TTC Bluish White vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are pleased to offer two exceptional tactile switches: the TTC Bluish White and the KTT Phalaenopsis. The Bluish White switch is known for providing a satisfyingly poppy typing experience, accompanied by a snappy sound profile. It features a buttery and mild tactile feel that is subtly stepped, polished, and low-pitched. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch stands out with its beautiful translucent design and a light actuation force of 37g. This switch ensures effortless typing and minimizes finger fatigue even during prolonged typing sessions. With a 50g tactile force, it delivers a delightful tactile bump, resulting in a truly satisfying keystroke experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The TTC Bluish White and the KTT Phalaenopsis have similar housing materials for their top housing, both utilizing polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in switches. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches will provide similar sound profiles and visual effects if used with RGB lighting.
However, the two switches differ in terms of their bottom housing material. The Bluish White features a nylon bottom housing, while the Phalaenopsis uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Phalaenopsis contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, similar to its top housing characteristics.
When using either switch, the bottom housing material will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Pressing down on the keys will elicit the qualities of the bottom housing material. Conversely, the top housing material will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while both switches may have similar top housing materials, their different bottom housing materials will result in variations in the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it becomes evident that both switches have relatively light forces. The Bluish White tactile switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Similarly, the Phalaenopsis tactile switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, both switches would be suitable choices as their actuation forces are relatively low. The light actuation force allows for smoother and easier keystrokes, making them ideal for tasks that require prolonged typing such as work or extended gaming sessions.
However, if a more substantial typing experience is desired, where a stronger push feel is preferred, neither the Bluish White nor the Phalaenopsis tactile switch would provide the desired experience. In such cases, options with heavier forces would be more suitable.
In conclusion, while both the TTC Bluish White and KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switches have light actuation forces, allowing for comfortable and effortless typing, they might not be ideal for those seeking a heavier and more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, we can see that the Bluish White has a travel distance of 3.5 mm while the Phalaenopsis has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the Phalaenopsis falls within the more common range of 4.0 mm, while the Bluish White offers a slightly shorter distance. Gamers who prioritize faster response times might prefer the Bluish White with its shorter travel distance, as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, those who value a deeper and more substantial feeling when pressing a key might lean towards the Phalaenopsis with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for either a more responsive or a more substantial typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
The KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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 TTC Bluish White switch offers a low-pitched profile, resulting in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is described as bassy and thocky. The bassy characteristic provides a deeper and richer sound profile, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the thocky nature of the Phalaenopsis switch produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Overall, both switches deliver pleasing sound profiles, with the Bluish White being low-pitched and the Phalaenopsis offering a bassy and thocky sound. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Bluish White switch is often described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This switch provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Furthermore, it is considered mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Bluish White switch falls in a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most individuals. It also has a stepped feel, meaning that it has two stages of tactility, providing a more mild sensation with subtle pre-travel and/or post-travel. Additionally, the Bluish White switch has a subtle resistance, which contributes to its light typing feel. It is also polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is only described as having a stepped feel, similar to the stepped feel of the Bluish White switch. Overall, both switches offer a pleasant tactile experience with the Bluish White providing a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel while the Phalaenopsis offers a stepped feel.
In summary, the TTC Bluish White switch is known for its snappy sound profile, low-pitched sound, buttery and mild feel, stepped sensation, and polished finish. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch offers a light actuation force, a satisfying and discernible tactile bump, bassy and thocky sound profiles, and a stepped feel. While the sound and feel qualities of the two switches differ, they both provide enjoyable typing experiences in their own right. It's worth noting that personal preferences can heavily influence the choice of switch, and further considerations should be made, such as compatibility with the user's preferred keyboard board and keycap options.
Conclusion
To sum up, when making a decision between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If you prioritize a poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile, the TTC Bluish White switch is a great option for you. With its light bottom out force and descriptors such as "buttery," "mild," "stepped," "subtle," and "polished," you can expect a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction. However, if you value effortless typing and minimizing finger fatigue during prolonged sessions, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is worth considering. Its light actuation force, satisfying tactile bump, and descriptors such as "bassy" and "thocky" indicate a deeper and richer sound profile with a discernible tactile sensation. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique qualities, and the decision comes down to your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience.
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