Cherry MX Red vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Red and the KTT Phalaenopsis offer unique typing experiences. The MX Red, a linear switch, is well-known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis, a tactile switch, boasts beautiful translucent keys with a light actuation force of 37g, making typing effortless and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The 50g tactile force of the Phalaenopsis switch also provides a satisfying and discernible tactile bump, ensuring a delightful keystroke experience. Each switch has its own characteristics and benefits, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and the KTT Phalaenopsis, we see that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The MX Red features a nylon top and bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis uses a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. While the MX Red offers a more rounded and dulled sound profile, the Phalaenopsis provides a clearer and more resonant sound experience.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both switches offer unique sound profiles, with the MX Red delivering a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon construction, while the Phalaenopsis offers a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to its polycarbonate housing. Interestingly, the top housing of a switch tends to have a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing plays a greater role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Whether one prefers a rounder and duller sound or a sharper and more resonant sound, both the MX Red and the Phalaenopsis provide distinct auditory experiences based on their housing materials.
While the MX Red and the KTT Phalaenopsis differ in their choice of housing materials, both switches strive to optimize sound quality and performance for users. The nylon top and bottom housing of the MX Red create a softer and more absorbing sound profile, while the polycarbonate top and bottom housing of the Phalaenopsis offer a crisper and more resonant sound experience. Whether the goal is to achieve a deeper, fuller sound or a sharper, clearer sound, both switches tailor their housing materials to enhance the overall typing experience for users. Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry MX Red and the KTT Phalaenopsis comes down to personal preference in sound profile and key feel, with both switches providing unique characteristics based on their housing materials.
Weight
The actuation force for the Cherry MX Red linear switch is 45 grams, while the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch has a lower actuation force of 37 grams. This means that the Phalaenopsis switch is lighter to press, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Additionally, the Cherry MX Red switch does not have a specified bottom out force, whereas the KTT Phalaenopsis switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires more force to fully press down compared to the MX Red switch. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch would be the better choice. However, if similar results are desired in terms of actuation force, the Cherry MX Red switch may be a suitable alternative. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Red linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when a key is pressed. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience and typing feel from both switches. The similarities in travel distance suggest that the two switches may offer comparable levels of keypress feedback and actuation force, giving users a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch they choose. Overall, the Cherry MX Red and KTT Phalaenopsis switches offer a standard travel distance that is neither shorter nor longer than the other.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 comparing the subjective qualities of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch in terms of sound, both switches are described as producing a deep and satisfying sound profile. The MX Red is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound, while the Phalaenopsis offers a bassy and thocky tone. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, but users can expect a similar level of auditory satisfaction from both switches.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the MX Red is noted for its slightly textured feel which can add a bit of friction when pressed. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis is described as having a stepped feel, meaning it offers a two-stage tactile experience with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations. This difference in feel can cater to different preferences, with the MX Red providing a textured experience and the Phalaenopsis offering a more nuanced tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the MX Red presents a slightly heftier and textured typing experience with a thocky sound, the Phalaenopsis provides effortless typing with a light actuation force and a stepped tactile feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound profile and typing feel, newcomers to mechanical keyboards can rest assured that both switches deliver a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you value a smoother typing experience with no tactile feedback and enjoy a slightly heftier feel with a deep sound profile, then the Cherry MX Red switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force, a discernible tactile bump for accurate typing feedback, and a more effortless typing experience with minimal finger fatigue, then the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is the ideal option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. Choose wisely based on your individual preferences and typing style.
Mentioned in this article
