HMX Game1989 vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often compare various options to find the best fit for their typing style and preferences. The HMX 1989 switch stands out as the deepest and thockiest option within the HMX Film switch series, offering a rich sound profile that caters to those who enjoy a pronounced acoustic feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star switch boasts an all-POM construction, providing a wonderfully smooth typing experience in addition to a neutral sound signature. With a very light 45g bottom-out force, the Purple Star is particularly well suited for lighter typists who seek comfort during extended use. Both switches offer unique benefits—whether you prioritize auditory satisfaction or a soft touch—but they also cater to different user ergonomics. 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
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the KTT Purple Star switches present a compelling contrast that affects both sound profile and user experience. The HMX 1989 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is renowned for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to the stiffness of the polycarbonate material, allowing for greater resonance and clarity, especially when used with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In comparison, the KTT Purple Star's top housing is made of POM, which results in a sound that is characteristically deeper and more muted. The inherent softness of POM contributes to a sound that is less piercing, making it more pleasing to some users who favor a rounded auditory experience.
Moving to the bottom housings, the HMX 1989 employs nylon, while the KTT Purple Star utilizes POM for this component as well. The nylon material in the 1989 provides a classic switch experience, characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder overall acoustic result. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing in the Purple Star echoes its top housing’s qualities, also producing a muted sound profile but with a distinct and pleasing characteristic. This will yield a unique auditory experience that still remains consistent with the deeper sound that POM is known for, indicating that while both switches may differ in their top housing, they share a similarity in the bottom housing sound profile.
In summary, while the HMX 1989 and KTT Purple Star differ in their top housing materials—polycarbonate and POM, respectively—their bottom housings both utilize POM, bridging a gap between the two designs. The polycarbonate of the 1989 provides sound clarity and brightness, particularly noticeable when releasing a key, whereas the POM of the Purple Star gives a more mellow and subdued sound that users may find more soothing. Overall, these material choices create diversely nuanced keyboard experiences, with the top and bottom housings complementing each other in their respective sound profiles while highlighting the strengths of their materials.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, there are noticeable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX 1989 features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light in feel. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star is designed with a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. As such, users who prefer a softer touch and less resistance while typing may favor the Purple Star for extended use and comfort. Meanwhile, the HMX 1989, with its slightly heavier forces, might appeal to those seeking a more substantial feedback during typing, providing a more tactile experience. Overall, while both switches offer different weights, the lighter KTT Purple Star and the medium-light HMX 1989 cater to distinct preferences in typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, notable differences emerge. The HMX 1989 features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional travel distance favored by many users, especially those who appreciate a deeper feel when pressing keys. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, appealing to those who prefer quicker response times, such as gamers. While both switches have their respective advantages, the HMX 1989 offers a lengthier experience that some may find more satisfying, while the Purple Star caters to those seeking a snappier actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two boils down to personal preference regarding key feel and responsiveness, with the HMX 1989 being the longer and the Purple Star the shorter option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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 HMX 1989 linear switch is renowned for its deep and thocky profile, creating a resonance that feels full and rich when typing. This quality is often favored by users who appreciate a more substantial auditory feedback during their keystrokes. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star switch features a low-pitched sound signature that embodies a mellow tone, typically resulting in a quieter typing experience. While the Purple Star may not match the bass-heavy characteristics of the HMX 1989, its more subdued noise level could be appealing in quieter environments or for users who prefer less disruptive sounds while typing.
In terms of feel, the HMX 1989 is known for its unique tactile response, characterized by a solid linear movement that inspires confidence with each stroke. This may provide a more satisfying typing experience for users who enjoy that deep engagement with the keys. The KTT Purple Star, on the other hand, offers a distinctly mild and easy-to-press feel. With a bottom-out force of just 45g, the Purple Star provides an exceptionally gentle resistance, making it comfortable to type on over long durations. Its approachable nature might attract typists looking for a smooth experience that is forgiving and less fatiguing.
Overall, both switches provide unique attributes that cater to different user preferences. The HMX 1989 stands out with its deeper sound and firmer feel, perfect for enthusiasts who revel in pronounced auditory feedback and a solid typing experience. Conversely, the KTT Purple Star excels in a more subdued acoustic profile and gentle, effortless actuation, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort and light keystrokes. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether one values a thocky resonance or seeks a butter-smooth, light touch while typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a slightly heavier feel with a medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams and are looking for a switch that provides a deeper and more satisfying typing experience, especially for gaming, the HMX 1989 would be a suitable option. Its thocky characteristics might appeal to those who enjoy a richer acoustic profile that enhances the feel of each key press. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and prioritize smoothness and comfort, the KTT Purple Star, with its 50-gram bottom-out force, will be more to your liking. The all-POM construction offers a buttery smooth feel and a low-pitched sound signature that won't overwhelm your workspace. Moreover, its easy-to-press design makes it an excellent choice if you type for long periods or simply desire a gentler keyboard experience. In essence, your decision should hinge on whether you lean towards a more robust tactile feedback or a soft, effortless keypress experience.
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