KTT Matcha vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Outemu Gold 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 Gold, a clicky switch. The KTT Matcha stands out for its comfortable yet snappy tactility, making typing on it a satisfying experience. Additionally, users can enjoy a clean bottom-out sound thanks to its long pole stem. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold lacks a specific standout feature but is known for its clicky feedback. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and benefits, making it important to consider your personal preferences and typing style when choosing between them. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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 Outemu Gold switches both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, resulting in a more resonant sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the bottom housing of the Matcha features polycarbonate, while the Gold utilizes nylon. Nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than polycarbonate. This difference in bottom housing material can affect the overall sound and feel of the switches.
While the polycarbonate top housing of both the KTT Matcha and Outemu Gold switches offer similar sound profiles, the nylon bottom housing of the Gold creates a distinct typing experience compared to the Matcha. The softer nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material affects the overall typing feel and sound of the switches. It is important to consider how these housing materials work together to create a unique typing experience.
In terms of sound and feel, the housing materials of the KTT Matcha and Outemu Gold switches play a significant role. The top housing's polycarbonate contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the bottom housing influences the overall feel and sound of the switch. The combination of the two housing materials in each switch creates a distinct typing experience. Despite the differences in bottom housing material, both switches offer quality sound profiles and typing feels that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the fuller sound of nylon, each switch provides a unique typing experience worth exploring.
Weight
The KTT Matcha tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Outemu Gold clicky switch which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Matcha switch will require less force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Matcha switch also has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Gold switch has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Matcha switch will feel lighter and easier to press all the way down compared to the Gold switch. Both switches provide different typing experiences, with the Matcha offering a lighter and softer feel, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming, and the Gold providing a more substantial and tactile typing experience with a heavier feel. Overall, if you prefer a lighter typing experience, the Matcha switch would be the better choice, while if you prefer a more substantial feel, the Gold switch would be more suitable.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience a consistent travel distance that provides a satisfying typing experience. The similarity in travel distance between these two switches ensures that users will get similar results in terms of keypress feel and actuation depth. Whether you choose the KTT Matcha or the Outemu Gold, you can expect a comfortable typing experience with a consistent travel distance throughout.
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 Gold 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 known for its clacky sound, which is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, information about the sound profile of the Outemu Gold clicky switch is not available. It's important to note that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Matcha is described as having a stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle feel. This means that users can expect a two-stage tactile experience that is responsive, with a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming, and a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue. In comparison, information about the feel of the Outemu Gold clicky switch is not provided.
In conclusion, the KTT Matcha tactile switch offers a unique combination of tactile feedback and sound quality, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts. While the Outemu Gold clicky switch may offer a different experience, the lack of available information makes it difficult to directly compare the two. Ultimately, the best switch for an individual will depend on their personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the KTT Matcha tactile switch or the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you enjoy a light and snappy typing experience with a clean bottom-out sound, then the Matcha may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and are looking for a switch that provides a loud and clicky sound, then the Gold switch might be more suitable for your needs. Consider how important sound and tactile feedback are to your typing experience when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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