KTT Matcha vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Matcha and the Durock Piano are both popular mechanical keyboard switches, but they offer different typing experiences. The Matcha is a tactile switch that is loved for its comfortable and snappy tactility while typing. It provides a distinct clean bottom-out sound, thanks to its long pole stem. On the other hand, the Piano is a linear switch known for its proprietary material blend, making it one of the most pleasant linear switches to type on. Users often experience a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. If you prefer a switch that offers a tactile feedback and clean sound, the Matcha may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you appreciate a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a creamy sound, the Piano might be the better option. Let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision based on your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Matcha and the Durock Piano differ in their housing materials, with the Matcha featuring a polycarbonate top housing and the Piano utilizing a proprietary POM blend top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Matcha provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This creates a more clear and resonant sound when tapping the keys. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting, making it visually appealing for users who enjoy customizable lighting effects. On the other hand, the proprietary POM blend top housing of the Piano offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Although the exact details of the blend are unknown, users can expect a distinct acoustic experience that enhances the overall enjoyment of typing or gaming.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Matcha employs polycarbonate, while the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend. Both materials contribute to the overall sound profile, but the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the Matcha's bottom housing provides a distinct tactile feedback and a satisfying keystroke sensation. Meanwhile, the proprietary POM blend in the Piano's bottom housing complements the unique sound profile of its top housing, resulting in a cohesive auditory experience.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the KTT Matcha and the Durock Piano offer impressive sound quality. While the Matcha's polycarbonate top and bottom housings emphasize a sharper and crisper sound, the Piano's proprietary POM blend top and bottom housings deliver a satisfyingly deep sound. Both switches bring their own unique qualities to the table, ensuring that users can find a housing material that suits their preferences. Whether it's the clear and resonant profile of polycarbonate or the enigmatic blend of the POM, these switches promise an enjoyable and immersive typing or gaming experience that is enhanced by the qualities their housing materials bring to the table.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there are notable differences. The Matcha has a relatively light actuation force of 40 grams, meaning it requires a gentle push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Piano switch is unknown, making it difficult to compare directly. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Matcha requires 45 grams of force to fully press down, while the Piano switch demands a heavier 63.5 grams.
The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider, as it can greatly affect one's typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Matcha switch would be ideal, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial and solid typing experience may opt for options with heavier forces, such as the Piano switch. It provides a stronger push feel, enhancing the tactile feedback for those seeking a more satisfying typing sensation.
Overall, it is clear that the Matcha switch is lighter in both actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Piano switch. However, without the specific actuation force value for the Piano switch, it is challenging to directly compare their triggering capabilities. Nevertheless, those who desire a lighter and smoother typing experience can expect similar results from both switches if they prefer to use a lighter actuation force. Similarly, individuals who appreciate a heavier and more pronounced keystroke will find satisfaction in the heavier bottom out force of the Piano switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it can be seen that both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches. However, it is worth noting that the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch may offer different tactile feedback or linear response due to their respective switch designs.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 clean and crisp bottom-out sound. The long pole stem of the Matcha switch contributes to this distinct sound, resulting in a comfortable typing experience with a snappy and sharp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a deep and creamy sound signature. Known for their proprietary material blend, the Piano switches produce a lower frequency range sound that resembles the richness and depth associated with bass tones. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Matcha tactile switch offers several notable descriptors. It is classified as a "stepped" switch, meaning it has two stages of tactility. Unlike hypertactile switches that provide a more pronounced bump, stepped switches like the Matcha offer a milder tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The Matcha switch is also described as "snappy" and "accented," providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or scratchy. Additionally, it offers a "feathery" and "subtle" typing experience, with a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue and strain. This makes it comfortable for longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is characterized as "frictionless" and "silky." These switches offer an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing resistance or friction when pressing and releasing keys.
Overall, the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Matcha provides a snappy tactility and clean bottom-out sound, while the Piano offers a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature. While they are different in their characteristics, both switches are known for being pleasant to type on. Depending on your personal preference for tactile or linear switches, you can choose the one that aligns with your typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a light bottom out force and a clean bottom-out sound, the KTT Matcha is an excellent choice. The Matcha offers a comfortable and responsive typing experience with its snappy tactility and stepped feel. It is also described as having a feathery and subtle typing feel, making it suitable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deep, creamy sound signature, the Durock Piano is a great option. The Piano provides a gliding push feel and is described as frictionless and silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Matcha and the Durock Piano depends on your preference for tactile or linear switches, as well as the specific characteristics and typing feel you prioritize.
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