TTC Gold Silver vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it becomes evident that each offers unique features catered to different preferences. The Gold Silver is renowned for its rapid responsiveness, solid bottom-out feel, and smooth keystrokes, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize speed and precision in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch stands out for its light actuation force, satisfying tactile bump, and reduced finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. While the Gold Silver provides a seamless blend of speed and sound, the Phalaenopsis offers a delightful typing experience with its discernible tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Silver and the KTT Phalaenopsis both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches using RGB lighting. However, the Gold Silver's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate bottom housing retains the sharper sound profile associated with the material, emphasizing clarity and resonance.
Despite both switches featuring polycarbonate top housings, the Gold Silver's choice of nylon for the bottom housing sets it apart from the Phalaenopsis. This results in different sound profiles when typing, with the Gold Silver offering a deeper and fuller sound due to the absorbent nature of nylon. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis maintains a consistent sharp and crisp sound throughout, thanks to its use of polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing. While the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when pressing and releasing a key, the bottom housing material is responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in the TTC Gold Silver and KTT Phalaenopsis significantly influences the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. The Gold Silver's combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing creates a unique blend of sharper and fuller sound characteristics. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis's consistent use of polycarbonate throughout results in a more unified sharp, clear, and resonant sound profile. Understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance is crucial for keyboard enthusiasts looking to tailor their typing experience to their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it is evident that the Gold Silver requires a higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Phalaenopsis's 37 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Gold Silver is unknown, while the Phalaenopsis has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is considered light. This means that the Phalaenopsis switch is lighter both in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. Individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Phalaenopsis switch, allowing them to type for longer periods without experiencing as much fatigue. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Gold Silver switch, with its higher actuation force providing a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch. The Gold Silver switch offers a faster response time, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize quick reactions. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch provides a deeper key press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, catering to individuals with varying preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of desired key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
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 Gold Silver switch is often praised for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, providing a deep and satisfying sound profile that resonates with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch offers a bassy and thocky sound, creating a rich and mellow tone that enhances the typing experience. Both switches aim to deliver a pleasant auditory feedback, with the Gold Silver leaning towards a neutral sound profile and the Phalaenopsis offering a deeper and richer tone. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and compatibility with the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch is known for its polished, silky, mild, and subtle characteristics, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance and minimal friction. Contrastingly, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is described as stepped, providing a tactile feel with two distinguishable stages during each keystroke. The Phalaenopsis switch aims to offer a satisfying tactile bump while maintaining a light typing feel, minimizing finger fatigue even during extended typing sessions. Whether you prefer a smooth and polished typing experience or a tactile feedback with distinct stages, both switches cater to different preferences in terms of tactile feel.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, providing users with a variety of options to choose from based on their personal preferences. The Gold Silver emphasizes speed, fluidity, and precision with a neutral and thocky sound profile, while the Phalaenopsis focuses on effortless typing with a tactile bump and stepped feel, accompanied by a bassy and rich sound. Ultimately, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience, and selecting between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering which switch to choose, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value rapid responsiveness, a smooth keystroke, and a resonant sound, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation force, a discernible tactile bump, and effortless typing, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch would be an excellent choice. Whether you prioritize speed and precision or typing comfort and satisfaction, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different needs. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on what you prioritize in your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
