KTT Matcha vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Matcha and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer different experiences when it comes to tactileity. The Matcha is known for its comfortable and snappy tactility, providing a satisfying typing sensation. Its long pole stem also produces a clean bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a gratifying typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, it delivers a bouncy feel with each keystroke. Additionally, the Tourmaline Blues strike a balance with their standard spring weight, making them accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about which switch suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Matcha and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, providing a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches have a translucent design, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting.
However, despite these similarities, the Matcha and the Tourmaline Blue may still offer slightly different experiences due to the placement of the housing materials. The bottom housing of a switch has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, which means that the Matcha and the Tourmaline Blue might offer a slightly different tactile experience while typing. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when you release a key. Therefore, the sound profile after a key press may differ slightly between the Matcha and the Tourmaline Blue.
Overall, if you are looking for a switch with a clear and resonant sound profile, as well as a translucent design for RGB lighting, both the KTT Matcha and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue are excellent options. Although they might have slight differences in the tactile experience and the sound after key release, you can expect comparable results in terms of overall sound quality and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Matcha switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, which means less force is required to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue switch has a higher actuation force of 59 grams, making it slightly heavier to activate. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Matcha switch requires a force of 45 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams. This indicates that the Tourmaline Blue switch is noticeably heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch for extended periods of typing or gaming, as it allows for easier and more comfortable usage. In this case, the Matcha switch would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, some users prefer a stronger push and a more substantial typing sensation. For such individuals, the Tourmaline Blue switch with its medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces would provide the desired tactile feedback. Thus, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience. While the Matcha switch offers a lighter feel, the Tourmaline Blue switch caters to those who prefer a heavier and more pronounced keystroke.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom will be the same. Therefore, regardless of whether one chooses the Matcha or Tourmaline Blue switch, they can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall typing 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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 produces a clacky sound when pressed. This means that you can expect a sharp and snappy sound, giving your typing experience a crisp and percussive feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a neutral sound profile. It doesn't have any extreme characteristics and provides a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Matcha is a stepped switch with a snappy and accented tactility. This means that it has two stages of tactile feedback, providing a more mild and responsive typing experience. It also has a feathery feel, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers a buttery feel. This indicates a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. It is also easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate, and provides a low-impact typing feel.
Considering all the available information, the KTT Matcha and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Matcha is known for its comfortable and snappy tactile feedback, coupled with a clean bottom-out sound. It provides a stepped and feathery feel, enhancing responsiveness and reducing finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a deep and thocky sound, providing a neutral and mild typing experience. It has a buttery and easy-to-press feel, making it effortless and comfortable for typing. Depending on your preferences, both switches offer unique attributes that cater to different typing styles. If you prefer a more tactile switch, the Matcha is a great choice, while the Tourmaline Blue suits those seeking a smooth linear switch.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a comfortable and snappy tactility, along with a clean bottom-out sound, the KTT Matcha is the way to go. Its stepped and snappy feel, along with its light actuation force, make it an ideal choice for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a deep and thocky sound profile, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue is the perfect option. With its easy-to-press and buttery smooth keystrokes, this switch offers a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Its moderate actuation force and gentle resistance make it suitable for users of all levels and purposes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for tactility and sound, so consider your typing style and requirements to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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