Gateron Melodic vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out: the clicky Gateron Melodic and the tactile KTT Phalaenopsis. The Gateron Melodic is celebrated for its reinvigoration of the clicky switch category, offering users a smooth and satisfying typing experience with its dual-railed stems and factory lubing. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis boasts a light actuation force of 37g and a tactile bump of 50g, making typing effortless and enjoyable. While the Melodic is described as 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy', the Phalaenopsis is characterized as 'Bassy', 'Stepped', and 'Thocky'. Both switches have their distinct advantages, but it's essential to delve deeper into their specific qualities to determine the best fit for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the KTT Phalaenopsis, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, where the Melodic differs is in its nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate bottom housing.
The use of different housing materials in the Melodic and Phalaenopsis switches results in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, the Melodic's nylon bottom housing provides a unique typing experience with a deeper sound. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound profile, emphasizing clarity and resonance. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials impacts the overall feel and sound of each switch when keys are pressed and released.
In summary, the Gateron Melodic and the KTT Phalaenopsis offer contrasting experiences with their housing materials. The Melodic's combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing results in a deeper, fuller sound with a softer typing experience, while the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate top and bottom housing produce a sharper and crisper sound profile. Whether you prefer the resonant qualities of polycarbonate or the absorbing nature of nylon, each switch offers a unique typing experience based on its housing materials. Ultimately, both switches provide solid options for those looking to fine-tune their sound and feel preferences in keyboard switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch differ significantly. The Melodic has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Phalaenopsis is lighter with a bottom out force of 50 grams. However, the actuation force of the Melodic is unknown, while the Phalaenopsis requires 37 grams to actuate. The Melodic offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, making it ideal for users who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis is lighter and requires less force to actuate, making it suitable for users who type for longer periods of time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these two switches, it is clear that they offer a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from top to bottom. This means that whether you are using the Melodic or the Phalaenopsis switch, you can expect to feel a consistent travel distance when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the travel distance of these switches is the same, providing users with a comparable typing experience regardless of which switch they choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, with a higher-pitched sound profile that provides an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch delivers a bassy and thocky sound profile, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. Both switches provide unique and enjoyable sound profiles, with the Melodic leaning towards a cleaner and sharper sound, while the Phalaenopsis provides a deeper and more satisfying tone.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Melodic switch is described as buttery and invigorating, offering a smooth, fluid keystroke experience with seamless and effortless typing sensation. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is labeled as stepped, providing a tactile feedback with two distinct stages during the keystroke. The Melodic switch offers a more pronounced and reactive feel, while the Phalaenopsis switch gives a milder tactile sensation with noticeable pre-travel and post-travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of both sound and feel. While the Melodic switch provides a resonant and crunchy sound profile with a buttery and invigorating feel, the Phalaenopsis switch delivers a bassy and thocky sound with a stepped tactile sensation. Both switches offer users a delightful typing experience, and depending on personal preferences, users can choose between a more immersive and reactive typing experience with the Melodic or a deeper and richer sound profile with the Phalaenopsis. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium bottom out force, the Melodic with 60 grams may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the Phalaenopsis with 50 grams could be the better choice. Additionally, think about the sound and feel you desire in a switch. If you enjoy a resonant and crunchy sound with a buttery and invigorating feel, the Melodic may be the one for you. However, if you prefer a bassy and thocky sound with a stepped feel, the Phalaenopsis could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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