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KTT Matcha vs. KTT Wine Red

An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, two options worth considering are the KTT Matcha, a tactile switch, and the KTT Wine Red, a linear switch. The KTT Matcha is known for its comfortable and snappy tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, its long pole stem contributes to a distinctly clean bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red offers a pillowy light type feel, creating a pleasant typing sensation. Furthermore, it produces a deep and rich sound profile that adds to the overall experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best choice for your needs.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

40g

Actuation force

44g

Bottom-out force

45g

Bottom-out force

55g

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

No

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

POM

Stem material

POM

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Polycarbonate

Mount type

Plate (3-pin)

Mount type

Plate (3-pin)

Spring

Gold-plated spring

Spring

Progressive spring

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Matcha and the KTT Wine Red, it is clear that they share the same polycarbonate material for both the top and bottom housings. This means that both switches will offer similar qualities in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The use of polycarbonate in the housings of both switches creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiffer plastic of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a vibrant and defined typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting on their keyboards, as it allows for a visually appealing illumination.

It is worth noting that when the top and bottom housings of a switch differ, the qualities of each housing material are separated. In this case, however, since both the Matcha and Wine Red feature the same polycarbonate material for both the top and bottom housings, the overall impact on the switch's sound profile and feel will be consistent. When pressing down on these switches, the qualities of the polycarbonate bottom housing will be felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Likewise, the top housing will have an impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect similar results from both the Matcha and Wine Red switches in terms of their tactile feedback and overall sound signature.

In conclusion, the housing materials of the KTT Matcha and KTT Wine Red switches are identical, both featuring polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings. This shared material ensures that users will experience similar results in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The polycarbonate material produces a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. Furthermore, its translucency makes it a practical choice for those interested in RGB lighting effects. Whether it is the top or bottom housing, the polycarbonate material will contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch, providing users with a consistent and enjoyable typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Matcha has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Wine Red's slightly heavier 44 grams. Similarly, the Matcha has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams compared to the Wine Red's 55 grams. This means that the Matcha switch offers a lighter and more responsive typing experience, requiring less force to register a keystroke and to fully press down the key. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel.

Considering the weight factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Matcha switch. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces allow for longer typing periods without fatigue, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. However, individuals who desire a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Wine Red switch. With its slightly heavier forces, it provides a more pronounced tactile feedback which can enhance the typing experience for some users.

Overall, the Matcha switch offers a lighter and more effortless keystroke experience, while the Wine Red switch provides a slightly heavier and more substantial typing feel. Nevertheless, both switches offer their own unique advantages, and the choice ultimately depends on individual preferences and typing preferences.

Travel distance

The KTT Matcha tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. When comparing the two switches, it can be said that they offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance. Both switches will provide users with a consistent 4 mm travel distance, ensuring a satisfying tactile or linear response when pressing down on a key. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, the KTT Matcha and the KTT Wine Red are equal, offering similar results in terms of user experience.

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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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 is best known for its comfortable and snappy tactility. When typing on the Matcha, users can expect a satisfyingly crisp and bright sound, resulting in a clean bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch offers a pillowy light type feel and a deep and rich sound profile. The Wine Red switch is characterized by a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Unlike the Matcha, the subjective qualities of the Wine Red switch's sound are not explicitly described in the available information.

In terms of feel, the Matcha switch is described as having a stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle feel. It features a tactile experience with two stages, providing a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The switch is super responsive due to its longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive. Additionally, the Matcha switch is exceptionally light to press, requiring little exertion from the fingers, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Wine Red switch's subjective qualities of feel are unknown based on the information provided.

Based on the available information, the Matcha switch offers a clacky sound with sharp and snappy qualities, while the Wine Red switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound. In terms of feel, the Matcha switch has a stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle feel, while the feel of the Wine Red switch remains unspecified. Both switches offer unique characteristics, and the choice between them depends on personal preference and the overall desired typing experience. It is important to note that factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps also influence the sound and feel of the switches. Therefore, it is recommended to consider these factors in addition to the provided information when making a decision.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanically tactile keyboard switch with a light bottom out force, the KTT Matcha is a fantastic choice. It offers a comfortable and snappy typing experience, along with a clean and crisp bottom-out sound. The Matcha switch is also characterized by its stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle feel, making it ideal for extended typing sessions, gaming, school, or work. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the KTT Wine Red is a great option. It provides a pillowy light typing feel and a deep, rich sound profile that resembles bass tones. The Wine Red switch lacks specific descriptors for its feel, but it is still a reliable and enjoyable switch to use. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch depends on your preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience.

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