Keygeek Keylin vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular options are the Keygeek Keylin and the KTT Phalaenopsis. The Keylin, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth and seamless keystrokes, enhanced by new molds from Keygeek that ensure a premium typing experience with rich acoustics—ideal for those who enjoy a quiet and fluid typing motion. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis offers a tactile experience, featuring a light actuation force of just 37g, making it effortless to type. Its 50g tactile force provides a satisfying bump, contributing to a delightful and engaging typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during extended use. While the Keylin may appeal to users looking for smoothness and soundless operation, the Phalaenopsis caters to those who appreciate a tactile response and feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Keygeek Keylin and the KTT Phalaenopsis differ significantly in their choice of housing materials, reflecting a divergence in their auditory profiles and tactile experience. The Keylin utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, known for its softer composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs sound, creating a duller yet rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, a material that is stiffer and inherently resonates with a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This variation in materials profoundly influences how each switch performs acoustically, with the Keylin favoring a warmer sound and the Phalaenopsis presenting a more defined and articulate audio character.
Moreover, the aesthetic qualities of the housing materials set the two switches apart. The translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting to shine through, making the KTT Phalaenopsis an appealing choice for those who wish to enhance the visual aspect of their keyboard with dynamic lighting effects. This contrasts with the Keylin’s nylon top housing, which, while noted for its acoustic properties, does not offer the same level of light permeability. Consequently, users looking for a visually striking keyboard experience may be more drawn to the Phalaenopsis, while those prioritizing a muted sound may prefer the Keylin's nylon options.
In summary, the differing materials used in the housing of the Keygeek Keylin and KTT Phalaenopsis—nylon versus polycarbonate—lead to distinct sound profiles and aesthetics. If one were to mix the materials from each switch, the resulting sound and feel would be a blend of each individual contribution. Specifically, if a switch features both nylon and polycarbonate in its design, the bottom housing would influence the bottom-out sound, while the top housing would determine the sound profile upon release. Thus, a dual-material approach could theoretically yield a compromise between the deep, fuller sounds of nylon and the sharp, resonant notes of polycarbonate, offering a unique experience tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, both switches feature light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. The Keylin has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Phalaenopsis has slightly lower actuation at 37 grams but a higher bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Keylin is marginally heavier in terms of actuation force, but both switches ultimately offer a light experience, catering to users who prefer less strain on their fingers. Despite the slight differences, both switches will provide a similar feel given their low actuation forces and general design philosophy, appealing to those seeking comfort over a stronger tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Keylin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Keylin switch the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that can be appealing to gamers and those who prioritize quick key presses. Conversely, the Phalaenopsis switch, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial and satisfying keypress experience, which may be preferred by users who appreciate a deeper tactile feedback. Therefore, if you're looking for quicker response times, the Keylin would be the better choice, but if you enjoy a more deliberate and hearty depth in your keys, the Phalaenopsis is the way to go.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 comparing the sound of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch to the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Keylin linear switch is celebrated for its rich acoustics, producing a pleasant sound profile during typing. It is designed to deliver smooth keystrokes, but specific sound characteristics are not detailed. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis switch offers a unique auditory experience, described as bassy and thocky. The deep, resonant sound produced by the Phalaenopsis switches creates a satisfying acoustic feedback, often likened to a soft "thud" when pressed. This richer sound profile enhances the typing experience, especially for those who appreciate auditory feedback in their keystrokes.
When considering the feel of both switches, the Keylin linear switch emphasizes exceptional smoothness, allowing for fluid key presses, although no specific descriptors are provided. The Phalaenopsis switch, on the other hand, is characterized as a stepped tactile switch, providing a noticeable tactile bump at a 50g force. This bump offers a distinct tactile feedback during keystrokes that can make typing more enjoyable, especially for those who prefer to feel each keystroke without being overwhelmed by a pronounced bump.
In summary, both the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Keylin focuses on a premium typing experience marked by smoothness and pleasing acoustics, while the Phalaenopsis brings a rich auditory profile and a delightful tactile sensation to the table. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether one prioritizes the smooth and linear experience of the Keylin or the satisfying tactile feedback and sound of the Phalaenopsis. Each switch presents its own strengths, allowing users to tailor their typing experience to their particular tastes.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience with a lighter bottom-out force, the Keylin linear switch will likely serve you well, especially if you value acoustics that provide a premium feel. This switch excels in environments favoring unintrusive feedback, making it suitable for both casual and intensive typing sessions. On the other hand, if tactile feedback is your priority, and you enjoy the sensation of a noticeable bump with each keystroke, the KTT Phalaenopsis is the way to go. Its stepped design and slightly heavier tactile force create a satisfying typing experience while minimizing finger fatigue, making it ideal for those long hours of work or gaming. Overall, think about whether you prefer a more fluid and quiet operation or if the distinct tactile feedback of a stepped switch aligns better with your typing style. Each switch has its unique strengths, allowing you to tailor your keyboard experience to your personal preferences.
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