KTT Matcha vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Matcha, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Black, a linear switch, offer different typing experiences. The KTT Matcha is praised for its comfortable and snappy tactility, along with a clean bottom-out sound thanks to its long pole stem. On the other hand, the Outemu Black is known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes with no tactile bump. While the Matcha provides a tactile feedback for those who enjoy a clicky feel, the Black offers a linear experience with no interruptions. Both switches have their own strengths and weaknesses, making them suitable for different preferences. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Matcha and the Outemu Black switches share similarities in terms of using polycarbonate for the top housing. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for switches where clarity and resonance are desired. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for switches that utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through effortlessly. However, a notable difference between the two switches is found in their bottom housing materials. The Matcha features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which carries over the sharpness and clarity of the top housing to the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Black's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing.
While the Matcha and the Black switches both excel in creating distinct sound profiles through their housing materials, their bottom housing materials diverge in their impact on the typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of the Black switch contributes to a deeper and rounder sound profile, enhancing the overall typing feel by absorbing more sound during key presses. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Matcha complements the sharp and crisp sound profile of its top housing, providing a consistent typing experience with emphasis on clarity and resonance. Understanding the role of each housing material in the switches can help users choose the one that aligns with their preferences for sound and typing feel.
In summary, the housing materials of the KTT Matcha and the Outemu Black switches play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and resonant sound profile, they differ in their bottom housing materials. The Matcha's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains consistency with the top housing, emphasizing clarity and resonance in typing, while the Black's nylon bottom housing enhances the sound profile with a deeper and fuller tone. Ultimately, understanding the impact of each housing material on the overall typing experience can guide users in selecting the switch that best suits their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, it is clear that the Matcha is lighter in both aspects. The Matcha requires only 40 grams of actuation force and 45 grams of bottom out force, while the Black demands a heavier 65 grams of actuation force and 82 grams of bottom out force. This means that the Matcha would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, as it requires less force to register a keypress and to bottom out. On the other hand, the Outemu Black switch would cater to individuals who prefer a more substantial and forceful typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Outemu Black linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience a similar amount of travel before the switch actuates. The comparable travel distance of both switches allows for consistent typing experiences, regardless of which switch is being used. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users can achieve similar results in terms of typing comfort and tactile feedback when using either the Matcha or Black switch.
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 Outemu Black comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is praised for its clacky nature, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Outemu Black linear switch's sound characteristics are unknown. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch is also influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Matcha is highlighted for its stepped design, providing a two-stage tactile experience with a mild bump. It is also described as snappy and accented, offering a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming. Additionally, it is noted for feeling feathery, requiring minimal effort during key presses and reducing finger fatigue. In contrast, there is no information available on the specific feel of the Outemu Black linear switch.
Considering the available information, it is clear that the KTT Matcha tactile switch offers a unique and enjoyable typing experience with its snappy tactility, clean sound profile, and comfortable feel. While the qualities of the Outemu Black linear switch remain unknown, if you are looking for a switch with similar characteristics to the Matcha, you may achieve a comparable result in terms of sound and feel by selecting a linear switch that is known for a clean bottom-out sound and a smooth key press without tactility. As always, personal preference plays a significant role in determining the ideal switch for your typing needs.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter switch with a comfortable, snappy tactility and a clean bottom-out sound, the Matcha would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with no specific sound or feel characteristics mentioned, the Black could be a better fit for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and typing feel, so choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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