KTT Phalaenopsis vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the KTT Phalaenopsis and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the KTT Phalaenopsis, a tactile switch, and the Durock Sea Glass, a linear switch! The Phalaenopsis flaunts its beautiful translucent design, coupled with a light actuation force of 37g, making typing effortless and minimizing finger fatigue even during prolonged sessions. With its satisfying and discernible tactile bump of 50g, each keystroke becomes a delightful experience. Categorized as 'Bassy', 'Stepped', and 'Thocky', the Phalaenopsis promises a unique typing feel. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series by Durock captures attention with its captivating selection of five pastel colors, standing out as one of our favorites. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, these switches possess a weightlessness that defies expectations, thanks to their frictionless nature. Categorized as 'Frictionless', 'Mild', 'Feathery', and 'Easy-to-press', the Sea Glass switches offer a distinctly dry, wispy, and airy typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Phalaenopsis and the Durock Sea Glass differ in their housing materials, specifically in their top and bottom housings. The Phalaenopsis has a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, its translucency is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Sea Glass features a unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing. This blend offers a pleasant sound profile, leaning towards the brighter side without being overly sharp.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Phalaenopsis again utilizes polycarbonate. This choice leads to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, similar to its top housing. The stiffness of polycarbonate is once again responsible for creating a clear and resonant sound. Conversely, the Sea Glass incorporates a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its bottom housing. The result is once again unique, providing a sound profile that is neither particularly sharp nor dull but rather pleasing to the ear.
When examining the overall qualities of the switches, the difference in housing materials between the Phalaenopsis and the Sea Glass affects the sound and feel of pressing down on a key and the sound when releasing it. The bottom housing, which differs in material for each switch, has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Meanwhile, the top housing, also different in material, is more influential in the sound produced when a key is released. Ultimately, although the Phalaenopsis and Sea Glass offer distinct housing materials, each contributing to their own particular sound profiles, both switches promise satisfying results in terms of sound quality.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch to the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are significant differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Phalaenopsis has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Sea Glass requires slightly more force at 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Phalaenopsis has a force of 50 grams, while the Sea Glass is slightly heavier at 62 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Phalaenopsis would be the ideal choice as its actuation force is lower. This allows for longer periods of typing without experiencing fatigue, making it suitable for professional use or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Sea Glass, as it requires a stronger push with its higher actuation and bottom out forces. This can provide a more satisfying tactile feedback and a greater sense of keypress precision.
In summary, while the Phalaenopsis offers a lighter touch with its lower actuation and bottom out forces, the Sea Glass provides a medium level of resistance, making it a slightly heavier option. Depending on an individual's preferences, they can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired typing experience, with the Phalaenopsis offering a lighter feel and the Sea Glass providing a more substantial and weighted keystroke.
Travel distance
The KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch have contrasting travel distances. The Phalaenopsis has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional, while the Sea Glass has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Sea Glass with its shorter travel distance may be the better option. Gamers, in particular, often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper, more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Phalaenopsis with its longer travel distance may be more suitable. It is worth noting that both options provide a similar level of travel distance, so you can expect comparable results with either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired 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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 Phalaenopsis switches are best described as bassy and thocky. These switches produce a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The sound can be characterized as a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches have no specific description of their sound available. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Phalaenopsis switches are considered to be stepped. This means that they offer a tactile experience that feels like it has two stages. Unlike hypertactile switches that have a big bump throughout the keystroke, stepped switches provide a milder sensation with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches are described as frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press. These switches offer an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction. They provide a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users, as their qualities fall within a safe, middle-ground zone. The light actuation force and smooth travel make them comfortable for extended typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue.
Based on the available information, the Phalaenopsis tactile switches are known for their light actuation force and satisfying tactile bump. They offer a delightful typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Sea Glass linear switches are praised for their distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness. Despite their higher bottom-out force, they provide a weightless feel and reveal a uniquely hollow sound signature. While the sound qualities of the Sea Glass switches are unknown, it is important to mention that the sound of a switch can vary depending on other factors. Both switches offer unique subjective qualities and can provide an enjoyable typing experience. If you are looking for a similar sound and feel to the Phalaenopsis switches, the Sea Glass switches may offer a comparable smoothness and weightlessness, although they may lack the specific bassy and thocky characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a satisfying tactile bump, the KTT Phalaenopsis is the way to go. With its bottom out force of 50 grams and delightful typing experience, it offers effortless typing and minimizes finger fatigue even during prolonged sessions. Additionally, the Phalaenopsis switches have a bassy and thocky sound profile, adding depth and richness to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and a unique feel, the Durock Sea Glass switches are a great choice. Despite their 62 grams of bottom out force, these switches feel weightless and offer a frictionless typing experience. They also have a hollow sound signature that sets them apart. Whether you prioritize a lighter switch with a tactile bump or a medium switch with a distinct feel, both the Phalaenopsis and the Sea Glass switches have their own strengths and can enhance your typing experience in different ways. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
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