KTT Matcha vs. Durock Sea Glass

Overview

The KTT Matcha and Durock Sea Glass are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that offer different experiences for users. The Matcha is a tactile switch that provides a comfortable and snappy tactility when typing, accompanied by a clean bottom-out sound. Its categorization includes qualities such as being stepped, clacky, and subtle. On the other hand, the Sea Glass, a linear switch, stands out with its captivating range of pastel colors and proprietary material blend. Typing on these switches offers a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness, while maintaining a smoothness that remains uncompromised. With a 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switches surprisingly exhibit a weightlessness that defies expectations and emit a uniquely hollow sound signature. While these general pointers give you an idea of why you might choose each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Matcha Tactile

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$5.20

$4.88 per 10

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Matcha and the Durock Sea Glass keyboards have certain similarities and differences. In terms of the top housing, the Matcha features a polycarbonate material, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is particularly beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting due to polycarbonate's translucency. On the other hand, the Sea Glass utilizes a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, resulting in a sound profile that is pleasant and slightly brighter. While both materials contribute to a desirable sound experience, the Matcha's polycarbonate top housing produces a clearer and more resonant sound, while the Sea Glass's blend offers a more distinct brightness.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Matcha employs the same polycarbonate material as its top housing. This consistency ensures a consistent sound and feel throughout the keystrokes. Similarly, the Sea Glass utilizes a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its bottom housing. Though the specific qualities and sound characteristics may vary between the two keyboards, it is important to note that both materials contribute to the overall sound profile and impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of the quality and consistency from the bottom housing of both the Matcha and Sea Glass keyboards.

The impact of the housing materials can also be felt when releasing a key. The top housing of a switch has a significant influence on the sound produced when a key is released. With the polycarbonate top housing of the Matcha, users can anticipate a clear and crisp sound when letting go of a key. On the other hand, the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a sound profile that is pleasant and bright. Though the specific qualities may differ, both materials contribute to the overall sound experience when releasing a key. Therefore, users can rely on the top housing of both the Matcha and Sea Glass keyboards to provide a satisfying sound when keys are released.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are some distinct differences. The Matcha has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, offering a bit more resistance when triggering a keystroke. Additionally, the Sea Glass has a significantly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial and satisfying typing feel when pressing all the way down. Therefore, for those seeking a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Matcha would be a suitable choice. Conversely, if a stronger push and a more substantial typing experience is preferred, the Sea Glass with its heavier forces would be the better option. In either case, both switches offer their own unique benefits and can provide similar results in terms of overall typing performance.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the KTT Matcha tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of distance, the Matcha has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Sea Glass. A switch's travel distance is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom, which is the distance you feel when you press down on a key. The Matcha's 4 mm travel distance falls within the range of traditional distances, while the Sea Glass offers a slightly shorter travel distance at 3.8 mm. Gamers, who prioritize faster response times, often prefer shorter travel distances. If you prefer a more responsive keystroke, the Sea Glass may be the better option for you. However, for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel, the Matcha's slightly longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Matcha switch is known for its distinctly clean bottom-out sound, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch series has a uniquely hollow sound signature. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience.

In terms of feel, the KTT Matcha switch exhibits several qualities. It is described as stepped, meaning it offers a two-stage tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The switch is also snappy, providing a super responsive typing experience. Additionally, it is accented, offering a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or scratchy. The Matcha switch is also feathery, requiring little exertion from the fingers and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Lastly, it has a subtle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces.

On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch series offers a different feel. The switches are frictionless, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience without any sense of resistance or friction. They are also described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone and is approachable to most users. Similar to the Matcha switch, the Sea Glass switches are also feathery and easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, the Sea Glass switches deliver a smooth and low-impact typing feel.

Taking all the available information into account, it is important to note that while the Matcha and Sea Glass switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel, they both provide enhanced typing experiences. The Matcha switch offers a snappy tactility and clean bottom-out sound, while the Sea Glass switches emanate a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness with a uniquely hollow sound signature. Both switches are designed to reduce finger fatigue and provide comfortable typing experiences, making them suitable for various applications such as gaming, school, or work. So, if you enjoy the snappy tactility and clean sound of the Matcha switch, you can expect similar results with the Sea Glass switches in terms of their smoothness and reduced finger fatigue.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize a light and snappy tactile switch with a clean bottom-out sound, the KTT Matcha is an excellent choice. Its stepped, snappy, accented, and feathery feel provides a comfortable and responsive typing experience. Moreover, the Matcha switch offers a clacky sound, which is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness, along with a unique hollow sound signature, the Durock Sea Glass is the way to go. Its frictionless and mild feel, along with its feathery and easy-to-press characteristics, ensures a smooth and effortless typing experience. Overall, both switches have their own distinct advantages, and your choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Matcha Tactile

$5.20

$4.88 per 10

Learn more

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn more