Outemu Silent Green vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Green and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Silent Green, a linear switch, and the KTT Phalaenopsis, a tactile switch. The Silent Green switch is known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch stands out for its beautiful translucent design and light actuation force, offering a satisfying tactile bump with each keystroke. While the Silent Green switch may appeal to those looking for a low-profile and noise-free typing experience, the Phalaenopsis switch caters to users who enjoy a more tactile feedback. 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
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Silent Green and the KTT Phalaenopsis utilize polycarbonate for both their top and bottom housings, leading to a similar sound profile for both switches. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a more distinct auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches.
Despite both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their housing materials, one key difference between the Outemu Silent Green and the KTT Phalaenopsis lies in their overall construction. While the Silent Green features a traditional design with separate top and bottom housings, the Phalaenopsis incorporates a one-piece housing design. This difference in construction may impact the typing experience, as the distribution of sound and feel between the top and bottom of the switch can vary.
It is important to note that the topology of the switch's housing plays a significant role in determining the overall typing experience. The qualities of each housing material, whether it be the sharper sound profile of polycarbonate or the impact on bottom-out sound and feel, are crucial aspects to consider when choosing between the Outemu Silent Green and the KTT Phalaenopsis. Ultimately, the decision between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and construction design.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Green linear switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch with 37 grams, making the Silent Green heavier. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Silent Green requiring 60 grams and the Phalaenopsis requiring 50 grams. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Phalaenopsis would be the better option, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without as much fatigue. On the other hand, the Silent Green offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it is clear that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches provide a consistent key press experience in terms of how far the key travels when pressed. Users can expect similar results when typing on either switch, as the distance traveled by the switch is identical. Overall, the travel distance of the Outemu Silent Green and KTT Phalaenopsis switches is equal, providing a familiar typing experience for users of both switches.
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 Silent Green 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 Silent Green linear switch is known for its quiet operation, making it a great choice for those looking for a non-disruptive typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offers a deeper and richer sound profile with its bassy and thocky characteristics. This can add an extra level of satisfaction to each keystroke, especially for users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. Keep in mind that the overall sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch remains undefined in terms of specific tactile qualities. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is described as having a "stepped" feel, providing users with a subtle two-stage sensation during key presses. This can result in a more controlled and deliberate typing experience, where users can feel distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Green and KTT Phalaenopsis switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Silent Green provides a quiet typing experience and its feel remains unspecified, the Phalaenopsis tactile switch stands out for its deep sound profile and stepped tactile feel. Depending on personal preferences for noise level, tactile feedback, and overall typing experience, users can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired results. Ultimately, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience for users, whether they prioritize quiet operation or tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a medium bottom out force and a silent typing experience, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a satisfying tactile bump, and a unique translucent design, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch would be more suitable. It all comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience, sound, and aesthetics. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when choosing between the two.
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