KTT Matcha vs. Outemu Phoenix
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Outemu Phoenix switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Matcha and the Outemu Phoenix are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The Matcha is best known for its tactile feedback, offering a comfortable and snappy typing experience. Not only that, but its long pole stem creates a distinct clean bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Phoenix stands out for its clicky mechanism, making it one of the most unique clicky switches available. Typing on the Phoenix gives a crystalline and sparkling feel, accompanied by a satisfying click sound. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics and advantages, catering to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Matcha and the Outemu Phoenix are both made of polycarbonate, which results in similar qualities for their respective top and bottom housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting.
However, while the housing materials may be the same, the Matcha and the Phoenix differ in their overall design and construction. The specific design elements of each switch, such as the shape and size of the housing, can affect the overall feel and sound of the switch. Therefore, although they share the same housing material, there may be slight differences in sound and feel between the KTT Matcha and the Outemu Phoenix.
When it comes to operation, the bottom housing of both switches plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and sensation when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound that is produced when releasing a key. This means that while the top and bottom housing materials may be the same, the experience of using these switches may vary depending on the specific housing design and the combination of housing materials used.
In conclusion, the KTT Matcha and the Outemu Phoenix share the same polycarbonate housing materials for both their top and bottom housings. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic that enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for the effective use of RGB lighting. However, despite their shared housing materials, variations in design and construction may lead to subtle differences in the overall feel and sound of the switches. Finally, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound, while the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, we can see some notable differences. The Matcha has an actuation force of 40 grams, which is considered light, while the Phoenix's actuation force remains unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the Matcha requires 45 grams of force to fully press down, which is also on the lighter side. On the other hand, the Phoenix has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which can be classified as medium.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Matcha switch would be a suitable choice as it offers a lower actuation and bottom out force. This can be beneficial for individuals who need to type for longer periods of time, such as when using the keyboard for work or engaging in long gaming sessions. On the contrary, the Phoenix switch provides a somewhat heavier typing feel, making it ideal for those seeking a more substantial and pronounced keystroke.
It is worth noting that since the actuation force of the Phoenix switch is unavailable, we cannot directly compare it to the Matcha in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, based on the given information, we can still see that the Matcha offers a lighter overall experience compared to the Phoenix, making it a potentially more comfortable and effortless option for some users.
Travel distance
The KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch have different travel distances. The Matcha has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Phoenix has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Shorter travel distances are often preferred by gamers due to the faster response times they provide. If you are looking for a more responsive typing experience, the Phoenix would be the better option for you. However, some people find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a switch with a longer travel distance for a more satisfying keystroke. In this case, the Matcha would be the suitable choice. It's important to consider your personal preferences and typing style when selecting a switch with the appropriate travel distance.
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 Phoenix comes in at $4.15 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
The KTT Matcha tactile switch is known for its comfortable and snappy tactility while typing. This switch provides a distinctly clean bottom-out sound, thanks to its long pole stem. The Matcha has a clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. It is crisp, bright, and percussive. In terms of feel, the Matcha switch is described as stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle. It offers a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle, making it suitable for various typing tasks. It also has a gentle resistance and a light typing feel, reducing finger fatigue. The Matcha switch has a unique sound and feel that sets it apart from other switches.
On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch stands out with its under-skirt click mechanism, making it one of the most unique clicky switches available. It provides a crystalline and sparkling type of feel and sound profile. The Phoenix switch has a crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. However, the overall sound of the switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When comparing the sound and feel of these two switches, it's clear that they offer different experiences. The Matcha switch has a clacky sound, while the Phoenix switch has a crunchy sound. In terms of feel, the Matcha offers a stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle experience, while the Phoenix is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. It's important to consider your personal preferences and specific use cases when choosing between these switches.
While the Matcha and Phoenix switches have their own unique qualities, if you prefer a sharp and snappy sound with a clean bottom-out, the Matcha switch would be a good choice. Similarly, if you prefer a crunchy sound and a polished feel, the Phoenix switch would provide a satisfying typing experience. Overall, both switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, and it's best to try them out firsthand to determine which one suits your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a comfortable and snappy typing experience with a clean bottom-out sound, the KTT Matcha would be a great choice. This switch has a light bottom-out force of 45 grams, making it feathery and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Matcha provides an accented level of tactility, offering a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a unique feel and sound, the Outemu Phoenix would be a fantastic option. With its under-skirt click mechanism, the Phoenix delivers a crystalline and sparkling typing experience. It has a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams and is described as polished, resulting in smooth and refined key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the Matcha and the Phoenix depends on your preference for a tactile or clicky switch, as well as the desired typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
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