Outemu Milk Tea vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Milk Tea and the KTT Phalaenopsis mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note that both are tactile switches with their own unique characteristics. The Milk Tea switch is best known for its undefined trait. It falls into a certain category. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch stands out with its beautiful translucent design and light actuation force of 37g, promising effortless typing and reduced finger fatigue even during long typing sessions. Additionally, the 50g tactile force ensures a satisfying and discernible tactile bump, making each keystroke a delightful experience. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, diving deeper into the specifics of each switch will ultimately help you determine the best fit for your typing preferences.
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Ly
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 Outemu Milk Tea and the KTT Phalaenopsis, a clear distinction can be made based on their top and bottom housings. The Milk Tea features a Ly top housing made of a newer material that provides a bright sound signature with resonant clacks while typing. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis boasts a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. While both offer unique sound profiles, the Milk Tea's Ly top housing seems to prioritize a brighter and more resonant typing experience, while the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate top housing leans towards a sharper and clearer sound.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of these switches further differentiate them in terms of sound and feel. The Milk Tea's nylon bottom housing is described as creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softness that absorbs more sound and produces a duller sound. In comparison, the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate bottom housing, being stiffer, contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The different bottom housings of these switches result in distinct bottom-out sounds and typing experiences, with the Milk Tea offering a softer and more absorbing feel, and the Phalaenopsis providing a clearer and more resonant experience.
Overall, the top and bottom housings of the Outemu Milk Tea and KTT Phalaenopsis play a crucial role in shaping the sound profiles and typing experiences of these switches. While the Milk Tea leans towards a brighter and fuller sound with a nylon bottom housing, the Phalaenopsis opts for a sharper and crisper sound profile with a polycarbonate bottom housing. Both switches offer unique qualities in their housing materials that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel, ultimately providing a diverse range of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it is evident that the Milk Tea requires a slightly higher force of 45 grams compared to the Phalaenopsis, which only needs 37 grams to actuate. In terms of bottom-out force, the Phalaenopsis is heavier at 50 grams, while the Milk Tea's bottom-out force is not specified. The Milk Tea switch leans towards requiring a firmer actuation force, which may appeal to those seeking a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis offers a lighter actuation force, which could be preferable for users looking for a more effortless typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feedback and weight considerations.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is the same, both measuring 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users can expect a consistent travel distance experience. Having equal travel distances ensures that the typing feel and overall user experience will be similar with both switches, making them a suitable choice for those who value consistency in their typing experience.
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 Milk Tea 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 Milk Tea tactile switch does not have a specific descriptor provided, whereas the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is known for its bassy and thocky sound profile. This means that the Phalaenopsis switch offers a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones, as well as a satisfying deep "thud" or soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. Keep in mind that while these are the described qualities, the actual sound produced can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Milk Tea switch does not have a specified feel descriptor, while the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is described as having a stepped feel. A stepped switch provides a tactile experience akin to having two stages during the keystroke process. Unlike hyper-tactile switches, where the entire keystroke is a single large bump, stepped switches offer a milder sensation with noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel. This can result in a more nuanced typing experience, allowing for a tactile response that is not overwhelmingly sharp.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Milk Tea and KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switches differ in their sound and feel characteristics, they both offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. If you prefer a switch with a more pronounced and rich sound profile, the Phalaenopsis switch may be the better choice for you. Conversely, if you enjoy a more subtle tactile feel with distinct pre-travel and post-travel sensations, the Phalaenopsis switch might be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a beautiful translucent design, the Phalaenopsis may be the better choice for you. The 50g tactile force and delightful typing experience make it a great option for those who type often and want minimal finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prioritize sound and enjoy a unique typing experience, the Milk Tea may be more suitable with its undefined sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and what features are most important to you.
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