KTT Matcha vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Matcha and the Durock White Lotus are both tactile mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and advantages. The Matcha is renowned for its comfortable and snappy tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, it boasts a distinctly clean bottom-out sound, thanks to its long pole stem. On the other hand, the White Lotus is designed specifically for discerning typists, offering a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance. These switches are ideal for extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Moreover, they feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Matcha and the Durock White Lotus differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Matcha utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which gives it a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is attributed to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the White Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which offers a unique and premium feel without specific information on sound characteristics. Both housings provide enhanced aesthetics, especially when combined with RGB lighting.
In terms of bottom housing, the Matcha employs a polycarbonate material that contributes to a similar effect as its top housing. The stiffness of polycarbonate results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing on the switch. Comparatively, the White Lotus incorporates a nylon bottom housing, renowned for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and generates a duller and rounder sound profile.
While the top and bottom housings differ in material for these switches, their impact on sound is split. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, affecting the typing experience when the key is fully pressed. In contrast, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when the key is released. Therefore, the selection of housing materials can significantly influence the overall sound profile and tactile feedback of these switches.
In summary, the KTT Matcha and the Durock White Lotus exhibit distinct housing materials. The Matcha features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. Alternatively, the White Lotus integrates a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing and a nylon bottom housing for a unique and deep sound experience. While they differ, both switches prioritize aesthetics and offer enhanced sound profiles based on their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Matcha has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the White Lotus's slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams. This means that the Matcha requires a gentler touch to trigger a keystroke, which can be advantageous for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Matcha has a relatively heavier force of 45 grams, while the White Lotus has a medium-light bottom out force of 56 grams. This suggests that the White Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience when pressing all the way down. Overall, if weight is a significant factor for an individual, the Matcha may be preferred for its lighter actuation force and slightly heavier bottom out force, while the White Lotus offers a medium-light actuation force and heavier bottom out force for those seeking a more robust typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 tactile switch is known for its clean and crisp bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is described as having a low-pitched sound profile, which gives it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The Matcha has a clacky sound that is sharp and snappy, while the White Lotus has a more neutral sound suitable for various purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Matcha tactile switch offers a comfortable and snappy tactility. It is described as a stepped switch that provides a mild tactile feedback with the presence of both pre-travel and post-travel. The Matcha switch is also characterized as being snappy and accented, providing a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, it is feathery, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This switch provides an easy typing experience with low-impact and responsive feedback. It is also categorized as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Similar to the Matcha, the White Lotus also has a subtle feel with gentle resistance suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Matcha has a clacky sound, while the White Lotus has a low-pitched and neutral sound. In terms of feel, the Matcha offers a stepped, snappy, accented, and feathery experience, while the White Lotus provides an easy-to-press, mild, and subtle feel. Both switches are designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, although with slightly different characteristics. If you prefer a switch with a clean and crisp sound and a snappy, feathery feel, the Matcha would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a low-pitched sound and a gentle, easy-to-press feel, the White Lotus would be a suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a light and comfortable typing experience with a clean bottom-out sound, the KTT Matcha tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, this switch offers a snappy tactility that makes typing enjoyable. Its stepped, snappy, and feathery feel reduces finger fatigue, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Matcha switch produces a clacky sound, which adds a crisp and bright element to your typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile switch that strikes a perfect balance between tactility and subtlety, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch would be a great fit. With a bottom out force of 56 grams, this switch offers a delicate tactility that doesn't overwhelm the user. Its easy-to-press and subtle feel ensures a low-impact typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The White Lotus switch also features a removable light column, allowing for vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. The switch produces a low-pitched sound, which has a mellow and bass-heavy tone, adding a soothing element to your typing experience.
Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Matcha and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a light and snappy feel, along with a clacky sound, the Matcha switch is the way to go. However, if you prefer a more delicate tactility, along with an easy-to-press feel and a low-pitched sound, the White Lotus switch would be an excellent choice. Consider your typing style, preferences, and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard to make an informed decision.
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