KTT Matcha vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Matcha and the Gateron Silent Ink Black are two highly-regarded mechanical keyboard switches with distinct features. The Matcha is a tactile switch that offers a comfortable and snappy tactility while typing. It also provides a clean and distinct bottom-out sound, thanks to its long pole stem. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is a linear switch that is perfect for environments that require quieter typing. It offers a cushy and pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. While these general descriptions provide a glimpse into the characteristics of each switch, let's delve deeper to help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Matcha and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer contrasting qualities. The Matcha utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting purposes. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. While it shares some similarities with the Matcha in terms of sound, the INK blend creates a satisfying thin and clacky tone that is distinct to Gateron switches.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the Matcha and the Silent Ink Black exhibit similar characteristics. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is once again attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Additionally, the aesthetic appeal of translucent polycarbonate is present in both switches, making them suitable for RGB lighting setups. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing a consistent experience between the Matcha and Silent Ink Black.
When it comes to the overall sound profile of the switches, the impact of the housing materials differs. While the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing plays a greater role in the sound produced when a key is released. The polycarbonate top housing of the Matcha generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when keys are released, amplifying the switch's overall sound experience. On the other hand, the INK blend top housing of the Silent Ink Black produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound when keys are released, contributing to its unique clacky sound signature. Thus, the choice of housing material in the top housing sets the Matcha and the Silent Ink Black apart in terms of their sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in the actuation force and bottom out force. The Matcha switch has a relatively light actuation force of 40 grams, meaning it requires a lighter touch to trigger keystrokes. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial push feel for a typing experience.
Similarly, the bottom out force of the Matcha switch is 45 grams, making it relatively light when fully pressed down. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, indicating a medium-heavy weight when bottoming out.
These differences in actuation force and bottom out force highlight the varying preferences of users. Some may prefer the Matcha switch's lighter forces, allowing for longer typing periods without fatigue, which is ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, those seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience may opt for the Silent Ink Black switch's heavier forces.
It is worth noting that if a user desires similar results in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, they can choose either the Matcha switch or the Silent Ink Black switch with comparable forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard switch, as it directly impacts the typing experience. In the case of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance as the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both the Matcha and the Silent Ink Black offer similar results, ensuring a consistent typing experience for users.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving a sense of satisfaction with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is designed for quieter typing environments. It offers a muted sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Both switches provide different sound profiles, with the Matcha being clacky and the Silent Ink Black being muted, allowing users to choose based on their preference and the environment they will be using the keyboard in.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Matcha tactile switch has multiple descriptors that define its tactile experience. It is described as stepped, which means it has two stages of feeling during the keystroke - some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This gives it a mild tactile feedback compared to hypertactile switches. The Matcha switch is also snappy, providing a super responsive typing experience with the help of longer or dual-staged springs. It can be considered as an accented switch, offering a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or scratchy. Additionally, the Matcha switch can be described as feathery, meaning it requires very little effort to press and reduces finger fatigue, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Lastly, it has a subtle resistance and a non-resonant sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces.
In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch focuses on providing a smooth and refined typing experience. It is described as silky, meaning it offers an exceptionally smooth feel when pressing and releasing keys. This switch minimizes resistance and enhances the overall smoothness of the typing experience. Its polished finish, whether due to materials used or factory lubing, reduces friction and ensures a sleek key travel. The Silent Ink Black switch is perfect for those who prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience without any tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Matcha switch provides a clacky sound and a mild, snappy, and feathery feel with subtle resistance. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a muted sound and a silky, polished feel with a focus on smoothness and key travel. Depending on personal preference and the desired typing experience, users can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a comfortable, snappy tactility and a clean bottom-out sound, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is the way to go. With its light bottom-out force, stepped and accented feel, and clacky sound, this switch provides a lively and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience with a pillow-like bottom-out feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is a great choice. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force, silky feel, and muted sound, this switch offers a smooth and quiet typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preferences for tactility, sound, and feel.
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