KTT Phalaenopsis vs. HMX SU

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, both the KTT Phalaenopsis and the HMX SU offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences and experiences. The Phalaenopsis, a tactile switch, features a light actuation force of 37g, making it effortless to type, while its 50g tactile force provides a satisfying bump with each keystroke, ideal for those who enjoy feedback during typing. Its beautiful translucent design and a sound profile described as 'Bassy,' 'Stepped,' and 'Thocky' enhance the sensory experience, reducing finger fatigue even during extended sessions. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch is known for its full PA12 housing and T5 stem, delivering a smooth typing experience without tactile feedback. The SU's subtle yet relatively deep sound profile caters to users who prefer a quieter operation without the interruption of a tactile bump, making it perfect for fast-paced gaming or focused work environments. While the Phalaenopsis excels in providing tactile pleasure and auditory satisfaction, the HMX SU offers a slick, uninterrupted flow. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

KTT Phalaenopsis Tactile

HMX SU Linear

$4.73

$4.15 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Phalaenopsis and the HMX SU present an interesting contrast in their housing materials, impacting the overall typing experience significantly. The Phalaenopsis features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it an excellent choice, especially for setups utilizing RGB lighting due to its translucency. By contrast, the HMX SU incorporates nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon’s softer characteristics, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively and resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience.

While both switches have disparate materials in their housings, the unique sound profiles they engender are indicative of the differing impacts of their materials' properties. For instance, with the KTT Phalaenopsis, the polycarbonate plastic's rigidity elevates the clarity of the sound at both ends of the stroke, influencing both how the switch sounds when pressed and released. In contrast, the nylon housing of the HMX SU absorbs sound, which softens the impact with a more muted auditory signature upon actuation and release. This inherent quality of each material provides distinct sensory responses for users, with the Phalaenopsis leaning towards a bright and crystal-like quality, whereas the SU emphasizes a more robust and subdued auditory feedback.

Despite these differences, both switches are engineered to deliver satisfying results in their respective domains—sharpness with the KTT Phalaenopsis and fullness with the HMX SU. If a switch incorporates varying materials for its top and bottom housings, like in the case of the HMX SU, it creates a unique blend of characteristics. In such cases, the bottom housing’s qualities tend to dominate the typing experience during actuation, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key. If both switches were designed with the same housing material throughout, or if hybrids were created using one material for the top and another for the bottom, users could anticipate a remarkable balance between the sharp clarity of polycarbonate and the auditory warmth of nylon, leading to harmonious compositions of sound that cater to diverse user preferences.

Weight

The KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch both exhibit light characteristics, but they differ in their actuation forces. The Phalaenopsis has an actuation force of 37 grams, while the SU switch requires a slightly heavier 45 grams to actuate. Interestingly, both switches have the same bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that they will feel equally resistant when fully depressed. This means that while the Phalaenopsis is lighter in terms of actuation, both switches provide a similar experience when it comes to typing until they are fully pressed down. Typists who prefer a lighter touch may find the Phalaenopsis more suited for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel might lean towards the HMX SU for a more substantial engagement. Overall, the choice between the two will largely depend on personal preference for actuation force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Phalaenopsis features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX SU has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Phalaenopsis offers a more substantial depth, which some users may appreciate for a more satisfying tactile feel, whereas the SU caters to those who prefer quicker response times and a slightly shallower press. For gamers or individuals who enjoy rapid key presses, the shorter travel distance of the SU may be more appealing, providing an efficient experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference: if you favor a hearty depth, the 4 mm travel of the Phalaenopsis is ideal, while those seeking a faster action may lean towards the 3.6 mm distance of the HMX SU.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch boasts a sound profile characterized as bassy and thocky, contributing to a deeper and richer auditory experience when typing. This means that each keystroke produces a satisfying “thud” or soft “knock” sound, which appeals to users who enjoy a more resonant acoustic feedback. The inherent sound characteristics suggest that these switches can create an engaging typing environment. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch, while lacking specific descriptions about its sound profile, features a full PA12 housing paired with a T5 stem. This combination is likely designed to provide a refined acoustics experience, possibly favoring a smoother sound, yet the exact auditory qualities remain unspecified.

When it comes to tactile feel, the Phalaenopsis is noted for its stepped tactile feedback, providing a discernible yet mild bump during keystrokes. This dual-stage feel is preferred by typists who appreciate a gentle reminder of activation without overwhelming harshness. It offers a more refined tactile journey, allowing for precision in typing while minimizing finger fatigue with its light 37g actuation force. The HMX SU linear switch, however, does not have specific descriptors related to feel, which leaves its tactile experience open to interpretation. Given it is a linear switch, one might expect a smoother keystroke without notable tactile feedback, contrasting with the tactile nature of the Phalaenopsis.

In summary, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch stands out for its rich, bassy sound and stepped tactile feel, making it an appealing choice for those who seek engaging auditory and tactile experiences during longer typing sessions. The HMX SU linear switch, while lacking detailed descriptions of its sound and feel characteristics, is expected to provide a smoother typing experience, albeit without the tactile feedback that the Phalaenopsis offers. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your preferences for sound and tactile response, as both can deliver satisfying typing experiences in their own respective ways.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch, consider how you prioritize typing experience and sound profile. If you’re someone who enjoys tactile feedback while typing, and you find a satisfying bump on each keystroke important, the Phalaenopsis is the ideal choice for you. Its lighter actuation force and noticeable tactile bump minimize finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, making it excellent for productivity and long hours of use. Moreover, the deep and thocky sound will appeal to those who appreciate a richer auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that emphasizes smooth keystrokes without a tactile bump, the HMX SU linear switch may be more suited to your taste. While both switches share a light bottom-out force of 50 grams, the SU switch excels in providing an unobtrusive typing experience without any tactile interruption, making it perfect for gaming or a minimalist typing setup. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you value tactile feedback and sound richness over a smooth, uninterrupted keypress.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Phalaenopsis Tactile

$4.73

$4.15 per 10

Learn more

HMX SU Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more