KTT Phalaenopsis vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Phalaenopsis and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer a satisfying tactile experience are the KTT Phalaenopsis and the TTC Silent Brown. The Phalaenopsis switches are known for their beautiful translucent design, boasting a light actuation force of 37g, which makes typing effortless and reduces finger fatigue even during prolonged sessions. With a tactile force of 50g, these switches provide a discernible bump that adds a delightful touch to each keystroke. Categorized as 'Bassy', 'Stepped', and 'Thocky', the Phalaenopsis switches offer a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switches are praised for their comfortable typing experience, striking a balance between resistance and satisfaction with a light-medium level of resistance and a rounded tactile bump. What sets them apart is their muted sound profile. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Polished', they offer a more subtle typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can choose the switch that best suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Phalaenopsis and TTC Silent Brown both utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which results in a similar sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the housings of both switches creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either the Phalaenopsis or the Silent Brown switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Phalaenopsis differs from the Silent Brown. The Phalaenopsis features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which means that when pressing down on the switch, users will feel the qualities of the bottom housing. This will have an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the Silent Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a different sound profile. Typing on switches with a nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Therefore, the Silent Brown may offer a slightly different typing experience compared to the Phalaenopsis, with a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out.
In summary, the Phalaenopsis and Silent Brown switches share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in comparable sound profiles and aesthetic advantages for RGB lighting. However, they differ in terms of bottom housing materials. The Phalaenopsis utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Silent Brown employs a nylon bottom housing. This leads to variations in the bottom-out sound and overall typing experience. Ultimately, individuals may prefer one over the other based on their personal preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Phalaenopsis has an actuation force of 37 grams, while the Silent Brown requires 45 grams to activate. This means that the Phalaenopsis is lighter and requires less force for each keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Phalaenopsis requires 50 grams compared to the Silent Brown's 63.5 grams. This indicates that the Silent Brown is heavier and requires more force to fully press the keys.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience or want to minimize fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions, the Phalaenopsis with its lighter actuation and bottom out forces would be a better choice. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience might find the Silent Brown more suitable with its heavier actuation and bottom out force.
It is important to note that although the forces required for actuation and bottom out differ between these switches, similarity in typing experience can still be achieved if both switches are used with a similar typing style. Additionally, weight considerations are crucial as some individuals prefer lighter switches for prolonged typing sessions, while others may seek the stronger push feel provided by heavier forces for a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Phalaenopsis has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm compared to the Silent Brown's 3.8 mm. The difference may seem small, but it can have an impact on the typing experience. The Phalaenopsis offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Silent Brown falls on the more shallow end of the spectrum. This can be advantageous for gamers or those seeking faster response times, as the shorter distance allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial typing experience may find the Phalaenopsis to be a better fit. Ultimately, personal preference and the desired level of key depth will determine which switch is the more suitable choice.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is known for its bassy and thocky sound profile. These switches produce a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a muted sound profile. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. While the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, users can expect similar results with the Phalaenopsis switch for a bassy and thocky sound, and with the Silent Brown switch for a muted sound.
In terms of feel, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is described as a stepped switch. Stepped switches have two stages to their tactile feedback, with some noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel. This provides a relatively mild tactile experience compared to hypertactile switches, allowing users to feel some movement before and after the bump. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is described as buttery, mild, and polished. These switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The mild nature of the switch ensures a gentle and approachable typing experience, while the polished finish reduces friction and enables smooth key travel.
Taking all the available information into account, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offers a delightful typing experience with its light actuation force, satisfying tactile bump, and stepped feel. The sound profile of the Phalaenopsis switch is characterized by a bassy and thocky sound, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch provides a comfortable typing experience with its light-medium resistance and satisfying rounded tactile bump. The muted sound profile of the Silent Brown switch ensures a quieter typing experience. Both switches offer their unique qualities, and users can choose based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a light actuation force and a delightful typing experience, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches offer effortless typing and minimize finger fatigue. The discernible tactile bump ensures each keystroke is satisfying. Additionally, the Phalaenopsis switches provide a bassy and thocky sound profile, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. In terms of feel, they have a stepped switch design, providing a mild sensation with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, if you value a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium resistance and a muted sound profile, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch would suit you well. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches offer a satisfying rounded tactile bump. The muted sound profile minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. In terms of feel, the Silent Brown switches are described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. They also have a mild and polished feel, offering gentle typing sensations with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the Phalaenopsis and Silent Brown switches depends on your preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and feel.
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