KTT Matcha vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the KTT Matcha and the HMX Sunset Gleam can significantly influence your typing experience. The KTT Matcha is a tactile switch celebrated for its comfortable and snappy feel, providing a delightful sensation that engages typists with every keystroke. Its long pole stem contributes to a distinctly clean bottom-out sound, making it a great choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, a linear switch, emphasizes smooth and uninterrupted key presses. This switch is crafted with a perfect blend of materials, delivering a subtle top-out and satisfying clack, amplified by HMX's renowned factory lube that ensures a buttery feel during use. While the Matcha caters to typists who appreciate tactile feedback and sound, the Sunset Gleam attracts users who prefer a smooth and quiet typing experience. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Matcha and HMX Sunset Gleam switches exhibit similarities and differences in their housing materials that result in distinct sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their upper housings, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The relative stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when a key is pressed and released, making both switches suitable for enthusiasts who prioritize a bright and articulate auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances RGB lighting effects, making them visually appealing in illuminated setups. This shared characteristic ensures that users of either switch can expect a similar sonic clarity when it comes to the performance of the top housing.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the KTT Matcha and HMX Sunset Gleam diverge significantly. The Matcha employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, mirroring the clarity and sharpness of its top housing and creating a consistent sound profile throughout. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. This difference in materials introduces a distinct auditory experience: while the Matcha maintains a uniform sharper tone thanks to its all-polycarbonate construction, the Sunset Gleam couples the crispness of polycarbonate on top with the rounder, more subdued characteristics of nylon below.
The impact of these varying materials becomes evident during key presses, where the bottom housing significantly affects feel and sound upon bottoming out. With the KTT Matcha, users can expect a cohesive sound profile that combines the clarity of both housings, delivering a consistent auditory experience. Meanwhile, the HMX Sunset Gleam presents a more nuanced blend, where the resonant clarity of the polycarbonate top housing is complemented by the softer and fuller sound produced by the nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, while both switches offer a vibrant and visually striking experience, the combination of their housing materials shapes a unique experience—enhancing the Matcha’s sharpness and the Sunset Gleam’s depth.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we can observe some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Matcha switch has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. Both switches fall into the category of light switches overall, but the Sunset Gleam provides a firmer push feel due to its higher forces. This heavier actuation may appeal to users looking for a more substantial typing experience, while the lighter Matcha switch might be better suited for those who type for extended periods and prefer a more effortless keystroke. However, the comparatively close actuation and bottom out forces of these switches suggest that typists seeking a blend of comfort and feedback might find satisfactory performance with either switch; it's simply a matter of personal preference toward weight and feel.
Travel distance
The KTT Matcha tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means the Matcha switch offers a more substantial depth, which can cater to users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback and a traditional keystroke experience. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam's 3.5 mm travel distance caters more to those seeking responsiveness, as shorter travel distances generally allow for quicker actuation and faster response times—an often desirable trait among gamers. Ultimately, if you prioritize depth and a more intentional keystroke, the KTT Matcha is the better choice, while the HMX Sunset Gleam may be preferable for those who favor agility and rapid execution.
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 HMX Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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 comparing the sound of the KTT Matcha tactile switch to the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, the Matcha stands out with its distinctly clacky audio profile. This characteristic produces a sharp and snappy sound upon actuation, described as crisp, bright, and percussive. In contrast, the sound profile of the Sunset Gleam is unknown, but it is important to note that the acoustic qualities of any switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard it’s mounted on and the keycap material used. Therefore, if you're seeking a lively auditory feedback, the Matcha will deliver a more engaging experience, while the Sunset Gleam's sound remains to be explored further.
In terms of feel, the KTT Matcha offers a well-defined tactile experience characterized by its stepped feel, snappy response, and a medium level of tactility that many typists find enjoyable. The combination of these features makes the typing experience lively yet comfortable, minimizing fatigue during extended usage. The Matcha switches also provide an accented tactile feedback without being overwhelmingly aggressive. On the other hand, the feel of the Sunset Gleam is unknown; thus, it is hard to compare directly. However, being a linear switch, one can expect it to offer a smoother, uninterrupted keystroke experience, which contrasts with the tactile nuances provided by the Matcha.
In summary, the KTT Matcha tactile switch presents a compelling choice for those who appreciate a rich sound and a diverse tactile feel. Its clacky audio and snappy feedback make it well-suited for both typing and gaming. The Sunset Gleam, while less defined in terms of sound and feel, could provide a smooth and satisfying experience typical of linear switches. If you are drawn to distinct auditory and tactile feedback, the Matcha is the clear choice, but if your preference leans toward smoother keystrokes, the Sunset Gleam may be worth a deeper investigation once more information about its qualities becomes available.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch should hinge on your specific preferences for typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a snappy, tactile feedback while typing, the Matcha is an excellent choice, especially for long sessions since it features a light bottom-out force of 45 grams and a responsive, feathery feel. This makes it great for a variety of activities, from gaming to extensive typing tasks, without causing much finger fatigue. The clacky sound can also add a lively element to your typing experience, making it preferable in environments where you want to express your individuality. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and quiet keystroke with an equally satisfying sound experience, the Sunset Gleam should be your go-to. With its slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, this linear switch provides a more consistent keystroke without tactile interruptions, making it ideal for those who favor a seamless and fluid gaming or typing experience. Ultimately, choosing the right switch depends on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound (Matcha) or a smooth, linear typing experience (Sunset Gleam).
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