KTT Matcha vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The world of mechanical keyboard switches offers a plethora of options, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Two popular switches that often come up in discussions are the KTT Matcha, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Oil King, a linear switch. On one hand, the KTT Matcha is renowned for its comfortable and snappy tactility, providing a delightful typing experience. The long pole stem of the Matcha also contributes to a distinctly clean bottom-out sound, adding an extra layer of satisfaction to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King stands out for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, creating a pleasurable auditory and tactile experience. While the Matcha offers a tactile feedback, the Oil King delivers a linear feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision based on your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Matcha and Gateron Oil King switches differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Matcha utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, its translucency is beneficial for RGB lighting. In contrast, the Oil King features a nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder profile.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Matcha and Oil King switches make use of polycarbonate. As with the top housing, the polycarbonate material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. It offers clarity and resonance to the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. The translucent nature of polycarbonate is advantageous for switches designed for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Oil King incorporates a proprietary INK blend in its bottom housing. This blend provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, often described as clacky, adding a unique auditory experience to typing.
Although the KTT Matcha and Gateron Oil King switches have contrasting top and bottom housing materials, they both offer distinctive sound profiles. The polycarbonate in the Matcha produces a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon in the Oil King delivers a deeper and fuller profile. The utilization of polycarbonate in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a clear and resonant bottom-out sound and feel. Their similarities in sound can be attributed to the shared use of polycarbonate, although the Oil King offers a proprietary blend as well. Overall, both switches provide users with a variety of auditory experiences, allowing them to choose based on personal preference and desired sound outcome.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Matcha has a relatively lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Oil King has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial push feel. In terms of bottom out force, the Matcha requires 45 grams of force to fully depress the key, while the Oil King demands 65 grams, indicating a medium-heavy resistance.
Considering the weight of a switch is essential for various reasons. For users who prefer a lightweight typing experience, such as those who use their keyboards extensively at work or during long gaming sessions, the Matcha's lighter actuation and bottom out forces would be ideal. This allows for prolonged typing comfort without excessive effort. However, for individuals seeking a more robust and tactile typing experience, the Oil King's heavier actuation and bottom out forces would be a better choice. The increased resistance provides a satisfying level of feedback during typing sessions.
In summary, the Matcha switch offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force, while the Oil King switch presents a heavier and more substantial push feel. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard switch. In the case of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent 4 mm travel distance. Due to their equal travel distances, you can expect to get similar results in terms of key feel and feedback from both switches. It's noteworthy that both switches offer a relatively standard travel distance, which can provide a comfortable typing experience for users.
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 Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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
The KTT Matcha tactile switch is best known for its comfortable and snappy tactility when typing. This switch offers a distinctly clean bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is praised for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping.
When it comes to sound, the Matcha switch produces a clacky sound when pressed. This type of switch produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Oil King switch has a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. It offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The sound of both switches can also vary depending on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Matcha switch provides a stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle typing experience. It has a mild tactile bump with some pre-travel and post-travel. The longer or dual-staged springs in this switch make the typing experience more lively and responsive. It also offers a light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Oil King switch, on the other hand, is described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished. It provides a smooth and buttery typing experience, with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Matcha switch has a clacky sound and offers a stepped, snappy, feathery, and subtle typing feel. The Oil King switch has a low-pitched, bassy sound and provides a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, both switches can be a suitable choice for different typing scenarios.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a light actuation force and enjoy a comfortable, snappy tactility with a clean bottom-out sound, the KTT Matcha tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. These switches offer a feathery feel, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Matcha switches are also described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force and value a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Gateron Oil King linear switch would be a great option. These switches are known for their buttery, creamy, and silky feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the Oil King switches are described as having a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, adding depth and richness to your typing experience.
Ultimately, your choice between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch depends on your personal preferences for actuation force, typing feel, and sound profile. Consider what aspects are most important to you and select the switch that aligns with your preferences.
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