Cherry MX Brown vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Brown and the KTT Phalaenopsis. The Cherry MX Brown is praised for its subtle typing experience, featuring gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. With a light actuation force and a low-pitched sound, it offers a comfortable and unobtrusive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis stands out with its beautiful translucent switches. These switches have a light actuation force of 37g, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. The 50g tactile force provides a satisfying bump with each keystroke, delivering a delightful typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Brown and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches have contrasting housing materials that result in different sound profiles. The MX Brown uses a nylon top housing, which is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis features a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate housing is especially beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the aesthetic appeal. Although their characteristics differ, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the MX Brown utilizes a nylon material that contributes to a duller and rounder sound. Nylon is known for its softer nature, absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the sharpness and higher pitch of the sound produced. Additionally, the clear housing of polycarbonate adds to its visual appeal and compatibility with RGB lighting. Despite their distinctions, both switches offer a range of sound options that can cater to individual preferences.
When considering the overall sound profile of a switch, the difference in top and bottom housings becomes important. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key. The mix of housing materials in a switch divides the qualities of each material between the top and bottom, leading to a unique combination of sound characteristics. Whether it's the deeper and fuller sound produced by the MX Brown's nylon bottom housing or the sharper and crisper sound of Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate bottom housing, these switches provide distinctive typing experiences based on the user's preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, there are notable similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Phalaenopsis is the lighter option with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the MX Brown is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Phalaenopsis would be an ideal choice as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out. This makes it suitable for extended typing sessions, such as in a work environment or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the MX Brown offers a medium-light feel, with slightly more force required for both actuation and bottoming out. This can provide a more substantial typing experience, preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push feel.
It is worth noting that while the forces differ between the two switches, the overall results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces are quite similar. Both switches fall within the range of tactile switches with relatively light to medium-light forces, providing a responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the MX Brown and the Phalaenopsis will come down to personal preference, with the former offering a slightly heavier touch, and the latter a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, meaning they offer a similar experience when pressing down on a key. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback and allow for a comfortable typing experience. Although the travel distance is the same for both switches, it is important to note that other factors such as actuation force and clickiness may differ, influencing the overall typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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 Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is known for its subtle qualities. Typing with these switches provides a relatively light experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. In terms of sound, MX Browns are characterized as having a bassy and low-pitched profile. This means that the sound produced during key presses has a deeper and richer tone, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offers a different typing experience. These switches have a light actuation force of 37g, making typing effortless and minimizing finger fatigue even during prolonged sessions. The 50g tactile force of Phalaenopsis switches provides a satisfying and discernible tactile bump, ensuring that each keystroke is a delightful experience. In terms of sound, the Phalaenopsis switches are described as bassy and thocky. The sound produced is characterized by a deeper, rich, and satisfying tone when the keys are pressed and released, similar to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock."
Considering all the available information, the Cherry MX Brown and KTT Phalaenopsis switches offer different subjective qualities. The MX Browns provide a subtle typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. They have a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switches offer effortless typing with a satisfying tactile bump. They produce a bassy and thocky sound. While both switches have similarities in terms of having a bassy sound profile, they differ in feel, with the MX Browns being textured and the Phalaenopsis switches being stepped. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience, audio feedback, and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a lighter typing experience with subtle tactile feedback and relatively light audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown switches would be a great choice for you. These switches have a bottom out force of 55 grams, offering a medium-light typing experience. The MX Browns are known for their gentle tactility and subdued sound profile, characterized by a deeper and more bass-heavy tone. However, if you prioritize effortless typing and minimizing finger fatigue, the KTT Phalaenopsis switches would be a better fit. With a light bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches provide a satisfying and discernible tactile bump, ensuring a delightful typing experience. The Phalaenopsis switches also offer a beautiful translucent design and a thocky sound profile that produces a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. Additionally, if you prefer a smoother typing experience, the stepped feel of the Phalaenopsis switches with some pre-travel and/or post-travel may be more appealing to you, compared to the textured feel of the MX Browns. Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry MX Brown and KTT Phalaenopsis switches depends on your personal preference for key force, tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider these factors to make an informed decision that suits your typing style and preferences.
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