Matcha having a clearer and more defined profile.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and typing habits. If you appreciate a light actuation force along with a snappy and distinctly clean bottom-out sound, the KTT Matcha could be the perfect fit for you. Its clacky sound, combined with a stepped and feathery feel, makes it an excellent choice for those who engage in extended typing sessions or gaming where quick responsiveness is key. The Matcha's tactile feedback strikes a balance that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, making it inviting for both casual users and those who prefer a bit of excitement with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you favor a more refined tactile experience with a medium-strength bump that offers a subdued yet satisfying feedback, the Cherry MX Purple RGB may suit you better. Its unique design, developed with insights from keyboard enthusiasts, could provide a more engaged typing experience, though it lacks the distinct auditory presence of the Matcha switch. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a lighter, more vibrant feel with audible feedback or a more muted yet still tactile response suited for more focused or quieter environments.
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