KTT Matcha vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. The KTT Matcha is praised for its comfortable and snappy tactility, along with a clean bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the HMX Swift stands out for its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, paired with a delicate actuation force. While the Matcha offers a more subtle and accented typing experience, the Swift provides a bouncier and creamier typing feel. 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
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Matcha and the HMX Swift, it is evident that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Matcha features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. In contrast, the Swift employs a nylon top and bottom housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile as the softer plastic absorbs more sound. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials, the Matcha's polycarbonate housing provides a clearer and resonant sound, while the Swift's nylon housing creates a duller and rounder sound.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Matcha and Swift, both switches exhibit unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate top and bottom housing of the Matcha contribute to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for users seeking a clear and resonant typing experience. In contrast, the nylon top and bottom housing of the Swift produce a deeper and fuller sound, appealing to those who prefer a softer and more absorptive typing feel. While the housing materials may vary, both switches aim to provide an enhanced typing experience through their distinct sound profiles.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Matcha and the HMX Swift hinges on individual preferences for sound and feel. The polycarbonate housing of the Matcha delivers a sharp and crisp sound, while the nylon housing of the Swift offers a deep and full-bodied sound. Both switches emphasize the importance of housing materials in shaping the overall typing experience, with the top and bottom housings playing a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of each switch. Whether opting for the Matcha or the Swift, users can expect a unique and personalized typing experience based on their preferred sound characteristics.
Weight
The KTT Matcha tactile switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the HMX Swift linear switch. The Matcha requires 40 grams of force to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out, while the Swift needs 42 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out. Both switches have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, the Swift provides a slightly heavier feel compared to the Matcha, which may be favored by those who enjoy a more substantial typing sensation. In both cases, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable options for various typing preferences.
Travel distance
The KTT Matcha tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. In this case, the Swift has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Matcha. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Matcha being on the longer side and the Swift on the shorter side. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference - the Matcha may offer a slightly more substantial keypress feel with its longer travel distance, while the Swift may provide a quicker response time with its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a tactile typing experience, and picking one over the other would depend on whether you prefer a longer or shorter travel distance.
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 Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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
In terms of sound, both the KTT Matcha and the HMX Swift switches are described as "clacky," producing a sharp, snappy sound when pressed. However, the Matcha offers a cleaner bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem, while the Swift stands out with a deeper sound profile from its full nylon housings. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Matcha switch is described as having a stepped, snappy, and feathery feel, offering a comfortable typing experience with a balanced tactility. On the other hand, the Swift switch provides an easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy feel, which enhances the typing experience with a silky smoothness and light actuation force. Both switches aim to provide a responsive and enjoyable typing feel, catering to different preferences in terms of tactility and force required.
In conclusion, while the KTT Matcha and HMX Swift switches offer slightly different sound profiles and tactile feels, they both aim to provide a pleasant typing experience. Whether you prefer the cleaner bottom-out sound and snappy tactility of the Matcha or the deeper sound profile and smooth actuation of the Swift, both switches are designed to enhance your typing experience with their unique characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a comfortable, snappy tactility and a clean bottom-out sound, the Matcha may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a silky smoothness, a deeper sound profile, and a lighter actuation force, the Swift might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on how you value tactile feedback, sound profile, and actuation force in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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