KTT Matcha vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Matcha, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Cold Plum, a linear switch. The KTT Matcha is praised for its tactile feedback, providing a comfortable and snappy typing experience with a clean bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum stands out for its thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, making it a great choice for enthusiasts looking for a unique typing feel. 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
60g
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
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Matcha and the Outemu Cold Plum switches, the main difference lies in the material used for their top and bottom housings. The Matcha features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, known for creating a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. This results in a clear and resonant sound, particularly ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Cold Plum utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound compared to polycarbonate. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile.
While the top housing of the Matcha and the Cold Plum switches differ in material, impacting the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Matcha contributes to its sharp and crisp sound profile, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the Cold Plum adds to its deep and full sound profile, influencing the overall typing experience and the tactile feedback for the user. This split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch creates a unique typing sensation for each switch.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Matcha and the Cold Plum switches, both bring distinct advantages to the table. The polycarbonate housing in the Matcha offers a sharper and clearer sound profile, ideal for users seeking a more defined typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon housing in the Cold Plum provides a deeper and fuller sound, appealing to those who prefer a softer and more muted typing sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to individual preference, with each housing material offering a unique typing experience for enthusiasts to explore.
Weight
The KTT Matcha tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch which has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. The Matcha also has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Cold Plum has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Matcha make it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience and want to avoid fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Cold Plum provide a more substantial and tactile typing feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces in their keyboard switches.
Travel distance
The KTT Matcha tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Cold Plum has a shorter travel distance compared to the Matcha. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Matcha is more traditional, providing a deeper feel when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the 3.3mm travel distance of the Cold Plum is shallower, making it more suitable for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, with the Cold Plum offering a quicker response and the Matcha providing a more substantial keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 Cold Plum 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is known for its clean bottom-out sound, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is recognized for its thocky sound profile. The Matcha produces a clacky sound, which is sharp and snappy, while the Cold Plum's sound characteristics are not specified, indicating a unique sound experience that may differ from the Matcha. Both switches offer a distinct auditory experience that can be further influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Matcha tactile switch offers a stepped, snappy, accented, and feathery typing experience, making it responsive and comfortable for extended use. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch's feel is unspecified, indicating a potentially different tactile sensation compared to the Matcha. The Matcha's stepped design provides a two-stage typing sensation, with a light actuation force and gentle resistance, while maintaining a satisfying tactile feedback. The Cold Plum's feel remains a mystery, suggesting a unique typing experience distinct from the Matcha.
Overall, the KTT Matcha tactile switch excels in providing a comfortable and snappy typing experience with a clean bottom-out sound, making it a popular choice for those seeking a tactile switch with a distinct auditory and tactile profile. Meanwhile, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offers a unique typing experience with a thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, appealing to enthusiasts looking for a different tactile sensation. While each switch offers its own set of characteristics, both can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on individual preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a light and snappy tactile feel with a clean bottom-out sound, the Matcha may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy keystroke with a thocky sound profile and smooth typing experience, the Cold Plum could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactility and sound or a smooth keystroke and feel in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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