KTT Matcha vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference in feel and sound. The KTT Matcha, a renowned tactile switch, excels in providing a comfortable, snappy feedback that allows typists to enjoy a satisfying and precise keystroke experience. Its design features a long pole stem, delivering a distinctly clean bottom-out sound that adds character to every keystroke. With its characteristics of being stepped, snappy, and subtly clacky, the Matcha is an ideal choice for those who appreciate tactile sensations and audible feedback while typing. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi offers a linear switch experience characterized by its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, stemming from its long-pole design, extended springs, and walled stems that promise unparalleled smoothness and stability. This switch is perfect for gamers and typists who seek a fluid keypress with minimal resistance and a quieter operation. While the Matcha caters to those who thrive on tactile feedback, the Taichi appeals to users who prefer an uninterrupted and smooth 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
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Matcha and Bsun Taichi switches bear similarities and differences that greatly influence their sound profiles and aesthetic appeal. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, resulting in a sharp, high-pitched, and crisper sound characteristic. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which promotes a clear and resonant audio experience. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting integration, allowing for vibrant light diffusion that enhances the visual aspects of a keyboard. Consequently, users of either switch can expect similar auditory qualities when activating keys, as both top housings are composed of the same material that optimizes sound clarity.
However, the bottom housings of the Matcha and Taichi switches present a notable contrast. The Matcha utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains the same sharper and crisper sound profile throughout the entire switch, while the Taichi opts for a nylon bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer material, absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller audio experience that differs markedly from the Matcha's sound characteristics. This distinction highlights how the properties of the bottom housing can significantly modify the overall noise profile of the switch, especially in terms of the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback when keys are engaged. Thus, users will experience varying auditory dynamics depending on the bottom material in use.
When considering the combined effects of these materials, both switches will yield different results due to their respective bottom housings. The Matcha's dual polycarbonate structure offers a consistent sound profile, while the Taichi's blend of polycarbonate and nylon allows for a more unique auditory experience characterized by depth and fullness. If users are already acquainted with the sound characteristics of either type of plastic, they can expect a unique feel when actuating the Taichi compared to the Matcha, particularly as it relates to the sensation experienced during typing. Thus, while the top housing contributes to the crisp, bright sounds, the bottom housing makes all the difference in the tactile and auditory experience of the switch overall.
Weight
The KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch both feature an actuation force of 40 grams, indicating that they require the same amount of pressure to register a keystroke. This similarity allows users to expect comparable performance when it comes to responsiveness during typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Matcha switch achieves a measurement of 45 grams, implying that it requires a slightly stronger push to fully register a key press. Conversely, the bottom out force for the Taichi switch is not specified, leaving a gap in the available information. Given that the Matcha has a lighter overall weight due to its lower bottom out force, it may be more suitable for users seeking longer typing comfort or lighter resistance during extended use. Meanwhile, the Taichi's unknown bottom out force creates uncertainty regarding its overall feel, but if it were to be heavier, it would appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Matcha tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Taichi linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance reflects a notable distinction in user experience between the two switches. The Matcha, with its 4 mm travel, offers a more traditional feel, appealing to those who appreciate a deeper, more tactile response when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the Taichi's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to gamers and users seeking quicker response times, providing a more immediate actuation with less depth. Therefore, the Matcha switch would be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial key press, while the Taichi is ideal for individuals who prioritize speed and responsiveness.
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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 switch is characterized by a clacky auditory profile, providing a crisp and bright sound as keys bottom out, making each keystroke feel engaging and lively. This sharp sound, paired with a distinct clean bottom-out, comes from its long pole stem design, which contributes to an overall bright and percussive audio experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switch offers a high-pitched bottom-out sound, also resulting from its long-pole stem, which creates an enchanting auditory quality that users find appealing. While the Matcha is more clacky and dynamic in sound, the Taichi's high pitch has its own unique resonance, although the precise characteristics can vary based on the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Matcha switch excels with its combination of snappy responsiveness and distinct stepped tactility. This creates an enjoyable typing experience that strikes a balance between a pronounced tactile bump and a comfortable key press, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. The tactile feedback is accentuated without being overwhelming, allowing for a lively and engaging keystroke. Conversely, the feel characteristics of the Bsun Taichi switch remain unspecified, leaving room for interpretation. Thus, while the Matcha offers a well-rounded tactile experience that caters to various preferences, the tactile response of the Taichi remains unknown and would need further exploration by users.
In conclusion, the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch both provide unique auditory and tactile experiences within the realm of mechanical keyboards. The Matcha is known for its clacky sound and responsive, snappy feel, while the Taichi is recognized for its enchanting high-pitched sound, though its tactile qualities are not detailed. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal sound preferences and desired typing sensations, as users will find that each switch contributes uniquely to the overall mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, your choice should hinge on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a tactile response while typing, the Matcha is an excellent option for you. Its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it light and responsive, yielding a pleasant, snappy feel that can enhance your typing experience. The tactile bump can help improve typing accuracy, especially if you do a lot of writing or coding. Additionally, the clacky sound of the Matcha adds a lively dimension to the typing experience, making it great for those who enjoy auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a more muted sound profile, the Bsun Taichi is a compelling choice. With its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound and focus on stability, it offers a different tactile experience that many gamers and those who enjoy a quieter workspace may prefer. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your style—whether you lean towards a tactile and responsive feel or a smoother, quieter keystroke experience.