KTT Matcha vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Matcha and HMX Vintage Citrus stand out as distinct yet appealing options that cater to different needs and preferences. The KTT Matcha is celebrated for its tactile feedback, offering a comfortable and snappy feel that enhances the typing experience, making it ideal for both typists and gamers who appreciate a pronounced tactile response. Its long pole stem contributes to a clean bottom-out sound that adds an acoustic pleasure to the act of typing. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus is engineered for gamers seeking speedy performance, as it features an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, allowing for rapid-fire inputs with a smooth push feel and a bright, clacky sound profile that adds excitement to gameplay. While the Matcha excels in providing a satisfying tactile experience, the Vintage Citrus prioritizes speed and efficiency. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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 single-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Matcha and HMX Vintage Citrus switches both utilize different materials for their housing, which significantly influences their resulting sound characteristics. The KTT Matcha features a polycarbonate housing for both the top and bottom, which yields a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer plastic nature, allowing for clearer resonance. In addition, the translucency of polycarbonate amplifies the RGB lighting effects, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and functional visibility. Conversely, the HMX Vintage Citrus employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to nylon’s softer composition, the switches create a duller, rounder auditory experience, effectively absorbing more sound rather than transmitting it as polycarbonate does.
When contrasting the sound qualities between the two types of switches, the materials used create distinct auditory profiles. In the case of the Matcha switches, the stiffness of polycarbonate means that the key press will be associated with a bright and resonant sound. Users often prefer this for a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. The Vintage Citrus switches, conversely, offer a sound that feels more muted and rich, appealing to those who favor a softer typing experience. The difference in material properties also suggests varied applications; for example, the KTT Matcha caters well to gamer's preference for the sharp sound cues, while the HMX Vintage Citrus would be more suited to typists who appreciate a full-bodied and quieter feedback.
It is important to note that while the KTT Matcha and HMX Vintage Citrus have different sound profiles due to their housing materials, they share a commonality in that each switch's overall sound quality is influenced by the interaction between its top and bottom housings. In the KTT Matcha, both the top and bottom being made of polycarbonate ensure a consistent crisper sound throughout the key press and release. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus's nylon top and bottom combine to create a more rounded auditory signature. Consequently, although distinct in terms of material properties, both switches can achieve optimal sound results within their respective auditory realms, making the choice ultimately depend on personal preference for sound clarity versus fullness.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Matcha switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an appealing choice for individuals who prefer a lighter feel, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who favor a firmer push. Therefore, while the Matcha is lighter overall, the Vintage Citrus offers a bit more resistance, appealing to users who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback. Overall, users seeking a switch with less strain during prolonged use might gravitate towards the KTT Matcha, whereas those preferring a more robust typing engagement might opt for the HMX Vintage Citrus.
Travel distance
The KTT Matcha tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. The Matcha's 4 mm distance is considered more traditional and offers a deeper feel that some users appreciate for its satisfying tactile feedback. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch, with its 3 mm travel, caters to those who prefer a more responsive, quicker actuation, often favored by gamers for faster response times. Thus, if you're drawn to a more substantial key press, the Matcha would be the ideal choice, whereas if you lean towards a snappier feel, the Vintage Citrus is preferable. Overall, the Matcha is the longer travel switch, while the Vintage Citrus is shorter, highlighting the differing philosophies behind switch designs for various user preferences.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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, the KTT Matcha switch delivers a distinctly clean and clacky sound profile that is crisp, bright, and percussive during typing. This quality is further enhanced by its long pole stem, which contributes to a sharp bottom-out sound that appeals to users who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback. While the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is primarily designed for gaming, its specific sound characteristics have not been disclosed, leaving a bit of ambiguity regarding how it would compare in this domain. Nevertheless, both switches have their distinct auditory experiences that cater to different preferences.
When considering the feel of these switches, the KTT Matcha is known for its comfortable and snappy tactile response. It features a stepped design that provides a sense of pre-travel resistance, noticeable enough to enhance user feedback without being overwhelming. This accessibility creates a lively typing experience, reducing fatigue over long sessions. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus is characterized as a speed switch with an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, which likely translates to a much smoother and lighter feel, making it ideal for rapid inputs during gaming. However, lacking detailed descriptions about the specific tactile feedback of the Vintage Citrus restricts a direct comparison to the tactile characteristics of the Matcha.
In conclusion, while both the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch cater to different typing and gaming preferences, they provide unique sensory experiences. The Matcha stands out for its pronounced clacky sound and snappy tactile feedback, appealing to those who enjoy a responsive feel. Meanwhile, the Vintage Citrus targets gamers with its lower actuation force, promoting rapid keystrokes. Ultimately, both can create satisfying results—whether through the Matcha's enjoyable tactile sensation and clear acoustic profile, or the Vintage Citrus's smooth inputs—depending on personal inclination and usage context.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately comes down to your specific typing or gaming preferences. If you find joy in a tactile feel and a snappy response while typing, the KTT Matcha is likely your best bet. Its lighter 45-gram bottom-out force and distinctive clean sound make it ideal for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue. You’ll appreciate the comfortable heft and subtle feedback that can enhance your overall typing experience, particularly if you work or type for long durations. On the other hand, if you're a gamer or someone who prioritizes rapid input, you'll probably prefer the HMX Vintage Citrus. With its low 53-gram actuation force and exceptionally quick actuation at just 1mm, this switch is engineered for speed, allowing you to execute rapid commands with minimal effort. The clacky sound profile also adds an engaging auditory element to your gameplay, making each key press feel satisfying. In essence, consider your primary use case—whether you lean toward tactile feedback and comfort or rapid-fire inputs and a lively sound profile—to guide your switch choice.
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