KTT Matcha vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the KTT Matcha, a tactile switch, and the SP-Star RedBlue, a linear switch. The Matcha is widely recognized for its exceptional qualities as a tactile switch. Typing on the Matcha provides a delightful combination of comfort and snappiness, while also boasting a distinctly clean bottom-out sound, thanks to its long pole stem. On the other hand, the RedBlue linear switches offer something truly unique. These switches are perfect for those who prefer a medium-light typing experience and produce a sound profile that leans towards a relatively higher-pitched tone. Categorized as "Stepped", "Snappy", "Accented", "Clacky", "Feathery", and "Subtle", the Matcha is known for its expressiveness. In contrast, the RedBlue is categorized as "Low-pitched", "Neutral", "Mild", "Thocky", and "Polished". Now, while these general pointers provide some insights, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Matcha and the SP-Star RedBlue, both featuring polycarbonate top and bottom housings, offer similar characteristics in terms of sound profile. Due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, these switches produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The clear translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it an ideal choice for those planning to incorporate lighting in their setup. Whether it's the Matcha or the RedBlue, users can expect a clear and resonant sound when typing or gaming, with the bottom housing playing a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound produced upon key release.
The utilization of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings of the Matcha switch contributes to a consistent sound profile throughout the typing experience. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate ensures a clear and resonant sound, giving users a satisfying auditory feedback with each press of the keys. Additionally, the clear housing allows for the transmission of RGB lighting, offering visual flair to complement the crisp sound profile. Thus, whether it's the top or bottom housing, the Matcha's polycarbonate material ensures a consistent and pleasant typing or gaming experience.
Similarly, the SP-Star RedBlue employs polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, lending its sound profile a similar crisp and clear quality. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to the sharpness and higher pitch of the sound produced, delivering a satisfying audible feedback for users. With its translucent housing, the RedBlue is well-suited for those looking to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup, providing an aesthetically pleasing visual element alongside the sharp sound profile. Regardless of the top or bottom housing, the RedBlue's polycarbonate material ensures a consistent and enjoyable typing or gaming experience.
In summary, both the KTT Matcha and the SP-Star RedBlue exhibit similar sound characteristics due to the use of polycarbonate material in the top and bottom housings. This stiffer plastic enables a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, offering users a satisfying auditory feedback. The clear translucency allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making these switches ideal for those seeking both visual and audible satisfaction. Although the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacts the sound upon key release, both switches maintain a consistent and pleasant typing or gaming experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, we can immediately see a difference in weight. The Matcha has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the RedBlue's actuation force is unavailable and its bottom out force is 57 grams. This means that the Matcha provides a lighter touch for both actuation and bottoming out, allowing for a smoother and potentially faster typing experience. In contrast, the RedBlue offers a slightly heavier feel, which might be preferred by those who desire a more substantial typing experience. It's worth noting that without the exact actuation force measurement for the RedBlue, we cannot provide a direct comparison, but based on the information available, the Matcha appears to be the lighter option while the RedBlue is the heavier one. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel. This allows for a consistent tactile experience and key responsiveness with both switches. Whether you choose the KTT Matcha or the SP-Star RedBlue, you can expect similar results in terms of 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 SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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 best known for its comfortable and snappy tactility when typing. This switch provides a distinctly clean bottom-out sound, thanks to its long pole stem. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch offers a medium-light typing experience. It has a relatively higher-pitched sound profile. The Matcha switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound, while the RedBlue switch is low-pitched and has a thocky sound, which is deep and satisfying. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Matcha switch is described as stepped, meaning it has a mild tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. It is also snappy and accented, providing a medium tactile experience without being overwhelming or scratchy. Additionally, the Matcha switch can be described as feathery, as it requires little exertion and reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, the RedBlue switch offers a mild typing experience and has a polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. Both switches offer comfortable typing experiences but with slightly different characteristics.
In conclusion, the KTT Matcha and SP-Star RedBlue switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Matcha switch has a clacky sound profile and feels stepped, snappy, and feathery. On the other hand, the RedBlue switch has a low-pitched thocky sound profile and feels mild and polished. If you prefer a sharp and snappy sound with a comfortable and mildly tactile feel, the Matcha switch would be a great option. If you prefer a lower-pitched and deep sound with a smooth and gentle typing experience, the RedBlue switch would be a good choice. Keep in mind that individual preferences may vary, and it's important to consider other factors such as keycaps and keyboards in order to fully optimize your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and comfortable typing experience with a snappy tactility, the KTT Matcha tactile switch would be a great choice for you. The Matcha switch has a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it feel feathery and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, it offers a clean bottom-out sound and a stepped feel, giving you a mild tactile feedback without being overwhelming. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience with a polished and refined finish, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch might be more suitable for you. With a bottom out force of 57 grams, these switches provide a gentle and approachable typing experience. The RedBlue switches have a relatively higher-pitched sound profile and a mild feel, making them suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner, advanced user, or planning to use them at home or work. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics and it's up to your personal preferences to decide which one suits your typing style best.
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