KTT Phalaenopsis vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the KTT Phalaenopsis and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Phalaenopsis and the SP-Star Yanyu. The Phalaenopsis switch stands out for its beautiful translucent design and light actuation force of 37g, making typing effortless and minimizing finger fatigue even during prolonged sessions. Additionally, the 50g tactile force provides a satisfying and discernible tactile bump, ensuring each keystroke is a delightful experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch offers a more delicate typing experience, ideal for those who spend extensive periods at their keyboards. Its material blend provides a crisp sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. Categorized as bassy, stepped, and thocky, the Phalaenopsis presents a distinct character, while the Yanyu falls into the neutral, mild, thocky, feathery, subtle, and polished category. Although these general characteristics are helpful, diving deeper into their specific attributes will allow you to make the best decision based on your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The KTT Phalaenopsis and the SP-Star Yanyu differ in their housing materials for both the top and bottom parts of the switch. The Phalaenopsis features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, leading to a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Yanyu utilizes a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing. This blend offers a pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side. Therefore, the Phalaenopsis with its polycarbonate top housing will produce a different sound compared to the Yanyu with its polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing.
The housing material for the bottom part of the switch also differs between the Phalaenopsis and the Yanyu. The Phalaenopsis employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which similarly creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. As mentioned earlier, the stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Yanyu utilizes a polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its bottom housing, which is described as incredibly unique. While lacking the sharpness, this blend offers a pleasant sound profile that seems to be a bit on the brighter side. Therefore, just like the top housing, the bottom housing materials will result in distinct sound characteristics for the Phalaenopsis and the Yanyu switches.
It's important to note that when the top and bottom housing materials differ for a switch, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. Pressing down on a switch will primarily make you feel the qualities of the bottom housing, which has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the sound when releasing a key will be influenced more by the material of the top housing. Therefore, the Phalaenopsis and the Yanyu switches will provide different tactile and auditory experiences due to the variation in housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, we can observe some similarities and differences. Both switches have a relatively light actuation force, with the Phalaenopsis requiring 37 grams and the Yanyu having an unknown value. This lighter actuation force allows for a smoother and more effortless keystroke, reducing fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Phalaenopsis is heavier, requiring 50 grams compared to the Yanyu's 43 grams. This means that the Yanyu switch provides a slightly lighter and gentler typing experience when pressing the keys all the way down. For those who prefer a lighter keyboard for prolonged use, both switches would offer similar results in terms of actuation force. However, those seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience may opt for the Phalaenopsis switch due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key fitted with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a consistent and responsive tactile feedback, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. Whether you choose the Phalaenopsis or the Yanyu switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 offer a bassy and thocky sound profile. This means that the switches produce a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The sound can be characterized by a lower frequency range, giving a satisfying and deep "thud" or "knock" when the keys are pressed and released. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switches have a neutral and thocky sound profile. This means that the switches have a moderate sound profile, suitable for most purposes. They also produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, similar to the Phalaenopsis switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, so your specific setup may yield slightly different results. However, based on the provided information, you can expect similar sound qualities from both switches.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Phalaenopsis switches are described as stepped switches. This means that they have two stages of tactile feedback, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The keystrokes with these switches feel more mild compared to hypertactile switches, providing a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switches are described as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. This indicates that they offer a gentle typing experience, with a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue. The switches have a gentle resistance and maintain a light typing feel, making them suitable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, they have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the feel of the switches may differ slightly due to their design, both the Phalaenopsis and Yanyu switches aim to provide a comfortable and approachable typing experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Phalaenopsis switches are best known for their effortless and minimally fatiguing typing experience, with a discernible tactile bump and a satisfying keystroke. Their sound profile is described as bassy and thocky, providing a deep and rich sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches are perfect for those looking for a delicate typing experience or typing for long periods of time. They have a crisp sound profile described as neutral and thocky. The feel of the Phalaenopsis switches is stepped, with a mild and comfortable typing experience, while the Yanyu switches are mild, feathery, subtle, and polished, offering a gentle and smooth typing feel. With either switch, you can expect a delightful typing experience and suitable sound qualities.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a satisfying and discernible tactile bump in your keystrokes, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch with its bottom out force of 50 grams would be a great choice for you. This switch offers a delightful typing experience with its light actuation force and minimizes finger fatigue even during prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, the Phalaenopsis switch has a bassy and thocky sound profile, which provides a deeper and richer sound during key presses. On the other hand, if you prefer a more delicate typing experience or if you often type for long periods of time, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch with its bottom out force of 43 grams would be the ideal option for you. The material blend of the Yanyu switch gives it a crisp sound profile, and it also offers a gentle typing feel that reduces finger fatigue. Overall, both switches have their unique features and advantages, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing needs.
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