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KTT Matcha vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)

An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style, and two notable options that exemplify this are the KTT Matcha, a tactile switch, and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), a linear switch. The KTT Matcha is beloved for its comfortable, snappy tactility, providing a satisfying feedback with every keystroke, complemented by a clean bottom-out sound thanks to its long pole stem. This switch is ideal for typists who enjoy a tactile experience that enhances their writing flow while delivering an enjoyable auditory feedback. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) stands out as a linear switch characterized by its heavier feel, crafted from a unique PA12 top housing that produces softer acoustics, paired with a POM stem that offers a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This switch is perfect for users looking for a smooth typing experience without the tactile bumps, allowing for quicker key presses without interruption. While both switches bring unique qualities to the table, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

40g

Actuation force

55g

Bottom-out force

45g

Bottom-out force

62.5g

Pre-travel

1.90 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Total travel

3.40 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-stage spring

Housing materials

The KTT Matcha and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) employ distinct materials for their switch housings, which contributes to their unique sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Matcha features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, known for its sharper, higher-pitched sound characteristics. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature allows it to create a more resonant audio experience, which is particularly beneficial for users who enjoy a clear and crisp typing feel. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice if RGB lighting is a feature, allowing for vibrant illumination that enhances the visual appeal of the keyboard.

In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch utilizes nylon for its top and bottom housings, traditionally celebrated for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer composition of nylon tends to absorb sound rather than amplify it, resulting in a more muted and rounder auditory experience. This inherent quality of nylon can provide a different tactile feedback when typing, making it suitable for those who prefer a softer and less pronounced keystroke sound. Therefore, while the Matcha offers brightness and clarity, the Xinhai leans towards warmth and depth, appealing to different user preferences.

Despite their differences, both switches can achieve a harmonious typing experience by leveraging the individual strengths of their materials. If one were to combine a polycarbonate top housing with a nylon bottom housing, the resultant sound profile would be a blend of sharpness from the polycarbonate and fullness from the nylon. Conversely, the Xinhai’s use of nylon in both top and bottom housings compromises on the resonance found in the Matcha but enhances comfort and dampening effects. Ultimately, both switches present distinct auditory experiences, yet both can deliver satisfying results based on the user’s preference for sound clarity versus warmth.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there is a distinct difference in actuation and bottom out forces that caters to varying typing preferences. The Matcha switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience ideal for extended use, such as during long gaming sessions or at work. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, offering a firmer tactile feedback that may appeal to those seeking a more substantial feel while typing. Thus, while the Matcha is lighter and promotes less strain over time, the Xinhai provides the weightier push preferred by some typists for a more robust experience. Overall, these switches cater to different user preferences, with the Matcha being ideal for those favoring lighter keystrokes and the Xinhai better suited for those who enjoy a stronger push feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in travel distance. The Matcha offers a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) provides a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more tactile and deeper experience while typing or gaming, the Matcha would be the better choice due to its longer travel distance. Conversely, if you prefer a quicker response time, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch, with its shorter travel distance, may be more appealing. The contrast in travel distances highlights a key consideration for users: whether they value a deeper, more substantial feel or a more responsive, quicker actuation. Ultimately, the Matcha's 4 mm travel promotes a more pronounced keypress, while the Xinhai (Heavy) caters to those who favor a more immediate action.

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 Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) for $2.99.

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 comparing the sound characteristics of the KTT Matcha and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), the Matcha stands out with its clacky audio profile. This means that when you press down on a Matcha switch, you'll experience a sharp and snappy sound, often described as crisp, bright, and percussive. The clean bottom-out sound is thanks to its long pole stem, which contributes to a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists appreciate. In contrast, the sound profile of the Xinhai (Heavy) remains unknown, but it is crafted with a PA12 top housing that potentially offers a softer acoustics profile. The combination of these materials may suggest a more muted sound experience as compared to the Matcha, resulting in potentially less of that pronounced auditory feedback.

In terms of feel, the Matcha switch offers a compelling tactile experience characterized by its stepped and snappy qualities. The stepped tactile feedback implies that the actuation feels segmented, giving you a comforting sensation of engagement upon pressing the switch. This is further enhanced by its snappy responsiveness, likely due to the design of its spring, making each keystroke feel lively and engaging. Furthermore, the Matcha's tactility is described as accented, striking a balance that neither overwhelms nor feels too subtle. It also presents a light typing experience, which is referred to as feathery, making it effective for reducing finger fatigue during extensive typing sessions. The tactile nuances and the slight resistance create a pleasurable and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the feel characteristics of the Xinhai (Heavy) switch are currently unknown.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a snappy, engaging typing experience with a satisfying sound, the KTT Matcha tactile switch checks those boxes beautifully. Its clacky sound, combined with a well-balanced tactile feel, makes it an excellent choice for both typists and gamers alike. Although the Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch remains a bit of a mystery in terms of sound and feel, it promises a blend of subtle sophistication with a potentially softer acoustic profile, appealing to those who prefer a muted yet performance-oriented experience. The choice between these two will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize the tactile feedback and sound dynamics of the Matcha or a potentially different experience with the Xinhai (Heavy).

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a more tactile experience with a light and responsive feel, the Matcha is an excellent selection. Its 45-gram bottom-out force allows for comfortable and swift typing, making it suitable for both gaming and long typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. You'll appreciate the snappy tactility and the clacky sound profile that provide a satisfying feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch that offers more resistance and a higher degree of stability, the Xinhai (Heavy) with its 62.5-gram bottom-out force is the way to go. This switch offers a blend of refined acoustics and a crisp sound, thanks to its PA12 housing and POM stem, which not only delivers a unique auditory experience but also a robust feel that can enhance your typing accuracy. Thus, whether you prioritize tactile delight or the precision of a heavier linear feel will guide you to the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard.

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