Outemu Silent Grey vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silent Grey and the KTT Phalaenopsis mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both offer unique features tailored to different preferences. The Outemu Silent Grey stands out for its quiet and highly tactile typing experience, making it ideal for users who enjoy a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke without the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis boasts a light actuation force of 37g and a 50g tactile force, providing effortless typing and a satisfying tactile bump. While the Silent Grey may appeal to those seeking a silent yet tactile typing experience, the Phalaenopsis caters to users looking for a more effortless and delightful keystroke. 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
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Silent Grey and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches, we can see that both switches incorporate polycarbonate in their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for the top housing of switches, especially when RGB lighting is a factor. However, the Silent Grey utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature absorbing more sound. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis features a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining consistency in sharpness and clarity throughout the switch's sound profile.
When examining how the different housing materials impact the overall sound and feel of the switches, it becomes clear that the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom housings. Pressing down on the switch will reveal the qualities of the bottom housing, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. In this case, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Grey provides a more subdued and rounded sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Phalaenopsis. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, emphasizing the sharpness and clarity characteristic of polycarbonate in both switches. Despite their housing material differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of top and bottom housing materials.
Overall, while the Outemu Silent Grey and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches feature similar polycarbonate top housings resulting in sharp and crisp sound profiles, their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The nylon bottom housing of the Silent Grey offers a deeper and fuller sound, contrasting with the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Phalaenopsis, which maintains consistency in sharpness and clarity. Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials in each switch contributes to a distinct typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound upon key release.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch reveals some notable differences. The Silent Grey requires a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Phalaenopsis's lighter 37 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Silent Grey is heavier at 65 grams, while the Phalaenopsis bottoms out at 50 grams. These differences in force indicate that the Silent Grey offers a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy actuation and bottom out force, whereas the Phalaenopsis provides a lighter touch for those who prefer a gentler typing experience. Depending on personal preference, some may find the Silent Grey more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the lighter touch of the Phalaenopsis for a more effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Grey and KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switches have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users will experience a similar level of keypress travel when using either switch. The travel distance plays a crucial role in the typing experience, as it can affect the overall feel and responsiveness of a keyboard. In this case, both switches offer a consistent level of travel, ensuring that users can expect a similar level of tactile feedback and keypress depth regardless of which switch they choose. Ultimately, the similarity in travel distance between these two switches makes them a comparable choice for those seeking a consistent 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 Silent Grey 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 Grey switches are known for their quiet operation, making them ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switches offer a deeper and richer sound profile with a bassy and thocky tone during key presses. This difference in sound profile can add a unique auditory experience to your typing sessions depending on your preference.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Silent Grey switches are praised for their highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis switches are described as having a stepped feel, providing a more mild tactile experience with discernible pre-travel and/or post-travel stages. This difference in tactile feedback can cater to individuals who prefer a more distinct tactile bump versus those who prefer a smoother typing feel.
In conclusion, while both the Outemu Silent Grey and KTT Phalaenopsis switches offer tactile feedback, they each have their own unique sound and feel characteristics. The Silent Grey switches provide a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, while the Phalaenopsis switches offer a deeper sound profile and a stepped tactile feel. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, you can achieve satisfying results with either switch. Ultimately, the best choice between the two will depend on your individual typing preferences and the overall keyboard setup you prefer.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams that offers a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, then the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams with a beautiful translucent design and a light actuation force of 37g that minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions, then the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is the one to go for. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a heavier, more tactile typing experience (Silent Grey) or a lighter, more effortless typing experience (Phalaenopsis). Both switches offer a satisfying tactile bump, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
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