KTT Matcha vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Matcha and Cherry MX Silent Red are two popular options that offer unique traits for different preferences. The KTT Matcha is celebrated for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying and precise typing experience with a clean bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red is recognized for its linear design that operates silently, making it an excellent choice for noise-sensitive environments while still delivering a satisfying typing experience. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
The housing materials of the KTT Matcha and Cherry MX Silent Red switches offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Matcha's polycarbonate top and bottom housings create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is clear and resonant. In contrast, the MX Silent Red's nylon top and bottom housings produce a deeper and fuller sound profile that is softer and absorbs more sound. These differences in material properties result in unique typing experiences, with the Matcha offering a crisper sound and feel while the MX Silent Red provides a rounder and duller sound.
While the polycarbonate top housing of the Matcha enhances the switch's clarity and resonant sound, the nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate in the Matcha allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. On the other hand, the nylon material in the MX Silent Red absorbs more sound, resulting in a quieter typing experience. Both housing materials offer distinct advantages, with polycarbonate emphasizing clarity and nylon emphasizing sound absorption.
The impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience of a switch cannot be understated. The bottom housing material has a significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. By understanding the properties of polycarbonate and nylon, users can choose the housing material that best suits their preferences for sound profile and tactile feedback. Whether opting for the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Matcha or the deeper, fuller sound of nylon in the MX Silent Red, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the Matcha is lighter in terms of actuation force at 40 grams compared to the MX Silent Red at 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Matcha at 45 grams is slightly heavier than the MX Silent Red which has an unknown bottom out force. Both switches offer a relatively light actuation force, which is suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the heavier bottom out force of the Matcha may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Matcha tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is slightly longer than the 3.7 mm travel distance of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch. While both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, the Matcha offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the MX Silent Red. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the MX Silent Red for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Matcha. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience you are looking for.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 is often praised for its clacky sound, which is characterized by a sharp and snappy noise that provides a crisp and bright auditory experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a muted sound profile, ideal for those in noise-sensitive environments. Additionally, the MX Silent Red is known to produce a thocky sound, giving off a deep and satisfying tone when pressed and released. Both switches offer unique sound experiences, with the Matcha being more on the clacky side and the MX Silent Red aiming for a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the KTT Matcha switch offers a stepped and snappy tactile experience, providing a satisfying level of tactility without being overwhelming. It is accented with just the right amount of tactile feedback to enhance the typing experience. Additionally, the Matcha switch is described as feathery, requiring little exertion and reducing finger fatigue, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red is noted for its textured feel, offering noticeable friction when pressed. These switches cater to different preferences, with the Matcha focusing on a light and responsive feel, while the MX Silent Red provides a different tactile experience with its textured sensation.
Overall, the KTT Matcha and Cherry MX Silent Red switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Matcha provides a clacky sound and a snappy, feathery feel, the MX Silent Red offers a muted sound and a textured typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, users can choose between the two switches to tailor their typing experience to their liking. Ultimately, both switches cater to different needs and can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on the user's preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider your tactile preference and noise sensitivity. If you enjoy a responsive and snappy typing experience with a distinctive tactile bump, opt for the Matcha switch. It provides a comfortable feel and clean bottom-out sound, ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent typing experience with a slightly heavier feel and a quieter sound profile, the MX Silent Red switch is your best bet. Its linear mechanism operates silently, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments where minimal sound is crucial. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preferences for tactile feedback and noise level.
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