KTT Phalaenopsis vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the KTT Phalaenopsis and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Phalaenopsis and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct advantages for different preferences. The Phalaenopsis switches are renowned for their beautiful translucent design and light actuation force of 37g, making typing effortless and reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. With a satisfying and discernible tactile bump of 50g, each keystroke becomes a delightful experience. Categorized as 'Bassy', 'Stepped', and 'Thocky', these switches provide a unique typing sensation. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches by Wuque are perfect for office and work environments. They offer a medium level of tactility while effectively reducing noise. Crafted with precision, these switches feature ingenious stem railings with small cutouts, ensuring a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return while maintaining an impressively silent profile. Unlike conventional silent switches, the WS Silent Tactile switches forgo the use of silicone dampeners, resulting in a typing experience devoid of the usual padded feel found in most silent switches. Categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Muted', these switches offer a unique blend of tranquility and tactility. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Phalaenopsis and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile, namely polycarbonate and nylon, respectively, contribute to different sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This material resonates well, creating a clear and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, both materials are translucent, making them suitable for switches with RGB lighting.
Similarly, the polycarbonate and nylon bottom housings of the Phalaenopsis and the WS Silent Tactile respectively bring distinct qualities to the switch experience. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Phalaenopsis contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, consistent with the top housing. This stiffer plastic enhances the clear and resonant sound when the key is bottomed out. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the WS Silent Tactile provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, complementing the qualities of the top housing. As a relatively softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when the key bottoms out.
When considering the entire switch, the top and bottom housing materials play different roles in shaping the overall sound and tactile experience. The bottom housing, whether polycarbonate or nylon, has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. The nature of the material, whether stiffer or softer, influences the characteristics of the sound produced. On the other hand, the top housing, whether polycarbonate or nylon, affects the sound when the key is released, creating a distinctive sound upon letting go of a key. Despite the differences in materials, both the KTT Phalaenopsis and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile offer unique and satisfying typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, one of the key differences lies in their actuation force and bottom out force. The KTT Phalaenopsis requires a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, meaning a gentle push is enough to register a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the WS Silent Tactile is unavailable, which makes it difficult to directly compare. However, the bottom out force of the Phalaenopsis is 50 grams, indicating a slightly heavier touch is required to fully press down the key. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which suggests a medium-heavy touch is necessary for complete depression. In terms of weight, the Phalaenopsis is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the WS Silent Tactile. This lighter aspect of the Phalaenopsis may be more suitable for individuals seeking a keyboard that allows for longer typing or gaming sessions. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the WS Silent Tactile's heavier bottom out force could be a better option. Overall, while the actuation force of the WS Silent Tactile remains unknown, the contrast between the lighter Phalaenopsis and the medium-heavy WS Silent Tactile offers different choices depending on the individual's preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there is a notable difference. The Phalaenopsis has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Silent Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Phalaenopsis offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper press when keys are depressed. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile has a slightly shallower travel distance, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference, with the shorter travel distance of the WS Silent Tactile catering to those who prioritize responsiveness and the longer travel distance of the Phalaenopsis appealing to individuals who desire a more substantial feel. Nonetheless, both switches provide satisfactory results depending on the user's needs.
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 Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile comes in at $4.20 per 10 switches.
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 described as "bassy" and "thocky," providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. This results in a lower frequency range that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches have a "neutral" sound profile, producing a moderate level of sound. They are specifically designed to minimize noise, creating a softer and quieter typing experience. The absence of silicone dampeners in the WS Silent Tactile switches also distinguishes them from conventional silent switches, ensuring a typing experience that is devoid of the usual padded feel. Overall, the Phalaenopsis switches provide a more pronounced and satisfying sound experience, while the WS Silent Tactile switches prioritize tranquility and reduced noise.
In terms of feel, the KTT Phalaenopsis switches are described as "stepped." These switches offer a more mild tactile experience compared to hypertactile switches, providing some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches have an "accented" feel, which means they offer a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. This creates a prominent and satisfying tactile feedback without being overly intense. Additionally, the WS Silent Tactile switches are also described as "invigorating," offering a snappy and reactive feel that creates an immersive typing sensation. The Phalaenopsis switches, on the other hand, do not have a specific descriptor for their tactility. However, based on the information provided, they offer a satisfying and discernible tactile bump with a medium level of feedback. Overall, both switches provide a pleasant tactile experience, with the WS Silent Tactile switches offering a more balanced and invigorating feel.
Taking into consideration the available information, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switches excel in providing a bassy and thocky sound profile, along with a stepped tactile feel. These switches prioritize a more pronounced and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches offer a neutral sound profile that minimizes noise, along with an accented and invigorating feel that strikes a balance between tactility and tranquility. Both switches provide a delightful typing experience, but with different focuses. If you prefer a deeper and richer sound with a mildly tactile feel, the Phalaenopsis switches would be a great choice. However, if you prioritize quieter and more balanced sound while still enjoying a satisfying tactile response, the WS Silent Tactile switches would be an excellent option. It is important to note that the switch sound can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, but based on the provided information, these are the subjective qualities of each switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a light actuation force and a discernible tactile bump, then the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is the one 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 also provides a satisfying and delightful typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a medium level of tactility and noise reduction, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch is the better choice. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches strike a delicate balance between tactility and silence. The WS Silent Tactile switches offer a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return, without the typical padded feel found in most silent switches. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for actuation force and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
