KTT Matcha vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow

Overview

The KTT Matcha and the Everglide Sunset Yellow are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct features for different typing preferences. The Matcha is widely praised for its comfortable and snappy tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience. Moreover, its long pole stem contributes to a clean bottom-out sound, enhancing the overall auditory experience. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow switches offer a unique sound profile reminiscent of the collision of mahjong tiles, with a rich and bassy tone that adds a touch of decadence to typing. Additionally, the combination of the POM stem and proprietary factory lube method in the Sunset Yellow switches creates a smooth gliding feel. With their medium-weight and short travel distance, they cater to a wide range of users and provide a highly responsive typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.

By the numbers

KTT Matcha Tactile

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$5.20

$4.88 per 10

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials used in the KTT Matcha and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches have distinct differences in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The Matcha utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This stiffer plastic resonates more clearly, creating a vibrant and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for better RGB lighting effects, making it an excellent choice for those interested in visual aesthetics.

In contrast, the Sunset Yellow features a POM top housing that produces a unique and pleasing sound profile. The sound produced by the POM housing is deeper in tone and comparatively more muted. This can be appealing to users who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the overall satisfaction derived from the switch. While it may not have the same vibrancy as the polycarbonate top housing, the POM material provides a distinctive sound that is equally enjoyable.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Matcha employs a polycarbonate bottom housing similar to its top housing. Therefore, it shares the same qualities such as a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow utilizes a POM bottom housing, which contributes to the deep and muted sound characteristics it is known for. When pressing down on the switch, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the bottom housing material, while the sound when releasing a key will be more influenced by the top housing.

Overall, while there are differences between the housing materials of the KTT Matcha and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches, they both offer commendable sound profiles. The polycarbonate housing of the Matcha provides a brighter and more resonant sound, while the POM housing of the Sunset Yellow offers a deeper and comparatively muted sound. However, in terms of aesthetics, the translucent polycarbonate is preferable for those who desire RGB lighting effects. Ultimately, the choice between these two housing materials depends on the user's personal preferences regarding sound and visual aesthetics.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences between the two. The Matcha has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow requires a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback, but the Matcha offers a lighter touch.

In terms of bottom out force, the Matcha requires 45 grams of force to fully press the key down, while the Sunset Yellow has a heavier bottom out force of 51 grams. This means that the Sunset Yellow provides a more substantial typing experience, requiring a firmer press to fully engage the key.

Consideration of weight is crucial, as it varies based on personal preference and usage. Some users may prefer the lighter Matcha switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This can be particularly advantageous for those using the keyboard for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the Sunset Yellow switch due to its heavier forces, which provide a more tactile and substantial typing experience.

While the actuation force and bottom out force differ between the two switches, they both offer satisfying keystrokes. Individuals seeking a lighter touch would find the Matcha switch suitable, while those desiring a heavier or more pronounced typing experience would lean towards the Sunset Yellow. Overall, both switches cater to different preferences, ensuring a pleasing typing experience for users.

Travel distance

The KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch have different travel distances. The Matcha has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a traditional distance, while the Sunset Yellow has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Sunset Yellow switch. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper and more satisfying keystroke experience may opt for the longer travel distance of the Matcha switch. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on personal preference and usage requirements.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is known for its clean and crisp bottom-out sound, thanks to its long pole stem. This switch produces a clacky sound, which is sharp, snappy, and percussive. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offers a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. It has a rich, bassy sound, characterized by a lower frequency range that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Sunset Yellow switch is described as thocky, which means it produces a deep, satisfying sound akin to a soft "knock" or deep "thud."

When it comes to feel, the KTT Matcha tactile switch has several descriptors to describe its tactile feedback. It is a stepped switch, meaning it has two stages of tactility, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. It is also snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience. The Matcha switch falls under the category of accented switches, providing a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Moreover, it is feathery, making it exceptionally light to press and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch is described as creamy, delivering a smooth and buttery typing experience. It offers a frictionless and polished feel, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

To summarize, the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Matcha switch produces a clacky sound with a clean bottom-out sound, while the Sunset Yellow switch offers a bassy, mahjong-tiles-colliding sound profile, characterized as thocky. In terms of feel, the Matcha switch is stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle, providing a comfortable and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch is creamy, frictionless, and polished, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience. While the two switches have different qualities, both can provide enjoyable typing experiences depending on individual preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and priorities.

If you prioritize a comfortable and snappy tactility, with a clean bottom-out sound, then the Matcha switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a lightweight feel, making it suitable for those who want a feathery and subtle typing experience. The Matcha switch is also known for its stepped and accented feel, providing a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming. However, it is important to note that the Matcha switch is described as clacky in terms of sound, producing a sharp and percussive sound when pressed.

On the other hand, if you prioritize a captivating sound profile with a rich and bassy sound, as well as a distinct gliding feel, then the Sunset Yellow switch might be the better option for you. The Sunset Yellow switch offers a medium-light weight, making it suitable for a wide range of users. Its unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a frictionless and polished feel, resulting in a smooth and effortless typing experience. In terms of sound, the Sunset Yellow switch is described as bassy and thocky, providing a deeper and satisfying sound during key presses.

Ultimately, the decision between the Matcha and Sunset Yellow switches comes down to personal preference. Consider what factors are most important to you, such as the typing feel, sound profile, and weight, and choose accordingly. Whether you prefer a tactile switch with a clean bottom-out sound or a linear switch with a rich and indulgent sound, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Matcha Tactile

$5.20

$4.88 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.09 per 10

Learn more