KTT Matcha vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for comparison are the KTT Matcha and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream. The Matcha is a tactile switch that offers a comfortable and snappy typing experience. With its long pole stem, users can expect a distinctly clean bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Cream switches from NovelKeys provide a heftier linear typing experience. Typing on them produces a fairly deep sound profile, adding a unique touch to the typing experience. While both switches have their own distinct qualities, it's important to dive deeper into their specific features to determine which one is the best fit for your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
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 the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches have distinct characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Matcha features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This stiffer plastic material enhances the clarity and resonant qualities of the switch's top-out sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate construction allows for the switch to be transparent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Cream switch utilizes a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing that produces a more pleasing and unique sound. The POM material creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile, giving a distinct auditory experience.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Matcha and Cream switches also employ different materials that contribute to their overall feel and sound profiles. The Matcha uses a polycarbonate bottom housing, which again leads to a sharper and crisper sound. This stiffer plastic material accentuates the impact and bottom-out sound when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the Cream switch features a POM bottom housing that imparts a deeper sound and a relatively more muted experience. The POM material introduces a softer feel and impact, resulting in a different tactile experience compared to the Matcha switch.
It's important to note that when a switch has different materials for its top and bottom housings, the characteristics of each material will be divided between the top-out and bottom-out actions. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will contribute primarily to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both the Matcha and Cream switches offer unique and enjoyable sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing or gaming experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, it is clear that the Matcha offers a lighter typing experience while the Cream provides a heavier feel. The Matcha has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option overall. This can be beneficial for those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is medium-heavy. This provides a more substantial typing experience for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel. It is worth noting that while the Matcha has a lower actuation and bottom out force compared to the Cream, both switches offer their distinct advantages. Nevertheless, if a user desires similar force results, they can choose to bottom out when using the Matcha to achieve a force closer to the Cream. Ultimately, the weight of the switch is an important factor to consider based on personal preferences for typing and gaming.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. As a result, you can expect similar tactile feedback and typing experience from both switches. Whether you prefer the tactile sensation of the Matcha or the smooth linear feel of the Cream, you can be assured that the travel distance will be identical.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Cream for $6.25.
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 tactile switch offers a clean and crisp bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem. This produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving a bright and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch has a deeper sound profile compared to the average switch. Although not overly deep, it provides a low-pitched, bass-heavy, and mellow tone. It also offers a resonant sound profile, which is higher-pitched and clean, creating an immersive auditory experience. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, while the Matcha offers a clacky and crisp sound, the Cream provides a low-pitched and resonant tone.
In terms of feel, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is described as stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle. They offer a mild tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, making the keystrokes more comfortable. The longer or dual-staged springs in these switches contribute to their snappy and responsive nature, giving a more lively typing experience. The tactility is prominent yet not overwhelming, providing a medium tactile sensation. Additionally, the Matcha switch has a light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue and making it suitable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch is described as buttery, textured, and invigorating. It offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. While some users prefer the subtle texture of these switches, others prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. The Cream switch also offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. Overall, the Matcha switch offers a stepped, snappy, and feathery feel, while the Cream switch provides a buttery, textured, and invigorating sensation.
In conclusion, the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Matcha switch produces a clacky and crisp sound with a comfortable and snappy tactility, while the Cream switch offers a deeper sound profile with a low-pitched and resonant tone. In terms of feel, the Matcha switch provides a stepped, snappy, and feathery experience with a medium tactile sensation, while the Cream switch offers a buttery, textured, and invigorating keystroke with pronounced feedback. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and can provide enjoyable typing experiences. However, it's important to consider personal preferences and other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps when choosing between these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a comfortable and snappy typing experience, the KTT Matcha would be an excellent choice. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, it offers a light feel that is perfect for reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Matcha also provides a distinctly clean bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream would be a great option. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, it offers a medium-heavy typing experience that can be described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke. The Cream switches also offer a fairly deep sound profile, creating a more immersive auditory experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for tactile or linear switches, as well as your desired typing experience in terms of feel and sound.
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