KTT Phalaenopsis vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

The KTT Phalaenopsis and the TTC Silent Red are both popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct advantages for different types of users. If you prioritize a tactile typing experience, the Phalaenopsis switch might be the perfect fit for you. With its light actuation force of 37g, typing becomes effortless and finger fatigue is minimized during prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, the 50g tactile force provides a satisfying and discernible tactile bump, ensuring each keystroke is a delightful experience. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and quiet typing experience, the TTC Silent Red switch is an excellent choice. With a muted sound profile, these switches are ideal for office or shared living space use. They offer a smooth and consistent feel throughout, and the padded bottom-out feel adds an extra level of comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Phalaenopsis Tactile

TTC Silent Red Linear

$4.73

$4.15 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Phalaenopsis and TTC Silent Red both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic that creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches are likely to provide similar sound characteristics and aesthetic appeal when it comes to the top housing.

While the top housings may be the same, the Phalaenopsis and Silent Red differ in their bottom housings. The Phalaenopsis again employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which contributes to a similar sound profile as the top housing. However, the Silent Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the Silent Red may have a slightly different typing experience and sound when compared to the Phalaenopsis due to the difference in bottom housing materials.

When comparing the impact of housing materials, the bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. In this regard, both the Phalaenopsis and Silent Red would showcase the qualities of their respective bottom housings. On the other hand, the top housing has a more prominent impact on the sound when releasing a key. As both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, their sound characteristics when letting go of a key would be similar. Overall, while the top housings provide the same benefits, the difference in bottom housing materials creates a distinction in sound and feel between the KTT Phalaenopsis and TTC Silent Red switches.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Phalaenopsis features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, whereas the Silent Red requires a slightly higher force of 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Phalaenopsis requires 50 grams of force, while the Silent Red is slightly heavier at 63.5 grams.

These variances in force have implications for different typing preferences. For those looking for a lighter typing experience, the Phalaenopsis would be a suitable choice, offering a more effortless and comfortable typing feel. This lighter actuation force is ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions where fatigue reduction is desired. On the other hand, the Silent Red provides a more substantial typing experience with its higher actuation and bottom out forces. This heavier force requirement may appeal to users who prefer a stronger push feel and enjoy the satisfaction of a more pronounced keystroke.

While the actuation and bottom out forces differ between these two switches, both remain within the realm of comfortable typing experiences. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find similar results with the Silent Red by applying a slightly lighter finger touch, while those looking for a heavier feel may adjust their typing style to bottom out with a bit more force on the Phalaenopsis. Overall, the choice between the Phalaenopsis and Silent Red ultimately depends on personal typing preferences and the desired tactile feedback.

Travel distance

The KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch have different travel distances. The Phalaenopsis has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Typically, a travel distance of 4 mm is considered more traditional, while 3.7 mm is slightly shallower. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Silent Red with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, and may prefer the longer travel distance of the Phalaenopsis for a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile. Bassy switches produce a deeper and richer sound akin to bass tones, while thocky switches produce a satisfying "thud" or "knock" when pressed and released. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch provides a muted sound experience. These switches are designed to be quieter than regular mechanical switches, making them ideal for office or shared living spaces. It is important to note that the overall sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. For a similar sound experience to the Phalaenopsis, one could consider choosing a quiet switch that focuses on producing a deep, satisfying sound.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is described as a stepped switch. Stepped switches have a two-stage feel, providing a mild and less pronounced tactile feedback compared to hypertactile switches. With the Phalaenopsis, users can expect a tactile bump that is discernible but not overwhelmingly pronounced. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch offers a buttery, mild, and polished feel. This means that typing on these switches will be smooth, fluid, and effortless, providing a uniform typing sensation. These switches are designed to offer a gentle typing experience, making them suitable for most users who prefer a safe middle-ground feel.

Considering the available information, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Phalaenopsis provides a bassy and thocky sound profile, offering a deeper and more satisfying sound experience during key presses. In contrast, the Silent Red offers a muted sound, ensuring a softer and quieter typing experience. In terms of feel, the Phalaenopsis offers a stepped switch experience with a discernible but mild tactile bump. On the other hand, the Silent Red provides a buttery, mild, and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing sensation. Both switches have their unique characteristics and are suitable for different preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, you'll want to choose it if you prefer a light actuation force of 50 grams and a satisfying tactile bump with each keystroke. Additionally, the Phalaenopsis switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. In terms of feel, the Phalaenopsis has a stepped switch design, which means you'll feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving a more mild tactile experience.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, the Silent Reds offer a medium-heavy actuation force. They also have a muted sound profile, perfect for office or shared living space use. In terms of feel, the Silent Red switch provides a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience, ensuring a smooth and fluid keystroke and reduced friction.

Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Phalaenopsis and TTC Silent Red switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a lighter actuation force, a discernible tactile bump, and a bassy sound profile, then the Phalaenopsis is the right choice for you. However, if a smoother typing experience, muted sound profile, and a polished feel are more important to you, then the TTC Silent Red switch is the better option. Consider your typing preferences, noise tolerance, and desired feel to make an informed decision.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Phalaenopsis Tactile

$4.73

$4.15 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more