KTT Phalaenopsis vs. Durock White Lotus

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the KTT Phalaenopsis and the Durock White Lotus, both of which are tactile switches. The Phalaenopsis switches are renowned for their beautiful translucent design and light actuation force of 37g, which ensures effortless typing and minimizes finger fatigue, even during prolonged sessions. With a satisfying and discernible tactile bump of 50g, each keystroke becomes a delightful experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches offer a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, making them ideal for work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Additionally, these switches feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

KTT Phalaenopsis Tactile

Durock White Lotus Tactile

$4.73

$4.15 per 10

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Phalaenopsis and the Durock White Lotus switches offer distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Phalaenopsis utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic creates a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those who prioritize sound clarity. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the White Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, providing a unique and premium feel. While the specific qualities of this blend are not detailed, it suggests a different tactile experience and potentially a more refined aesthetic appeal.

While the two switches differ in their top housing materials, they both offer a clear and resonant sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing of the Phalaenopsis enhances the sharpness, high-pitched notes, and crispness of the sound emitted when pressing a key. Similarly, the modified PC and UPE blend top housing of the White Lotus likely contributes to an overall pleasing sound output. Both options are suitable for those seeking a more vibrant acoustic experience, particularly when using RGB lighting.

In terms of the bottom housing materials, the KTT Phalaenopsis employs polycarbonate, whereas the Durock White Lotus utilizes nylon. The polycarbonate bottom housing continues to deliver a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, complementing the characteristics of the top housing. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the White Lotus produces a deeper and fuller sound, creating a more rounded audio experience. The softer and more sound-absorbent nature of nylon contributes to this duller sound, which may appeal to those who prefer a mellower typing experience.

In summary, the KTT Phalaenopsis and the Durock White Lotus switches showcase different housing materials that offer complementary yet distinct sound profiles. The Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate top and bottom housings create a clear and resonant sound, while the White Lotus's modified PC and UPE blend top housing provides a unique and premium feel. Furthermore, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Phalaenopsis maintains the sharp and crisp sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the White Lotus introduces a deeper and fuller audio experience. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound clarity and vibrancy, but with slight variations depending on their preference for sharper or mellower sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we can observe some notable differences. The Phalaenopsis has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the White Lotus requires slightly more pressure with an actuation force of 46 grams. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Phalaenopsis has a lighter force of 50 grams compared to the White Lotus, which bottoms out at 56 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Phalaenopsis switch would be an ideal choice as it requires less force both for actuation and bottoming out. This can be beneficial for individuals who type for extended periods or engage in extensive gaming sessions. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch offers a slightly heavier resistance, providing a more substantial typing feel. This can be preferable for users who enjoy a stronger push sensation while typing.

In terms of weight considerations, the Phalaenopsis switch can be considered lighter overall compared to the White Lotus, as it requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out. However, it is important to note that individual preferences may vary. Some users may prioritize a lighter typing experience, while others may prefer a more substantial and tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the switch travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a specific travel distance, you can expect similar results from both the Phalaenopsis and the White Lotus.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Phalaenopsis switches are best described as bassy and thocky. These switches produce a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Think of a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches have a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. They offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, making them ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. The neutral sound profile means they have a moderate actuation force requirement and are suitable for various purposes. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps.

In terms of feel, the Phalaenopsis switches are stepped. This means they have a tactile switch design that feels like it has two stages. Compared to switches with a more pronounced bump, stepped switches have a more mild feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches are easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. The light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. They offer a responsive and low-impact typing experience. Additionally, the White Lotus switches are also described as mild and subtle, providing a gentle typing experience without being too pronounced or resonant. Overall, they offer a safe and approachable feel for most typists.

Based on the available information, both the KTT Phalaenopsis and the Durock White Lotus tactile switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Phalaenopsis switches have a delightful tactile bump with a satisfying and discernible tactile force of 50g, providing an effortless typing experience with minimized finger fatigue. They have a bassy and thocky sound profile, giving a deep and rich sound during key presses. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches strike a balance between delicate tactility and low-impact typing. They have a lighter actuation force, making them ideal for work and prolonged typing sessions. The sound profile of the White Lotus switches is low-pitched and neutral, offering a more mellow and quieter typing experience. Both switches offer their own unique advantages, so it ultimately depends on individual preference and typing style.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a light actuation force and a satisfying tactile bump, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its bottom out force of 50 grams, typing becomes effortless and finger fatigue is minimized even during prolonged typing sessions. The Phalaenopsis switch is also known for its deep and rich sound profile, providing a bassy and thocky typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier tactile switch with a delicate tactility, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 56 grams, the White Lotus strikes the perfect balance, making it ideal for work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. These switches also offer a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, creating a more bass-heavy and mellow typing experience. In terms of feel, the Phalaenopsis has a stepped switch design, providing a more mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The White Lotus, on the other hand, offers an easy-to-press, mild, and subtle typing feel, allowing for effortless and comfortable typing while maintaining a gentle resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Phalaenopsis and the Durock White Lotus switches depends on your preference for actuation force, tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider your typing needs and style to make an informed decision.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Phalaenopsis Tactile

$4.73

$4.15 per 10

Learn more

Durock White Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more