Durock Medium Tactile vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Medium Tactile and the KTT Phalaenopsis are two remarkable options to consider. The Medium Tactile is highly regarded for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, offering a satisfying typing experience. Its jelly-like sound signature adds to the overall appeal. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis stands out with its beautiful translucent design and light actuation force of 37g, making typing effortless and minimizing finger fatigue. The 50g tactile force of the Phalaenopsis ensures discernible tactile feedback with every keystroke. These generalities may give you a brief idea of the switches, but let's delve deeper so you can make the best decision for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Durock Medium Tactile and the KTT Phalaenopsis share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who value clarity and resonance in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when comparing the top housings of these two switches.
Where the Durock Medium Tactile and the KTT Phalaenopsis differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Medium Tactile utilizes nylon, while the Phalaenopsis opts for polycarbonate. Nylon housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, polycarbonate is stiffer and creates a clearer and more resonant sound profile. These contrasting qualities in the bottom housings impact the overall sound and feel when typing on the switches.
When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing material are most prominently felt, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. This makes the choice of bottom housing crucial in determining the typing experience. Conversely, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. By understanding the impact of each housing material on sound and feel, users can make informed decisions based on their preferred typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Durock Medium Tactile has an actuation force of an unknown value, while the Phalaenopsis has an actuation force of 37 grams, making it lighter. In terms of bottom out force, the Durock Medium Tactile requires 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, whereas the Phalaenopsis requires 50 grams, which is lighter.
Considering weight is crucial for individuals who have specific preferences while typing. Those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the Phalaenopsis, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and provides a more effortless typing experience. This lightness is particularly beneficial for extended periods of typing, such as during work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, users who prefer a more substantial push feel and desire a stronger tactile feedback may lean towards the Durock Medium Tactile. The heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more pronounced typing experience.
In summary, while the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the Durock Medium Tactile and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches, they cater to different preferences. The Phalaenopsis offers a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions, while the Durock Medium Tactile provides a heavier and more profound typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and the desired typing sensation, individuals can choose the switch that aligns with their specific needs.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is 4 mm, and interestingly, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch also has a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, both switches offer the same travel distance, meaning that users can expect similar results when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches. It is worth noting that having the same travel distance can provide consistency and familiarity for users who are accustomed to a particular switch. Overall, the travel distance of both the Durock Medium Tactile and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switches is equal, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer this specific amount of key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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
The Durock Medium Tactile switch is known for its balanced and pronounced tactility, providing a satisfying keystroke experience. In terms of sound, it has a unique jelly-like sound signature, which contributes to its overall character. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch offers a light actuation force of 37g, making typing effortless and minimizing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. It also features a 50g tactile force, ensuring a delightful keystroke experience with a discernible tactile bump. In terms of sound, the Phalaenopsis switch is described as bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. It also produces a thocky sound, characterized by a deep and satisfying tone. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as accented, offering a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It falls into the category of stepped switches, providing a two-stage tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Additionally, it is considered a mild switch, offering a more gentle typing experience with qualities that stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. The switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Similarly, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch falls into the category of stepped switches, providing a mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. However, other specific descriptors for its feel are unknown. It is important to consider that while the two switches may have different feel characteristics based on the limited information provided, they both share the common attribute of being stepped switches, which suggests a more mild tactile experience compared to switches with a larger and single bump.
In conclusion, the Durock Medium Tactile switch offers a balanced tactility, a jelly-like sound signature, and multiple descriptors for its feel, including accented, stepped, mild, and polished. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch provides a light actuation force, a discernible tactile bump, a bassy and thocky sound profile, and falls into the category of stepped switches for its feel. While there are some differences in their sound and potentially feel characteristics based on the limited information provided, both switches offer a pleasing tactile experience. It is important to note that individual preference plays a significant role, and the choice of keyboard board and keycaps used will also contribute to the overall experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and a pronounced yet balanced tactility, the Durock Medium Tactile would be the ideal choice for you. With its jelly-like sound signature, this switch offers a unique typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and effortless typing with minimized finger fatigue, the KTT Phalaenopsis would be the better option. Its beautiful translucent appearance, light actuation force of 37g, and satisfying tactile bump make it a delightful switch to use.
When it comes to sound, the Medium Tactile switch provides a sound experience that is yet to be described, while the Phalaenopsis switch offers a deeper and richer sound profile, resembling bass tones, making each key press satisfyingly thocky.
In terms of feel, the Medium Tactile switch is accented, stepped, mild, and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch is described as stepped, giving it a more mild feel with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Considering these factors, you can make an informed decision based on your preferences for bottom out force, tactility, sound, and feel.
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