Outemu Gold vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch. The Outemu Gold is best known for its clicky sound and feel, making it a favorite among those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis stands out for its beautiful translucent design and light actuation force of 37g, providing a smooth typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. Additionally, the Phalaenopsis offers a satisfying tactile bump at 50g force, making each keystroke feel deliberate and enjoyable. While the Gold switch may appeal to those who prefer a louder typing experience, the Phalaenopsis switch is ideal for users looking for a more subtle yet satisfying feel. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Gold and the KTT Phalaenopsis, both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. The translucent nature of polycarbonate is particularly useful for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Gold uses nylon while the Phalaenopsis utilizes polycarbonate. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, polycarbonate's stiffness leads to a clearer and more resonant sound.
The use of different materials for the top and bottom housing in switches like the Outemu Gold and KTT Phalaenopsis can have a significant impact on typing experience. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing come into play, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. The softer nylon of the Gold creates a deeper and more muted bottom-out sound, while the stiffness of polycarbonate in the Phalaenopsis results in a crisper and more defined feel. Conversely, the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. The sharpness and higher pitch of polycarbonate in both switches contribute to a clear and distinct sound upon key release.
Overall, while both the Outemu Gold and KTT Phalaenopsis feature polycarbonate top housing for a similar sound profile, their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound characteristics. The Gold's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, contrasting with the crisper and more resonant sound created by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Phalaenopsis. These differences highlight the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches.
Weight
The Outemu Gold clicky switch has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch. The Gold switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight option. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Phalaenopsis switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Gold switch. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their weight, with the Gold providing a bit more resistance and the Phalaenopsis offering a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance.
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 Outemu Gold comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Gold clicky switch is known for its unique sound signature that provides a satisfying auditory feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile, which resonates with a deeper and richer tone during typing. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, making the typing experience more enjoyable and immersive, especially when paired with a suitable keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel, the Outemu Gold switch does not have a specific description provided, making it a bit challenging to compare directly with the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch. The Phalaenopsis switch, described as stepped, offers a tactile feedback that feels like it has two stages, providing a more subdued tactile experience compared to hyper-tactile switches. This feature can enhance typing accuracy and comfort, particularly for users who prefer a more subtle tactile feedback during typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch bring their unique qualities to the table, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Gold switch may excel in providing a satisfying sound feedback, the Phalaenopsis switch stands out in offering a light actuation force and a discernible tactile bump for a delightful typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. However, it's important to note that the overall typing experience can also be influenced by other factors such as keycaps, keyboard construction, and usage scenario.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, you should consider the differences in bottom out force. If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, then the Gold switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams with a beautiful and effortless typing experience, then the Phalaenopsis switch would be more suitable. Additionally, take into account the sound and feel characteristics of each switch to further guide your decision-making process. Ultimately, choosing the right switch comes down to personal preference and what will provide you with the most enjoyable typing experience.
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