KTT Phalaenopsis vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the KTT Phalaenopsis and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Phalaenopsis and the Huano Sakura stand out for different reasons. The Phalaenopsis switch, renowned for its stunning translucent design, combines a light actuation force of 37g with a 50g tactile bump, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a satisfying typing experience without the strain of finger fatigue, particularly during long sessions. It’s best described as ‘bassy,’ ‘stepped,’ and ‘thocky,’ offering an engaging sound profile that adds to the overall pleasure of typing. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch brings a feather-light touch to the table, paired with medium acoustics, making it an appealing option for users who prefer smooth, uninterrupted strokes without tactile feedback. Each switch caters to different preferences: the Phalaenopsis for those who enjoy tactile feedback and an audible response, and the Sakura for users who favor a linear feel with more subtle acoustics. 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
37g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Phalaenopsis and the Huano Sakura exhibit distinct differences in their housing materials, particularly in their top housings. The Phalaenopsis utilizes polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This transparency allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it a visually appealing choice for those looking to showcase their keyboard customization. In contrast, the Sakura features a top housing made from POK (polyketone), known for its impressive smoothness and durability. While it too produces a satisfying auditory experience, the POK material's unique characteristics lend themselves to a more clacky sound, providing a distinct sensorial experience compared to the sharper tones of polycarbonate.
At the bottom housing level, the KTT Phalaenopsis and Huano Sakura take different approaches as well, contributing to their overall acoustic and tactile profiles. The Phalaenopsis's bottom housing is also made of polycarbonate, reinforcing the crisp sound signature it aims to produce. By utilizing the same material as the top housing, the switch offers a unified sound experience, enhancing the clarity and resonance that is key to its design. On the other hand, the Sakura opts for a nylon bottom housing, which introduces a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than polycarbonate, producing a rounder auditory tone that contrasts with the stiffer characteristics of the Phalaenopsis's materials.
Ultimately, the KTT Phalaenopsis and Huano Sakura switches showcase how the interplay of different materials can significantly influence sound and feel. While both switches are capable of delivering satisfying typing experiences, they do so through their uniquely chosen housings. The Phalaenopsis, with its uniform use of polycarbonate, emphasizes clarity and sharpness, while the Sakura, with its distinct combination of POK and nylon, achieves a rich, nuanced sound profile. Despite these differences, users can achieve impressive results from both switches, albeit in different ways, ultimately catering to diverse preferences in sound and typing sensations.
Weight
The KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch both offer a light typing experience, but they differ slightly in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Phalaenopsis has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sakura features a slightly lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Huano Sakura the lighter option overall. Both switches are designed for ease of use, making them ideal for long typing sessions or extended gaming, as the lighter weights reduce finger fatigue. However, the Phalaenopsis’s slightly higher forces provide a more pronounced tactile feedback, whereas the Sakura’s design may appeal to those who prefer a softer feel with less resistance. Thus, while both switches cater to light typing preferences, the Huano Sakura allows for an even lighter touch compared to the KTT Phalaenopsis.
Travel distance
The KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Sakura linear switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Phalaenopsis the longer option, providing a more pronounced depth when pressed. Many users who favor a deeper feel might prefer the Phalaenopsis for its more substantial travel, which can enhance the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Sakura's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those who prioritize responsiveness, such as gamers seeking quicker key activation. While both switches are part of modern trends, the differences in travel distance cater to distinct user preferences, with the Phalaenopsis appealing to those who enjoy a heftier press and the Sakura attracting those who prefer a snappier response.
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 Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 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 KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch produces a rich and resonant auditory feedback thanks to its bassy and thocky qualities. This means that each keystroke emanates a deeper tone, reminiscent of a satisfying thud as you press down, which can be quite pleasing in a typing environment. The tactile bump enhances this experience by adding a layer of confirmation that the key has registered without being overly harsh. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura linear switch does not provide specific sound qualities mentioned; however, its medium acoustics suggest that it may offer a subtle and less pronounced auditory feedback compared to the more profound sounds of the Phalaenopsis. This difference means that while the Phalaenopsis delivers a more pronounced auditory experience, the Sakura would likely be quieter, appealing to those who prefer a more subdued sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Phalaenopsis switch is characterized by its stepped tactile feedback. This means that users can expect a distinct difference in the keypress sensation, where the tactile bump is noticeable yet not overwhelming. This design minimizes finger fatigue, particularly beneficial during prolonged typing sessions. The Sakura switch does not provide specific information regarding its tactile or feeling characteristics, leaving an unknown aspect of its touch experience. However, it can be inferred that linear switches, like the Sakura, usually offer a smoother feel without the tactile bump, which might make them feel more uniform through the entire keypress.
To summarize, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch stands out with its rich sound and stepped tactile feel, making each keystroke a satisfying experience that balances both auditory and tactile enjoyment. In contrast, the Huano Sakura linear switch, while unknown in its sound profile and feel characteristics, may cater to those who prefer a lighter touch with less auditory feedback. Ultimately, both switches can provide enjoyable typing experiences, but the choice will largely depend on personal preference for sound and tactile sensations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you prioritize a tactile sensation with a satisfying bump, the Phalaenopsis is an excellent option, especially for those who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback—its bassy and thocky sound profile adds to the overall typing experience. This switch's light actuation force of 37 grams coupled with a tactile force of 50 grams allows for effortless typing, perfect for long sessions where you want to minimize finger fatigue while still enjoying a distinct tactile sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience with a feather-light touch, the Huano Sakura linear switch would be the more suitable choice. With its slightly lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams, it provides a seamless keystroke without the tactile bump, making it ideal for those who enjoy fast-paced typing or gaming without the distraction of noticeable sound or tactile feedback. Thus, consider what aspects matter most to you—whether it's the tactile feedback and richer sound of the Phalaenopsis or the ultra-smooth and quiet strokes of the Sakura—before making your decision.
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