KTT Matcha vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Matcha and Outemu Red offer distinct typing experiences. The KTT Matcha is celebrated for its tactile feedback, providing a comfortable and snappy typing experience with a clean bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Red is a linear switch, which lacks tactile feedback but offers a smooth keystroke with consistent actuation force. While the Matcha is described as 'Stepped', 'Snappy', 'Accented', 'Clacky', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle', the Red does not fall into any specific category. Each switch has its own strengths, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 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 KTT Matcha and Outemu Red switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance in the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as the light can shine through the clear housing. However, the Matcha also features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Red contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the Matcha.
While both the KTT Matcha and Outemu Red switches share the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, the different bottom housing materials result in varying sound profiles. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings mean that when typing on these switches, the sound and feel will be influenced by both materials. The bottom housing, whether polycarbonate or nylon, has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This means that users can expect a combination of sharpness and resonance from the polycarbonate top housing, and depth and fullness from the nylon or polycarbonate bottom housing, depending on the switch.
In terms of housing materials, the KTT Matcha and Outemu Red switches showcase how different plastics can influence sound profiles. Polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches creates a clear and resonant sound, with a sharper and crisper quality. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Red switch offers a deeper and fuller sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Matcha. Ultimately, whether typing on the Matcha or Red switch, users can expect a combination of qualities from the top and bottom housings that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, we can see 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 Red has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the Matcha requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the Red switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Matcha may be the preferred choice. However, for those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, the Red switch may be the better option. Overall, the choice between the two would depend on individual preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users can expect a similar key feel and response when using either switch. In terms of travel distance, neither switch is shorter or longer than the other, as they both offer a consistent typing experience. The 4 mm travel distance in both switches ensures that users can enjoy a comfortable and familiar typing experience regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Red 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 profile, which is sharp and snappy, providing a crisp and bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Red linear switch does not have a specific sound descriptor provided. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Matcha offers a stepped feel, meaning it has a two-stage tactile response that is more subtle compared to hyper-tactile switches. Additionally, it is described as snappy, providing a lively typing experience, and accented, offering a medium level of tactile feedback. The Matcha switch is also characterized as feathery, requiring minimal finger exertion, and subtle, providing a gentle typing resistance with a quiet sound signature suitable for shared spaces. As for the Outemu Red linear switch, no specific feel descriptors are available.
In conclusion, the KTT Matcha tactile switch stands out for its comfortable and snappy tactility, clean bottom-out sound, and multiple feel descriptors that cater to different typing preferences. While information on the Outemu Red linear switch is limited, based on the available data, it seems that the Matcha switch offers a more varied and nuanced typing experience. Ultimately, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, but the Matcha switch's versatile qualities make it a popular choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a light and snappy tactile feedback with a clean bottom-out sound, the Matcha with its 45g bottom out force might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a linear typing feel, the Outemu Red with its 62g bottom out force could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preference and the type of typing experience you desire.
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