KTT Matcha vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Matcha and Haimu Neo White are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Matcha is a tactile switch known for its comfortable, snappy tactility and clean bottom-out sound, while the Neo White is a linear switch with a medium weight and smooth actuation thanks to its rare Ly stem. The Matcha is categorized as 'Stepped', 'Snappy', 'Accented', 'Clacky', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle', while the Neo White is categorized as 'Mild' and 'Neutral'. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Matcha and the Haimu Neo White both feature polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. On the other hand, the Neo White's bottom housing is made of nylon, a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Matcha.
While the polycarbonate top housing of both the KTT Matcha and the Haimu Neo White offers similar sound characteristics, the difference lies in their bottom housing materials. The Matcha's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a clear and resonant bottom-out sound, while the Neo White's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings can impact the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the feel and sound when pressing down on a key, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key. This highlights how different housing materials can affect various aspects of the typing experience.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing feel of a keyboard. While both the KTT Matcha and the Haimu Neo White feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound, their differing bottom housing materials result in distinct sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing of the Neo White offers a deeper and fuller sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Matcha. Understanding how these materials impact the overall typing experience can help keyboard enthusiasts make informed decisions when choosing between switches with different housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it is clear that the Matcha is the lighter option. The Matcha has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter switch overall. On the other hand, the Neo White has a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it a heavier option. The actuation force of the Neo White is not specified. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Matcha would be the better choice. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Neo White may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Matcha tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Matcha has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Neo White, which means that it may provide a bit more depth when typing. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Neo White with its shorter travel distance. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Overall, the Matcha offers a longer travel distance for those who prefer a deeper key press, while the Neo White provides a shorter travel distance for quicker responses.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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 its clacky sound, which is described as sharp, snappy, and percussive. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White switch is known for its neutral sound profile, offering a moderate sound that is suitable for various settings. Both switches will produce different sound profiles depending on the keyboard and keycaps used, resulting in a unique auditory experience for each user.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the KTT Matcha switch is known for its stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle characteristics. These qualities provide a tactile typing experience that is responsive, with varying levels of tactility and resistance. In comparison, the Haimu Neo White switch is described as mild, offering a gentler typing experience without extremely pronounced characteristics. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing feel, catering to different preferences based on the level of tactility desired by the user.
In conclusion, the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Matcha provides a clacky sound with a mix of stepped, snappy, and feathery sensations, the Neo White offers a neutral sound and a mild typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, tactility, and overall typing feel. If these preferences align closely with each other, users may find that they will get similar results in terms of typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a more stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, or subtle feel with a clacky sound profile, the Matcha switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and a more mild feel with a neutral sound profile, the Neo White switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard.
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