KTT Matcha vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Matcha and the TTC Yunhai offer distinct yet compelling typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The KTT Matcha, celebrated for its tactile feedback, delivers a satisfying snappy response and a clean bottom-out sound thanks to its long pole stem, making it ideal for users who appreciate a pronounced tactile sensation while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai provides a smooth, linear feel with an exceptionally light actuation force combined with a deep, rounded sound profile, appealing to those who favor a gentle and effortless typing experience. While the Matcha excels in delivering a more engaging and tactile touch, the Yunhai caters to a subtler, softer interaction with the keyboard. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Matcha and TTC Yunhai exhibit contrasting housing materials that significantly influence their acoustics, feel, and aesthetics. The Matcha features a polycarbonate top housing, which is inherently stiffer, producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. This characteristic results in a clearer resonance that’s perfect for RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the visual experience. On the other hand, the Yunhai utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is a classic material known for yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound more effectively than its polycarbonate counterpart, creating a rounder and more subdued acoustic environment.
The differences continue with their bottom housings, where the Matcha again employs polycarbonate, further contributing to a bright and resonant sound profile. By contrast, the Yunhai employs nylon for its bottom housing as well, which reinforces that mellower sound. This contrast in materials means that the typing experience on each switch will be distinctly different; with the Matcha delivering a crisper auditory feedback and the Yunhai providing a more cushioned, muted response. The nature of the material used for the bottom housing has a direct impact on how the key feels when pressed down, as the softer nylon in the Yunhai absorbs some of the impact, creating a different tactile experience.
In conclusion, while both switches have their unique strengths, it is their differences in housing materials that shape the overall user experience. If one were to combine aspects of each, it’s evident that simulating the results would involve balancing the clear, crisp output of polycarbonate with the fuller, rounder sound of nylon. Using polycarbonate for the top housing to enhance light diffusion and resonance, while leveraging nylon for a more subdued auditory effect in the bottom housing could yield an adaptable experience. However, without this balance, users will be drawn to the specific acoustic profiles and tactile sensations each switch offers, depending on their individual preferences for sound and feel in their typing experience.
Weight
The KTT Matcha tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, aimed at users who favor ease of typing and extended use. The Matcha switch has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Yunhai requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Matcha the lighter option overall, appealing to those who prioritize comfort during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the slightly heavier forces of the Yunhai may provide a more substantial feel for users who prefer a stronger push sensation. Both switches offer a similar experience in terms of lightness but differ in their specific actuation and bottom out forces, which can influence the user's overall typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the Matcha features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Yunhai offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Matcha will provide a more pronounced tactile feedback during key presses, making it suitable for those who enjoy a deeper and more deliberate key actuation. In contrast, the Yunhai's shorter 3.6 mm travel distance caters to users who prefer quicker responses, which can be particularly beneficial for gaming. Ultimately, if a user desires a compact feel and faster actuation, the Yunhai is the better choice; however, for those who appreciate more substantial feedback and a traditional typing experience, the KTT Matcha is ideal.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 considering the sound profiles of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the Matcha stands out with its distinctly clacky nature. This switch produces a crisp, bright sound that is sharp and percussive, enhancing the typing experience for those who enjoy auditory feedback from their keystrokes. The clackiness comes largely from its design, including a long pole stem, which contributes to a clean bottom-out sound. In contrast, the Yunhai's sound profile has not been explicitly detailed, but it is noted for its deep, rounded sound, creating an altogether different auditory experience that is likely more subdued compared to the Matcha's brightness. This contrast in sound character reflects the differing design philosophies behind the two switches, with the Matcha offering a more pronounced auditory feedback compared to the Yunhai.
When examining the feel, the Matcha tactile switch is characterized by its snappy and accented tactile feedback. This switch features a stepped tactile sensation that gives the typist a clear indication of actuation without overwhelming resistance. The responsive feel is accompanied by a mild pre-travel, allowing for a lively typing experience that many users find enjoyable and engaging. The description of the Matcha's feel suggests that it is designed to be vivid yet manageable, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, there isn’t sufficient information available regarding the tactile feedback and feel of the Yunhai switch, which leaves uncertainty about how it might compare. While the Yunhai offers an incredibly light actuation force, promoting a potentially effortless feel, the lack of tactile qualities makes direct comparison challenging.
In summary, the KTT Matcha tactile switch offers a uniquely crisp and lively sound paired with a comfortable, snappy tactile experience. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals who appreciate pronounced auditory feedback and effective yet manageable tactile sensations. The TTC Yunhai linear switch promises a gentle and light typing experience with a deeper sound profile, although further exploration into its tactile characteristics would be necessary for a comprehensive comparison. Depending on personal preference, both switches can cater to specific typing styles, but the Matcha clearly stands out for those who seek a more tactile and audible typing experience, while the Yunhai may appeal to those who favor a more subdued and effortless approach.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a distinctly tactile and responsive feel with a crisp, clacky sound, the Matcha is an excellent choice. Its light actuation force of 45 grams along with a snappy, stepped tactile feedback makes it ideal for those who thrive on a lively typing experience, whether for typing out documents or engaging in fast-paced gaming. However, if you prefer a smoother, more effortless keystroke without the tactile bump, the TTC Yunhai linear switch might be more your style. Its slightly heavier bottom-out force of 50 grams provides a solid yet gentle typing experience, perfect for users who favor a quiet and fluid operation, which can be advantageous for extended typing sessions or in shared workspaces. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what you find most comfortable and enjoyable in your typing routine.
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