KTT Matcha vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Matcha and KTT Purple Star offer distinct advantages based on their design and functionality. The Matcha, a tactile switch, is revered for its comfortable and snappy tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience with a clean bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Purple Star, a linear switch, boasts a buttery smooth typing feel thanks to its all-POM construction and light 45g bottom-out force, making it perfect for those who prefer a softer touch. While the Matcha is known for its stepped and clacky feel, the Purple Star stands out for its mild, low-pitched characteristics. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Matcha and the KTT Purple Star, one clear difference is in their top housing materials. The Matcha features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's relatively stiffer nature, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Purple Star's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials offer unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate of the Matcha leans towards a brighter sound profile compared to the deeper tones of the POM in the Purple Star.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Matcha and Purple Star also differ in material. The Matcha's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a sharp, high-pitched sound profile, similar to its top housing. This consistency ensures a uniform sound experience across the entire switch. In contrast, the Purple Star's POM bottom housing is known for creating a pleasing, deeper sound profile that adds a different dimension to the overall typing experience. While both materials offer distinct sound qualities, the polycarbonate in the Matcha focuses on maintaining clarity and resonance, while the POM in the Purple Star emphasizes depth and richness.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in the sound and feel of typing. The split between top and bottom housing materials in switches like the Matcha and Purple Star allows for a balanced approach to sound production. The polycarbonate top and bottom housing in the Matcha ensures a consistent, sharp sound profile, especially ideal for those who prefer a brighter typing experience. Conversely, the POM top and bottom housing in the Purple Star creates a unique, deep sound profile, appealing to those who enjoy a more muted tone. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, ultimately showcasing the importance of housing materials in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
The KTT Matcha tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the KTT Purple Star linear switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. The Matcha also has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Purple Star has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches are relatively light in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, the Purple Star offers a slightly firmer push feel due to its higher bottom out force, which may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The KTT Matcha tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Matcha has a slightly longer travel distance, making it better suited for those who prefer a deeper keypress feel. On the other hand, the Purple Star offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers or those looking for faster response times. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Matcha being on the longer side and the Purple Star being slightly shorter. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and speed of response.
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 KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is known for its clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch is described as having a low-pitched sound, which is more bass-heavy and mellow in tone. Both switches offer different auditory experiences, with the Matcha providing a crisp and bright noise, while the Purple Star offers a more subdued and deeper tone. The sound produced by each switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is characterized as having a stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle feel. These qualities provide a tactile typing experience that is responsive, comfortable, and suitable for extended use. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch offers a mild and easy-to-press feel, providing a gentle typing experience with minimal resistance. While the Matcha switch focuses on delivering a dynamic tactile response, the Purple Star switch aims to offer a smooth and effortless typing sensation. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel, with the Matcha being more varied and pronounced, while the Purple Star is more uniform and light.
In conclusion, the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Matcha switch provides a clacky sound and a varied tactile feel, making it a versatile option for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience with a clean bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Purple Star switch offers a low-pitched sound and a smooth, easy-to-press feel, ideal for users looking for a quiet and effortless typing experience. While each switch has its unique characteristics, both can deliver a satisfying typing experience depending on individual preferences and usage scenarios. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Matcha tactile switch or the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile switch with a comfortable, snappy tactility and a clean bottom-out sound, the KTT Matcha would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light 45g bottom-out force, the KTT Purple Star may be more suited to your liking. Additionally, if you appreciate a clacky sound and a stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, or subtle feel, the Matcha is a great option. Conversely, if you prefer a low-pitched sound and a mild, easy-to-press feel, the Purple Star would be the better fit for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to determine which features align best with your typing needs before making a decision.
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