KTT Matcha vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Matcha and the Everglide Sakura Pink. The Matcha is a tactile switch that is praised for its comfortable and snappy tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, it offers a clean bottom-out sound thanks to its long pole stem. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink is a linear switch known for its incredibly light 35g actuation force, making it ideal for users who prefer a delicate typing experience. It offers a smooth and effortless feel while typing, and produces a delightful poppy sound reminiscent of popping bubble wrap. While these general pointers highlight the distinct qualities of each switch, diving deeper into their specific characteristics will ultimately help you choose the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Matcha and the Everglide Sakura Pink are both made of polycarbonate, resulting in similar sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in the top housings of both switches creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, allowing for a visually pleasing effect.
Similarly, both switches have polycarbonate bottom housings. These bottom housings also contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. When a key is pressed down, the impact and bottom-out sound are influenced by the qualities of the polycarbonate bottom housing. The relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate ensures a more solid and distinct feedback when bottoming out the keys. As with the top housing, the bottom housing's translucency is advantageous for switches utilizing RGB lighting.
Despite their similarities, it is important to note that if a switch has different materials for the top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material will be split. The bottom housing will primarily affect the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will have more impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect a slight variation in sound profiles depending on the combination of housing materials used in a switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, there are both similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Matcha requires 40 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the Sakura Pink requires 35 grams. Both switches can be considered light in this aspect. When it comes to bottom out force, however, both switches share the same weight of 45 grams. This means that, despite the difference in actuation force, users can expect a similar result when fully pressing down on either switch.
Considering weight is important for various reasons. Some individuals prefer lighter switches as they allow for longer typing periods, making them ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are those who enjoy a stronger push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, switches with heavier forces are more suitable. In this context, the Matcha can be considered lighter due to its slightly higher actuation force, while the Sakura Pink can be seen as heavier due to its lower actuation force.
Overall, while the actuation forces of the KTT Matcha and Everglide Sakura Pink switches differ slightly, their bottom out forces remain the same. This means that users can achieve a similar typing experience when fully pressing down on either switch, regardless of the slight variation in actuation force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for lighter or heavier key presses.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent 4 mm distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall typing experience provided by these switches.
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 Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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 produces a clean and sharp bottom-out sound, described as clacky. This means that when typing on the Matcha switch, you can expect a crisp, bright, and percussive sound that adds a satisfying element to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch is known for its muted sound profile. This means that the Sakura Pink switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch. The muted sound of the Sakura Pink is perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience or for shared spaces where minimizing noise is important.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Matcha switch offers a combination of qualities. It has a stepped feel, meaning that it has two stages of tactile feedback, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This provides a more mild tactile experience compared to hypertactile switches. Additionally, the Matcha switch is described as snappy, which means it is super responsive due to longer or dual-staged springs. This gives the typing experience a lively and dynamic feel. The Matcha switch can also be described as accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Lastly, the Matcha switch is feathery, requiring little exertion from your fingers due to its exceptionally light actuation force. This reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, making it comfortable for various use cases such as gaming, school, or work.
On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch offers a different feel. It is often described as buttery and creamy, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Sakura Pink switch provides a uniform and easy-to-press typing feel, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Sakura Pink switch is frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. This means there is minimal sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys, allowing for a fluid travel while typing.
Based on the available information, the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Matcha switch has a clacky sound and provides a snappy and feathery typing feel, with an accented and stepped tactility. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switch has a muted sound and offers a buttery, creamy, and frictionless typing feel, with an easy-to-press actuation force. Both switches provide unique experiences and can cater to different preferences. If you are someone who enjoys a sharper sound and a lighter, snappy feel, the Matcha switch would be a great choice. If you prefer a quieter sound and a smoother, effortless feel, the Sakura Pink switch would be a suitable option. Overall, it is important to consider personal preferences and how these qualities align with your typing style and environment to make the best choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, 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. Its comfortable and snappy tactility, combined with its long pole stem, provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with an even lighter actuation force and a playful sound, the Everglide Sakura Pink is the perfect option. With its feather-light 35g actuation force and delightfully poppy sound, it offers a smooth and effortless typing experience. Additionally, if you prefer a clacky sound, the Matcha is the better choice, while the Sakura Pink provides a muted sound, which is ideal for shared spaces. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal preferences for the feel and sound of the switches. Consider whether you prioritize a stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, or subtle feel, and whether you prefer a buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, or frictionless switch. By understanding your preferences, you can make an informed decision and choose the switch that suits your typing style and preferences best.
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