Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options worth considering are the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the KTT Phalaenopsis. The Cherry MX Purple is celebrated for its refined tactile feedback, featuring a short and medium-strength bump, a product of collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, which provides users with a satisfying keystroke while maintaining a firm and reliable feel. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis shines with its lightweight actuation force of just 37g, allowing for effortless typing and minimizing finger fatigue during extended sessions. With a tactile force of 50g, it delivers a pronounced tactile bump characterized by a 'bassy,' 'stepped,' and 'thocky' sound profile, catering to those who relish an audible and tactile typing experience. Both switches offer unique advantages: the Cherry MX Purple appeals to those who prefer a sturdier and precise feel, while the KTT Phalaenopsis provides a softer touch that enhances comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the KTT Phalaenopsis, notable differences emerge in their sound profiles and aesthetic qualities due to their distinct material compositions. The Cherry MX Purple RGB utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer characteristics allow it to absorb sound, creating a more subdued tonal quality. The aesthetic aspect of nylon tends to be more understated, with a less pronounced translucency that does not lend itself to pronounced RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. The stiffer structure of polycarbonate not only allows for a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, but its clear nature enhances the visibility of RGB lighting, offering a more vibrant and eye-catching aesthetic appeal.
This contrast in materials also influences how the two switches project sound during typing. In the Cherry MX Purple RGB, the nylon housing contributes to a more muffled sound, making it an attractive option for users who prefer a quieter typing experience. Each keypress resonates with a soft thud that maintains a comfortable acoustic environment, which can be beneficial in shared spaces or during quieter work sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis, with its polycarbonate construction, delivers a more pronounced sound with a crisp resonance that can energize the typing experience. This sharper auditory feedback may appeal to users looking for a tactile and distinct auditory signal with each keystroke, potentially enhancing their overall typing enjoyment.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials lead to distinct typing experiences, yet they can also reveal complementary qualities when averaged out over consistent use. Users of switches featuring nylon housings like the Cherry MX Purple RGB will appreciate a muted and rounded sound that aids in reducing typing fatigue over long periods. In contrast, those who favor polycarbonate switches such as the KTT Phalaenopsis may enjoy the clarity and vibrancy of each keypress, particularly when paired with dynamic RGB lighting. If one were to use both types interchangeably, the distinct auditory signatures would create a varied typing experience, allowing users to appreciate the benefits of each material while enjoying the versatility it brings to their overall keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch to the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Cherry MX Purple RGB requires an actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a relatively heavier feel compared to the KTT Phalaenopsis's lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This difference may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, as the heavier Cherry MX switch offers a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB is unspecified. This means that while the Phalaenopsis switch provides a defined bottoming experience, the lack of a specified bottom out force for the MX Purple RGB makes it harder to compare in that aspect. Overall, for users who prioritize typing comfort over longer sessions, the KTT Phalaenopsis, with its lighter actuation force, may be the more suitable choice, while those seeking a heavier feel might lean towards the Cherry MX Purple RGB.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch have identical travel distances of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance from the top to the bottom, resulting in similar tactile feedback and actuation dynamics. Because their travel distances are equal, users can expect a comparable experience in terms of keypress range and responsiveness when using either switch. Therefore, if you're choosing between the two, you can anticipate a consistent feel during typing or gaming sessions.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 sound profile of the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch is generally characterized by a balanced acoustic output typical of Cherry switches, providing a pleasant typing experience. It offers a moderate sound level that does not create excessive noise, making it suitable for both office environments and shared spaces. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch generates a unique auditory experience, classified as "bassy" and "thocky." This deeper, richer sound profile is characterized by a low-frequency resonance that provides a satisfying auditory feedback with every key press, often resembling a deep “thud” or soft “knock.” The overall sound experience differs notably, with the Phalaenopsis catering to enthusiasts seeking a more pronounced auditory reaction.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch excels in delivering a refined tactile experience with a short, medium-strength bump, making it reliable for typists who appreciate a noticeable feedback without being overly harsh. Although the precise descriptive qualities of the MX Purple RGB are not detailed, its designed refinement indicates a robust performance across various typing activities. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch presents a stepped tactile feeling, revealing two distinct stages in its actuation. This aspect provides a more nuanced feedback experience, where users can sense the pre-travel and post-travel distinctly, leading to a delightful typing sensation that is softer compared to the more pronounced bumps found in other tactile switches.
In summary, choosing between the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches ultimately revolves around personal preference in sound and feel. The Cherry MX offers a balanced typist-friendly acoustic experience with moderate tactile feedback, while the KTT Phalaenopsis stands out with its deeper, more resonant sound and unique stepped tactile feel, making it ideal for those who prioritize auditory and tactile engagement. Despite their differences, both switches are designed to minimize typing fatigue, ensuring a comfortable experience for prolonged use.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, your preferences and typing style play crucial roles. If you enjoy a refined tactile experience with a well-developed bump and are looking for a switch that excels in feedback during each keystroke, the Cherry MX Purple RGB might be your ideal choice. This switch is particularly suited for typists and gamers who appreciate a blend of responsiveness and tactile feedback, enhancing both your typing and gaming experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize minimal finger fatigue during extended sessions and prefer a lighter actuation with a pleasingly rich sound profile, the KTT Phalaenopsis is likely more your speed. With its notably light actuation force of 37g and a satisfying tactile bump, this switch can offer a more effortless typing experience, allowing for hours of comfortable use. Furthermore, if you appreciate deeper, 'thocky' sounds that bring a rewarding auditory element to your typing, the Phalaenopsis is tailored for that as well. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value a more traditional tactile feedback or a smoother, fatigue-reducing experience paired with rich sound.
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