KTT Matcha vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Matcha and Bsun Tomcat stand out for their unique characteristics and typing experiences. The KTT Matcha is celebrated for its distinct tactile feedback, offering a comfortable and snappy typing sensation that many enthusiasts appreciate. This tactile switch not only provides a satisfying “bump” during key presses, enhancing typing accuracy, but it also features a long pole stem that produces a notably clean bottom-out sound, making it a joy to type on. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switch is designed for those who prefer a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke. With its Ly stems, it delivers a fluid typing experience, complemented by a resonant sound profile that many users find appealing. While the Matcha excels in providing tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction, the Tomcat caters to users seeking a seamless typing journey without the tactile interruption. Both switches offer compelling reasons to be chosen based on personal preferences, whether you lean towards a tactile sensation or a linear 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Extended spring
Housing materials
The KTT Matcha and Bsun Tomcat switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a similar instantaneous sound profile that is characterized by a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp acoustic quality. This choice of material contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making both switches particularly effective for setups utilizing RGB lighting due to the translucency of polycarbonate. As both switches feature polycarbonate tops, users can expect comparable responsiveness and audio clarity when typing or gaming, enriching the overall experience with vibrant lighting effects that enhance the aesthetic appeal of the keyboards.
However, the bottom housings of the two switches showcase a significant divergence in materials, with the Matcha opting for polycarbonate while the Tomcat utilizes nylon. The choice of nylon for the Tomcat's bottom housing introduces a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a contrast to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top. Nylon’s softer properties absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience compared to the Matcha's more sharply defined lower tones. Consequently, users may notice a more satisfying bottom-out feel when engaging with the Tomcat switch, while the Matcha maintains a uniform sound profile that highlights the high-pitched characteristics.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the bottom housings yields distinct sound experiences for the KTT Matcha and Bsun Tomcat switches. In the case of the Matcha, both housings amplify the clear and resonant sound profile, while the Tomcat's nylon bottom balances the sharper tones of its polycarbonate top with a rounder auditory experience. This difference means that press events may feel notably different between the two switches, with the Matcha emphasizing the sound of the release and the Tomcat providing a more rounded sound upon bottoming out. The result is that while they share similarities in high-pitched response from their top housings, the total experience is nuanced by the bottom housing material, appealing to various user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Matcha switch features an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing it as a light option that facilitates extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Tomcat switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, placing it in the medium-light range. This distinction means that the Matcha switch is the lighter of the two, making it ideal for users who prefer a gentler push feel, while the Tomcat offers a more substantial typing experience favored by those who appreciate a stronger feedback. Consequently, choosing between these switches boils down to personal preference: the Matcha is suited for comfort over long periods, while the Tomcat aligns with a desire for more tactile resistance.
Travel distance
The KTT Matcha tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance highlights a key contrast between the two switches: the Matcha provides a more traditional and deeper feel, making it potentially more satisfying for users who appreciate a hearty keypress. In contrast, the Tomcat's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers and those who prefer quicker response times, offering a more responsive experience suitable for fast-paced actions. Ultimately, if you lean towards a deeper travel sensation, the Matcha would be the better choice, whereas the Tomcat is ideal for users seeking efficiency and speed in their keystrokes.
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 Tomcat comes in at $2.99 per 10 switches.
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
The KTT Matcha tactile switch boasts a distinctly clean bottom-out sound characterized as clacky, delivering a sharp and snappy auditory experience. This crisp output is enhanced by the switch's long pole stem, which contributes to its bright and percussive sound profile. In contrast, while the Bsun Tomcat linear switch is noted for providing a resonant sound profile, the specifics of its sound characteristics are not fully detailed. It's important to remember that the overall sound a switch produces can be influenced by the mechanical keyboard's construction and the chosen keycaps, meaning both switches could be susceptible to variations in auditory feedback based on hardware choices.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Matcha switch offers a nuanced experience. It is described as stepped, providing a tactile sensation with discernible stages, along with a snappy responsiveness that makes typing feel lively. The feedback is accentuated without being overwhelming, striking a well-balanced tactile experience. Additionally, the Matcha's design lends itself to a feathery lightness, which minimizes finger fatigue during extended use, appealing for lengthy typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the tactile feeling of the Tomcat switch isn’t explicitly defined, leaving its experience relatively unknown.
In conclusion, the KTT Matcha tactile switch offers a well-rounded experience with its clacky sound and a multifaceted tactile feel that caters to a variety of typing preferences. With its unique sound characteristics, it stands out well for those who value auditory feedback alongside a responsive typing experience. The Bsun Tomcat linear switch, while noted for its resonant sound, lacks additional details that would allow for a more comprehensive comparison in regards to feel. Ultimately, those seeking similar results in sound should consider the Matcha for its distinct auditory qualities, while the Tomcat may appeal in its own right, despite the unknown characteristics of its tactile feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a more tactile typing experience with a snappy feel and appreciate the satisfying clackiness of your keystrokes, the Matcha switch is an excellent choice. Its lighter 45-gram actuation force will reduce finger fatigue, making it ideal for extended typing sessions, whether you're writing, programming, or gaming. The distinctly clean bottom-out sound further enhances the typing experience, perfect for those who want audible feedback without being too disruptive in shared workspaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and linear feel, the Tomcat switch, with its medium-light 54-gram bottom-out force, would be better suited for you. Its resonance and ease of key travel make it optimal for gaming, where speed and fluidity are paramount. The Tomcat's Ly stems provide a whisper-quiet operation, making it a great option for environments where noise might be an issue. Ultimately, consider whether you value the engaging tactility of the Matcha or the seamless smoothness of the Tomcat, and let these characteristics guide your decision.
Mentioned in this article
