cTrader vs MT5 for sub-second scalps — notes from both sides

[LondonScalper]

I run both. Not because I'm indecisive — because brokers force the choice and execution character isn't identical.

**MT5 (what I still live in most days)**
- Ecosystem, VPS images, MQL5, Python package — muscle memory.
- Market depth availability depends heavily on broker feed.
- Partial fills / retcodes need explicit handling if you automate.
- Charting is fine; DOM UX varies from "usable" to "why."

**cTrader**
- Order UI and depth feel built for people who actually click for a living.
- Open API is pleasant if you like C#/Python integrations.
- Not every raw/ECN brand I want is on it.
- Some builds feel snappier for discretionary hotkey scalps; some don't — build + broker plugin matter.

**What actually decided fills for me:** broker liquidity + account type + VPS path > platform logo. Platform is the steering wheel; the engine is elsewhere. That said, for pure discretionary London open clicking, I prefer cTrader's order workflow. For algo + logging + my existing stack, MT5 wins.

If you're choosing only for **execution feel** on M1 scalps (not EA zoo), what are you on and why?
Anyone measured click-to-fill difference between cTrader and MT5 at the *same* broker?
Hotkey warriors: custom keyboard macros or native platform shortcuts?