Gateron Ink Yellow vs. KTT Phalaenopsis

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Gateron Ink Yellow and the KTT Phalaenopsis. The Ink Yellow is a linear switch that strikes a perfect balance between the typing experience on a laptop and that on a standard mechanical keyboard. It offers a shorter travel distance and showcases a pleasant smoothness and clackiness. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis is a tactile switch known for its beautiful translucent design. With a light actuation force of 37g, typing becomes effortless and finger fatigue is minimized even during prolonged typing sessions. It provides a satisfying and discernible tactile bump at 50g, ensuring each keystroke is a delightful experience. These switches have their own unique qualities and appeal, making the choice a matter of personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

KTT Phalaenopsis Tactile

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$4.73

$4.15 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the KTT Phalaenopsis differ in terms of sound profile and aesthetic functionality. The Ink Yellow utilizes a proprietary INK blend in both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a satisfying, thin, and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis features polycarbonate as its housing material, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's relatively stiffer plastic composition, which provides a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it particularly useful for RGB lighting effects in the top housing.

While both switches have distinct sound profiles, they also share similarities in their housing materials. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend and the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate both contribute to a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. Both materials offer a satisfying thin sound that is not overly sharp, providing a pleasurable typing experience. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate housing in the Phalaenopsis allows for RGB lighting effects, similar to the Ink Yellow's clear top housing, enabling users to customize their keyboards.

When it comes to the impact on sound and feel, the housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch play different roles. The bottom housing, which is used in both the Ink Yellow and the Phalaenopsis, has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. In contrast, the top housing material, whether it be the INK blend in the Ink Yellow or the polycarbonate in the Phalaenopsis, has more of an impact on the sound when the key is released. Understanding this differentiation can help users choose switches that align with their desired typing experience, focusing on their preferred bottom-out sound or the sound emitted when releasing a key.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Gateron Ink Yellow has a medium-heavy actuation force of 60 grams and a slightly higher bottom out force of 67 grams. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter switch, the KTT Phalaenopsis provides a more effortless keystroke, requiring less force to register a press and bottom out. This lighter actuation force can be advantageous for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, as it reduces the strain on the fingers and hands. However, if a more substantial and tactile typing experience is desired, the Gateron Ink Yellow offers a higher actuation force, providing a stronger push feel during typing. This can be preferred by individuals who appreciate the feedback and resistance in their keystrokes.

In general, individuals who prioritize a lighter typing experience may find the KTT Phalaenopsis to be a suitable choice, while those seeking a more substantial and heavier feel may gravitate towards the Gateron Ink Yellow. However, it is important to consider personal preferences and typing style when selecting a switch, as both switches can ultimately provide a satisfying typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it is clear that the Ink Yellow has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Phalaenopsis has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Ink Yellow falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, which is preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis offers a bit more depth in its travel distance, which may be more satisfying for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is known for its neutral and clacky profile. This means that it produces a moderate and crisp sound when pressed, making it suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile. This means that it produces a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It also has a satisfying thud or soft knock sound when the key is pressed and released. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. Being a mild switch, it offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This makes it approachable to most users, as its qualities stand in a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, its polished finish and smooth key travel result in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch has a stepped feel. This means that it has a tactile bump that feels more mild compared to switches with a more pronounced bump. It allows users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during the keystroke.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Ink Yellow switch provides a shorter travel and a smooth, clacky sound profile. It offers a mild and polished typing experience, making it suitable for those who want a typing experience between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch features a light actuation force, minimizing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. It provides a discernible and satisfying tactile bump, ensuring each keystroke is delightful. While they differ in sound and feel, both switches offer enjoyable typing experiences. Depending on your preferences, you can achieve similar results with either switch.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, we recommend the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it offers a medium-heavy typing feel. This switch is known for its smoothness and clackiness, providing a pleasant typing experience. It also produces a neutral and clacky sound profile, giving a crisp and bright sound when pressed.

On the other hand, if effortless typing and minimizing finger fatigue are your priorities, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, it offers a light typing feel. The Phalaenopsis switch features a beautiful translucent design and provides a satisfying tactile bump at 50g. This ensures that each keystroke is a delightful experience, while the 37g actuation force makes typing effortless even during prolonged typing sessions. The Phalaenopsis switch produces a bassy and thocky sound profile, giving a deep and rich sound when pressed.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Yellow is recommended for those who prefer a medium-heavy typing feel and a neutral and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis is suitable for those looking for a light typing feel with a satisfying tactile bump and a bassy and thocky sound. Consider your preferences for typing feel and sound when choosing between these two switches.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

KTT Phalaenopsis Tactile

$4.73

$4.15 per 10

Learn more