Outemu Red vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Red and the KTT Phalaenopsis offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Red is a linear switch known for its smooth keystrokes and lack of tactile feedback, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming and typing without any distractions. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis is a tactile switch celebrated for its beautiful translucent design and light actuation force of 37g, providing a satisfying tactile bump with each keystroke. The Phalaenopsis switch is also known for its 'Bassy', 'Stepped', and 'Thocky' characteristics, offering a distinct 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
46g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.10 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
The Outemu Red and KTT Phalaenopsis both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant light to shine through. However, the Red also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Phalaenopsis's all-polycarbonate housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing.
While both switches share the benefits of polycarbonate in their top housing, the contrasting bottom housing materials provide unique typing experiences. The Red's nylon bottom housing offers a softer and more absorbent feel, resulting in a deeper sound profile during typing. In comparison, the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffness. Users who enjoy a more tactile typing experience may prefer the Red for its nylon bottom housing, while those seeking a cleaner and more resonant sound may favor the Phalaenopsis.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Red and KTT Phalaenopsis ultimately comes down to personal preference in typing feel and sound profile. The split between different housing materials in each switch creates a unique blend of characteristics that affect the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer the deeper sound of nylon or the crisper sound of polycarbonate, both switches offer quality housing materials that enhance the overall performance and aesthetics of the keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Red linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Red switch has a higher actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. The Red switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, while the Phalaenopsis switch is lighter, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of the desired typing experience - a lighter touch for extended periods of typing or a heavier push for a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
The Outemu Red linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4mm, which means that they both provide a consistent typing experience in terms of keypress depth. Both switches offer a satisfying amount of travel distance for users who prefer a medium amount of key travel. This similarity allows users to achieve similar results in terms of typing feel and key response when using either switch. Overall, both switches provide a comfortable and reliable typing experience with their 4mm 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 Red 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
The Outemu Red linear switch is known for its smooth keystrokes without any tactile bump, making it ideal for fast typists who prefer a consistent feel across the keys. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offers a light actuation force of 37g and a discernible tactile bump at 50g, providing a satisfying feedback for each key press. When it comes to sound, the Red switch is not specified, while the Phalaenopsis switch is described as having a bassy and thocky sound profile, offering a deeper and richer auditory experience. In terms of feel, the Red switch does not have a specific descriptor, whereas the Phalaenopsis switch is classified as stepped, providing a slightly different tactile feel with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages. Overall, if you enjoy a linear switch with no tactile feedback, the Outemu Red is a solid choice, while the KTT Phalaenopsis offers a tactile typing experience with a unique sound profile for those seeking a more satisfying and distinct keystroke. It is essential to consider other factors like keyboard construction and keycaps to fully optimize the sound and feel of each switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Red linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, you should consider the factors of bottom out force, typing experience, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 62 grams and a smooth linear typing experience, the Outemu Red switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, a tactile typing experience with a satisfying bump, and a unique sound profile described as "bassy" and "thocky," the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is worth considering. Ultimately, your preference for typing feel, sound, and actuation force will guide you in selecting the mechanical keyboard switch that best suits your needs and preferences.
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