KTT Phalaenopsis vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the KTT Phalaenopsis and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Phalaenopsis and Jwick Taro are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Phalaenopsis stands out with its beautiful translucent design and light actuation force of 37g, making typing effortless and minimizing finger fatigue even during prolonged sessions. With a tactile force of 50g, the Phalaenopsis provides a satisfying and discernible tactile bump, ensuring each keystroke is a delightful experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro offers a cozy typing experience with its snappy, medium-level of tactility. The Taro switches produce acute and crisp clacks, contributing to a satisfying typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Phalaenopsis and the Jwick Taro both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to its stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that feature RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Phalaenopsis and the Taro will provide similar results when it comes to sound and aesthetics with their polycarbonate top housings.
However, when it comes to their bottom housings, the Phalaenopsis and the Taro differ in their materials. The Phalaenopsis also utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, meaning it shares similar sound characteristics with its top housing. On the other hand, the Taro employs nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This makes typing on the Taro switches produce a duller and rounder sound compared to the Phalaenopsis.
It's worth noting that in switches with different top and bottom housings, the qualities brought by each material are distributed accordingly. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's characteristics will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key. This means that the Phalaenopsis, with matching top and bottom polycarbonate housings, will have a consistent sound profile throughout keypresses, while the Taro will have a noticeable difference in sound between pressing and releasing a key due to its combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Phalaenopsis has an actuation force of 37 grams, which is relatively light, while the Taro's actuation force is unknown. However, the Phalaenopsis has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is considered light, whereas the Taro has a bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range.
The difference in actuation force means that the Phalaenopsis requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Taro. This can be beneficial for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience and those who need to type for longer periods, such as professionals bringing their keyboard to work or gamers engaged in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Taro provides a more substantial typing experience, catering to those who prefer a stronger push feel while typing.
While the specific actuation force of the Taro is unavailable, it can be inferred that it is likely heavier than that of the Phalaenopsis due to its higher bottom out force. However, both switches offer a distinct tactile feel, allowing users to enjoy a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch have different travel distances. The Phalaenopsis has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered to be a traditional distance. On the other hand, the Taro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Taro switch more suitable for those who prefer a shorter travel distance and faster response times, such as gamers. The Phalaenopsis, with its longer travel distance, may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper and more satisfying key press. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 switches are best characterized as bassy and thocky. The use of these switches results in a deep, rich sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. This provides a satisfying auditory experience for typists, with each key press producing a pronounced sound. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. They offer a moderate sound during key presses, suitable for a variety of users and environments. The sound produced by these switches is not particularly distinctive but still provides a pleasant typing experience. It's important to note that the sound of switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Phalaenopsis switches are described as stepped switches. This means that they provide a tactile feedback with two stages, offering a mild bump during the keystroke. Users can feel a slight pre-travel and/or post-travel, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switches are described as buttery and stepped switches. The term "buttery" implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, similar to the Phalaenopsis switches, the Taro switches also have a stepped feel, with a mild tactile experience and the ability to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
To summarize, the KTT Phalaenopsis and Jwick Taro switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Phalaenopsis switches provide a bassy and thocky sound profile, offering a deeper and richer auditory experience. They also have a stepped feel, with a mild tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Taro switches have a neutral sound profile, suitable for various users and environments. They offer a buttery and stepped feel, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience. While there are similarities, such as both switches having a stepped feel, the overall subjective qualities differ between the two.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a lightweight switch with a satisfying tactile bump, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With its light actuation force of 50 grams, typing becomes effortless and finger fatigue is minimized even during prolonged typing sessions. The discernible tactile bump ensures that each keystroke is a delightful experience. Additionally, the Phalaenopsis offers a deep and rich sound profile, characterized by a lower frequency range resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a cozy typing experience, the Jwick Taro tactile switch would be more suitable for you. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches provide a snappy and medium-level of tactility, accompanied by acute and crisp clacks. The Taro switches also offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work.
Ultimately, the choice between the Phalaenopsis and Taro switches depends on your preferences for actuation force, tactile feedback, sound profile, and overall typing experience. Consider the weight of the switch, the level of tactility you desire, as well as the sound profile that appeals to you. By evaluating these factors, you can make an informed decision and select the switch that best suits your needs and preferences.
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