KTT Phalaenopsis vs. Gateron Weightlessness

Overview

When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Phalaenopsis and Gateron Weightlessness both offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The KTT Phalaenopsis stands out with its beautiful translucent design and a light actuation force of just 37g, allowing for effortless typing that minimizes finger fatigue, making it ideal for those who prioritize comfort during extended typing sessions. Its 50g tactile force provides a satisfying and pronounced bump, elevating the overall keystroke experience with each press—characterizing it as a 'Stepped' and 'Thocky' switch. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness boasts a subtly moderate tactile feel, delivering a more balanced sound profile that complements its tactile characteristics, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more understated typing experience without sacrificing feedback. Both switches have their merits, catering to differing typing styles and preferences, however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Phalaenopsis Tactile

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$4.73

$4.15 per 10

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Phalaenopsis and Gateron Weightlessness switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, which significantly influences their acoustic profiles and tactile feedback. The Phalaenopsis features polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a sound that is sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp. Polycarbonate is known for its rigidity, which contributes to the clean and resonant sound profile prevalent in these switches. Furthermore, the translucent nature of polycarbonate enhances the visual aspect of the switches, especially in RGB lighting setups, allowing light to pass through and create vibrant effects that appeal to many users.

In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is a softer plastic, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile that contrasts with the clarity provided by polycarbonate. Because nylon absorbs sound more effectively than stiff materials, the Weightlessness switches produce a duller, rounder sound that some typists may prefer for its warm and muted character. This distinction between the two materials results in varying auditory experiences; where the Phalaenopsis offers a more pronounced and crisp sound upon key release, the Weightlessness delivers a more subdued acoustic signature that can provide a satisfying typing experience anchored in depth.

Despite their differences, both switches showcase how the combination of housing materials affects the user experience in keyboard switches. The KTT Phalaenopsis, with its dual polycarbonate construction, provides a consistent sharpness in sound that can be particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a more exhilarating typing experience. Meanwhile, users of the Gateron Weightlessness might find a sense of comfort in the rounded sound and softer impact made by the nylon. However, changing the housing materials freely in switch configurations can yield similar results, as switching from a polycarbonate top to a nylon top (or vice versa) can yield a compromise that balances crispness with warmth, allowing for a tailored typing experience based on personal preferences.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Phalaenopsis features a light actuation force of 37 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions due to its minimal effort requirement. In contrast, the Weightlessness has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, which appeals to those who prefer a more substantial tactile experience. The bottom out force for the Phalaenopsis is specified at 50 grams, indicating that it has a relatively manageable resistance when fully pressed down. However, the Weightlessness switch has an unknown bottom out force, leaving its total pressing experience somewhat ambiguous. Overall, the Phalaenopsis is the lighter option, while the Weightlessness is the heavier choice, catering to different preferences among users.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it's clear that they differ significantly. The Phalaenopsis has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Weightlessness features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Phalaenopsis offers a more pronounced depth when pressed, aligning with traditional preferences for a tactile response. In contrast, the Weightlessness provides a quicker actuation, which could appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. Therefore, if you prefer a more robust and hearty feel in your keystrokes, the KTT Phalaenopsis would be the better option, whereas those favoring more immediacy might opt for the Gateron Weightlessness due to its shorter travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch delivers a thocky auditory experience, characterized by a deep, rich, and satisfying sound with each keystroke resembling a soft "knock" or "thud". This sound profile makes it particularly enjoyable for users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switches do not have a specified sound descriptor, leaving their acoustic qualities somewhat ambiguous. However, they are known to offer a balanced sound profile, which suggests that they likely produce a sound that is neither overly loud nor too muffled, potentially appealing to those seeking a more moderate auditory experience.

In terms of feel, the Phalaenopsis switch stands out with its stepped tactile response. This means that users experience a discernible tactile bump that occurs in two stages during actuation - a feature that provides a thoughtful and intentional typing experience. The 50g tactile force ensures that the feedback is pronounced yet manageable, allowing for an enjoyable typing experience without overwhelming the fingers. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switches offer a subtle to moderate tactile feel but lack specific descriptions regarding their tactile response. This creates some uncertainty around their exact feel, but it's likely they provide a gentler typing experience compared to the Phalaenopsis.

In conclusion, while both the KTT Phalaenopsis and Gateron Weightlessness switches are designed to cater to tactile typing enthusiasts, they have differing sound and feel qualities that may influence the choice of a newcomer. The Phalaenopsis switch offers a distinctive thocky sound and a pronounced stepped tactile feel that appeals to those who enjoy robust feedback, while the Weightlessness may deliver a more subdued experience in both sound and tactile sensation, though specifics are not available. Ultimately, it may come down to personal preference regarding the auditory and tactile characteristics of each switch, as well as the broader context of keyboard builds, keycaps, and typing style.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switches and Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches ultimately boils down to your typing preferences and the experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard. If you value a lighter keystroke and relish a satisfying tactile bump, the Phalaenopsis is an excellent choice, particularly suited for prolonged typing sessions where minimizing finger fatigue is crucial. The audible thocky sound along with its stepped tactile feel enhances the overall keystroke experience, making it delightful for both typing and gaming. Conversely, if you prefer a more balanced and subtle typing experience with a moderate tactile feedback, the Gateron Weightlessness switches may be the better option for you. While their bottom out force isn't specified, their design caters to a smooth sound profile that may appeal to those who appreciate a quieter keyboard. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the sound you enjoy, and how you want your keyboard to feel under your fingers—these factors will guide you to the right switch for your needs.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Phalaenopsis Tactile

$4.73

$4.15 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more