KTT Matcha vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Matcha and the KTT Orange. The Matcha is renowned for its tactile feedback, offering a satisfying and snappy feel when typing. Additionally, its long pole stem ensures a clean and distinct bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Orange switch boasts a bouncy type feel due to its 22mm long spring, providing a pleasant and responsive typing experience. It also features a low-pitched sound profile and factory-lubed smoothness for minimal friction. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths and choosing the best one for you depends on your preference for tactile feedback or a bouncy feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the KTT Matcha and the KTT Orange, we find that both switches feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings. The use of polycarbonate in the housings creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, aesthetically speaking, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Matcha and the Orange switches are likely to produce similar results in terms of sound and lighting effects due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the housing materials.
However, it's important to note that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities brought by each housing material will be split between the two. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing will have more of an impact on the sound when you let go of the key. Therefore, although both the Matcha and the Orange switches use polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings, the distribution of sound profiles may vary slightly depending on the specific combination of top and bottom housing materials in each switch.
In conclusion, the KTT Matcha and the KTT Orange switches share the use of polycarbonate in their top and bottom housings. This results in a similar sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects in both switches. However, if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key. Overall, both switches offer comparable benefits in terms of sound and lighting qualities, with slight variations depending on the specific combination of housing materials used.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Matcha has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Orange switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. Those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Orange switch, while those who value a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Matcha more suitable. Despite these differences, both switches offer a comparable experience as they belong to the same weight category, providing similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it is clear that the Matcha has a slightly longer travel distance of 4mm, while the Orange has a travel distance of 3.5mm. The Matcha's travel distance of 4.0mm falls in the range of the most traditional travel distances, offering a depth that many users find comfortable. On the other hand, the Orange's slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5mm caters to those who prefer a more responsive typing experience, such as gamers looking for faster response times. It is important to consider personal preference when choosing between these switches, as the shorter travel distance of the Orange may feel too abrupt for some, while others may appreciate the added depth of the Matcha. Regardless, both switches offer their own advantages and ensure a satisfactory typing experience.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange 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 tactile switch offers a distinct and clean bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem. This results in a clacky sound, which is sharp, snappy, and crisp. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch produces a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, both switches offer different sound profiles, with the Matcha providing a clacky sound and the Orange offering a low-pitched sound.
When considering the feel of the switches, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is described as having several qualities. It has a stepped feel, meaning it has two stages and a more mild tactile experience compared to hypertactile switches. It is also snappy, responsive, and accented, providing a moderate amount of tactility without being overwhelming or scratchy. Additionally, it has a feathery feel, light to press, and requires little exertion, reducing finger fatigue and providing comfort during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch is known for its bouncy feel, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. It is also described as frictionless, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. In terms of feel, the Matcha offers a combination of stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle qualities, while the Orange provides a bouncy and frictionless experience.
Taking all the available information into account, the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Matcha has a clacky sound, while the Orange has a low-pitched sound. In terms of feel, the Matcha provides a combination of stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle attributes, while the Orange offers a bouncy and frictionless experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their preferences. However, it's worth noting that individual preferences can vary and may depend on factors such as typing style, personal taste, and the overall keyboard setup. It is recommended to try out different switches to find the one that suits your needs and provides an enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, there are a few key factors to consider. If you prioritize a comfortable, snappy tactility and a clean bottom-out sound, the Matcha switch would be the better option for you. It has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a feathery and subtle typing feel. Additionally, the Matcha switch is described as being stepped, snappy, accented, and having a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, if you value a bouncy type feel, a low-pitched sound, and a frictionless typing experience, the Orange switch would be a great choice. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, the Orange switch falls into the medium-light category and offers a spring-like feedback sensation. Furthermore, the Orange switch is described as being bouncy, frictionless, and having a low-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and overall typing experience.
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