Outemu Silent White vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent White and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent White and the KTT Phalaenopsis offer unique typing experiences. The Silent White switch is a linear switch with a reputation for its silent operation. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch is a tactile switch known for its beautiful translucent appearance and light actuation force of 37g, making typing effortless and reducing finger fatigue. While the Silent White offers a quiet typing experience, the Phalaenopsis provides a satisfying tactile bump with each keystroke. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Silent White and the KTT Phalaenopsis both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through effectively. Despite using the same material for the top housing, the unique design and construction of each switch may result in slightly different sound profiles.
However, where the two switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Silent White features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, matching the top housing material. This results in a consistent sound profile throughout the switch, with a sharper and crisper tone due to the stiffness of polycarbonate.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Outemu Silent White offers a unique sound experience with a mix of sharpness and depth. In comparison, the KTT Phalaenopsis maintains a consistent sound profile throughout the switch due to utilizing polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics based on their housing materials, providing users with options to suit their preferences for typing sound and feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offer different experiences for users. The Silent White has a medium actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a balanced typing feel. In comparison, the Phalaenopsis offers a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it easier to type for longer periods without fatigue. Some users may prefer the Silent White for a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, while others may opt for the Phalaenopsis for a lighter touch that allows for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preference for typing feel and how heavy or light they prefer their keyboards to be.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch. This means that the Silent White switch has a slightly shallower key press compared to the Phalaenopsis switch. Gamers may prefer the Silent White for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a deeper key press may opt for the Phalaenopsis switch. In general, a shorter travel distance provides quicker feedback, while a longer travel distance offers a more deliberate and satisfying key press. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference.
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 White 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 White switch provides a quiet and smooth typing experience, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a silent keyboard. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is known for its bassy and thocky sound profile, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. Depending on your personal preference, the Silent White switch would be ideal for a noise-conscious environment, while the Phalaenopsis switch would be more suitable for those who enjoy a more pronounced and satisfying sound while typing.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Silent White switch lacks a specific description in terms of feel. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is described as stepped, providing a unique tactile experience with two distinct stages during keystrokes. This stepped feeling offers a different sensation compared to the typical linear or tactile switches, giving users a more nuanced typing experience. Depending on your typing style and preference for feedback, the Phalaenopsis switch could offer a more dynamic and engaging feel compared to the Silent White switch.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent White and KTT Phalaenopsis switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent White switch excels in providing a quiet typing experience, ideal for noise-sensitive environments, while the Phalaenopsis switch offers a more pronounced and satisfying sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. When it comes to feel, the Silent White switch lacks a specific description, while the Phalaenopsis switch provides a stepped tactile feeling, adding a unique dimension to each keystroke. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
Overall, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Silent White linear switch or the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, you should take into account your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a quieter typing experience, the Silent White switch may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a satisfying tactile bump, and a beautiful translucent design, the Phalaenopsis switch would be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and aesthetic preferences when it comes to keyboard switches.
Mentioned in this article
