Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the KTT Phalaenopsis are two mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics and advantages. The Moyu Blacks are renowned for their sharp tactile feel, offering a unique and premium typing experience. With a strong downstroke tactile bump and an even stronger upstroke bump, these switches create a hypertactile sensation that truly stands out. The medium-heavy feel and accentuated bottom-out provide a distinct and impactful typing experience. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switches boast beautiful translucent keycaps and a light actuation force of 37g, making typing effortless and minimizing finger fatigue during prolonged sessions. The 50g tactile force ensures a satisfying bump with each keystroke, delivering a delightful typing experience. 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
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the KTT Phalaenopsis differ in terms of their housing materials. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) utilizes a PBT top housing, which offers a neutral sound profile. While the sound may not be incredibly crisp, it also avoids being dull. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) employs a PBT material, similar to its top housing. PBT provides a neutral sound profile, making the overall sound experience consistent throughout the switch. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing. This choice results in a more pronounced impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a sharper and more defined sensation, offering a distinctive tactile experience.
In terms of functionality, the choice of housing material impacts the sound profile during different phases of key usage. When you press down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become noticeable, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, the different properties of the PBT and polycarbonate bottom housings will result in distinct tactile feedback. Conversely, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. As such, the PBT top housing of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) will impart its unique sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Phalaenopsis will provide a sharper and more resonant sound when keys are released.
Weight
When it comes to comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a light switch.
The weight of a switch is significant for different individuals based on their preferences. Those seeking a lighter typing experience for extended periods, such as during work or long gaming sessions, may opt for switches with lighter actuation and bottom out forces. In this case, the Phalaenopsis switch would be a suitable choice. However, for those who prefer a more substantial and robust typing feel, switches with heavier forces are favored. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch would be a better option for individuals seeking a stronger push feel.
While the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Phalaenopsis switches have different force requirements, they both provide unique typing experiences based on their individual characteristics. It is important to consider these factors when selecting a switch, ensuring that it aligns with personal preferences for an enjoyable and efficient typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile feedback and key press experience. Whether it's the Moyu Black or the Phalaenopsis, users can expect a consistent and comfortable 4 mm travel distance from top to bottom when pressing down on the keys.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is described as having a resonant sound profile. This means that when typing on these switches, you can expect a higher-pitched sound that provides an immersive auditory experience. The sound is clean, sharp, and satisfyingly snappy. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switches are described as having a bassy sound profile. This means that the sound produced during key presses is deeper and richer, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Phalaenopsis switches are also described as thocky, meaning they produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when 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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches are described as having an accented and sharp tactile feel. Accented tactile switches provide a prominent amount of tactility that is not overwhelming or subtle, making them a medium tactile option. The sharp tactile bump of the Moyu Blacks is strong, crisp, and can be felt distinctly with each keypress, providing a high feedback intensity. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switches are described as stepped tactile switches. This means that they have two stages to their tactile feel, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Stepped switches feel more mild in comparison to hypertactile switches, offering a tactile experience that is less intense but still discernible.
In conclusion, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switches and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switches offer different subjective qualities. The Moyu Blacks provide a sharp and impactful typing experience with a strong downstroke and an even sharper and stronger upstroke tactile bump. They have a resonant sound profile that is clean and sharp. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switches offer a light actuation force and a satisfying and discernible tactile bump. They have a bassy sound profile with a thocky sound when pressed and released. Depending on personal preference, one may prefer the sharper and more intense tactile feel and sound of the Moyu Blacks or the lighter, more effortless feel and deeper sound of the Phalaenopsis switches. It's important to consider individual preferences and factors such as typing style and preferences when choosing between these two switches. Note that both switches are designed to provide a delightful typing experience but offer different qualities, so if you are looking for similar results, you may consider the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for a sharper and more intense experience or the Phalaenopsis for a lighter and more effortless feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a sharp tactile feel, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch would be a great choice. These switches are known for their distinctive and impactful typing experience, thanks to a strong downstroke tactile bump and an even sharper and stronger upstroke bump. The Moyu Blacks offer a premium typing experience with their unique blend of PBT top and bottom housing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and effortless typing, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is the way to go. With a 50g bottom out force and a satisfying and discernible tactile bump, these switches ensure each keystroke is a delightful experience and minimize finger fatigue even during prolonged typing sessions. When it comes to sound, the Moyu Blacks have a resonant profile, providing a clean and sharp sound, while the Phalaenopsis switches offer a deeper and richer sound profile, characterized by a lower frequency range resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. In terms of feel, the Moyu Blacks are accented, offering a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming, while the Phalaenopsis switches have a stepped feel, providing a mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for bottom out force, tactile feel, sound profile, and typing experience.
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