Cherry MX Silent Red vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Silent Red, a linear switch, and the KTT Phalaenopsis, a tactile switch, offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The MX Silent Red is praised for its quiet operation while still maintaining a satisfying typing feel similar to the MX Red switch. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis switch offers a light actuation force and a discernible tactile bump for a delightful typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. While the MX Silent Red is ideal for noise-sensitive environments with its muted and low-pitched sound profile, the Phalaenopsis switch provides a more tactile and stepped 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
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Silent Red and the KTT Phalaenopsis, one can see that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housing. The MX Silent Red features a nylon top and bottom housing, known for its softer plastic that absorbs sound and creates a duller, fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis uses a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which is stiffer and results in a clearer and crisper sound profile. While the nylon housing of the MX Silent Red contributes to a deeper sound when typing, the polycarbonate housing of the Phalaenopsis provides a sharper sound profile that is more resonant.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their construction. The nylon housing of the MX Silent Red creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate housing of the Phalaenopsis produces a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate housing in the Phalaenopsis allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may depend on the preferred sound profile and the desired visual impact of RGB lighting.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall sound and feel of a switch, it is important to recognize how the top and bottom housing play different roles. The bottom housing of a switch such as the MX Silent Red or the Phalaenopsis has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when the key is released. Understanding how these materials interact can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound profile and typing experience. Whether it be the softer nylon housing of the MX Silent Red or the stiffer polycarbonate housing of the Phalaenopsis, each offers a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, we can see significant differences. The MX Silent Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Phalaenopsis's 37 grams. However, while the MX Silent Red has no specified bottom out force, the Phalaenopsis requires 50 grams to bottom out, indicating a heavier typing experience. Those looking for a lighter keypress may prefer the MX Silent Red for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Phalaenopsis with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for keypress weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, slightly shorter than the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of short travel distances, making them popular choices for gamers seeking fast response times. The shorter travel distance of the Cherry MX Silent Red may provide a slight edge in speed, while the Phalaenopsis offers a bit more depth for those who prefer a more traditional feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and the feel of each switch during use.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 Cherry MX Silent Red switch is known for its muted, thocky, and low-pitched profile, making it a popular choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch offers a bassy and thocky sound, giving users a deeper and richer auditory feedback during keystrokes. While both switches provide a satisfying sound experience, the MX Silent Red is better suited for those looking for a quieter typing environment, while the Phalaenopsis switch caters to individuals who appreciate a more bass-heavy sound profile.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry MX Silent Red is described as textured, offering users a unique tactile feedback with noticeable friction. This can be beneficial for those who prefer a bit of resistance while typing. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is characterized as stepped, providing a two-stage tactile feel that includes pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations. This design caters to users who enjoy a more mild and nuanced typing experience. Both switches offer distinct tactile feedback, allowing users to choose based on their preference for either a textured or stepped feel.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Silent Red and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches each have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. For those looking for a quieter typing experience with a slightly textured feel, the MX Silent Red switch is the way to go. However, if you prefer a deeper, bassy sound profile and a stepped tactile feel, the Phalaenopsis switch may be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users will enjoy their time spent on their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, consider the environment you will be using the keyboard in. If you value a silent typing experience and need to minimize noise in noise-sensitive environments, the MX Silent Red is the better choice with its muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a light typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump and a bassy, thocky sound profile, the Phalaenopsis switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preference in sound, feel, and typing experience. Consider what factors are most important to you as you make your selection.
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