KTT Matcha vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Matcha and the Outemu Ocean are two popular options to consider. The KTT Matcha stands out for its tactile feel, offering a comfortable and snappy typing experience with a distinct clean bottom-out sound. It is characterized by its stepped, snappy, and clacky features, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a tactile response while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean does not have specific standout features but is a reliable tactile switch. While the Matcha may offer a more unique typing experience, the Ocean provides a standard tactile 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
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the KTT Matcha and the Outemu Ocean feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. On the contrary, the Outemu Ocean's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Matcha's polycarbonate bottom housing.
While both the Matcha and Ocean share a polycarbonate top housing, the difference in their bottom housings impacts the overall feel and sound of the switches. The Matcha's polycarbonate bottom housing aligns with its top housing, providing a consistent and sharp sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Ocean's nylon bottom housing offers a softer and more muffled sound experience, which may appeal to users looking for a quieter typing experience. This variance in sound profiles showcases how different housing materials can influence the overall typing feel and sound output of a switch.
In conclusion, the choice between the KTT Matcha and Outemu Ocean ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The Matcha's polycarbonate top and bottom housing provide a consistent and clear sound, perfect for those who prefer a sharper and more resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Ocean's combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, catering to users who enjoy a softer and more muted typing sensation. Whether you prioritize a crisper sound or a quieter typing experience, both switches deliver unique qualities based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, it is evident that the Matcha is lighter in both aspects. The Matcha has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Ocean has an actuation force of 55 grams with a bottom out force that is unknown. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Matcha make it ideal for those who prefer a light typing experience for extended periods, such as during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier actuation force of the Ocean provides a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity ensures that users can expect consistent tactile feedback and actuation feel when typing or gaming. The uniformity in travel distance between the Matcha and Ocean switches also means that regardless of which one you choose, you can anticipate a similar typing experience in terms of keypress depth and actuation point. Ultimately, both switches offer a reliable and comfortable travel distance for a satisfying typing or gaming session.
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 Ocean 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 sharp, snappy, and percussive. This creates a satisfying auditory experience for typists. On the other hand, information on the sound of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is not available. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Matcha is described as having a stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle feel. This means that it provides a unique typing experience with multiple tactile elements that cater to different preferences. The Ocean tactile switch does not have known descriptors for its feel, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. Nevertheless, it's safe to assume that the feel of the Outemu Ocean switch would differ from that of the KTT Matcha based on the lack of shared descriptors.
In conclusion, the KTT Matcha tactile switch showcases a distinctive clean bottom-out sound and a multifaceted feel that includes elements of tactility, responsiveness, and comfort. While information on the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is limited, it's clear that each switch offers its own set of qualities that cater to varying preferences in typing experience. Typists looking for a tactile switch with a crisp sound and a mix of tactile sensations may find the KTT Matcha to be a suitable option, while those interested in the Outemu Ocean may need to explore further to understand its unique characteristics. Ultimately, both switches offer the potential for a satisfying typing experience, each with its own distinct qualities.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, you should consider your preference for a lighter bottom out force and a snappy tactility. If you enjoy a clean bottom-out sound and a switch with a distinctive tactile feel, the Matcha may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you value a switch with an undefined bottom-out force and are looking for a different typing experience, the Ocean could be the right choice. Remember to also take into account the sound and feel characteristics of each switch to make an informed decision based on your personal typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Matcha and the Ocean comes down to what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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