KTT Ash Gray vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Ash Gray and Cherry MX Purple RGB stand out as compelling options for tactile switch enthusiasts, each catering to slightly different preferences. The KTT Ash Gray is celebrated for its ability to deliver a satisfying tactile response that strikes a perfect balance—providing a substantial feel without being overly aggressive. This switch features a light touch and a crisp actuation, making it suitable for those who value a mild but distinct feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a more refined experience, complete with a shorter, medium-strength bump that provides a quick and pronounced tactile sensation. Developed in collaboration with keyboard expert Glarses, the MX Purple RGB caters to gamers and typists looking for responsiveness and precision in their keystrokes. While both switches offer tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience, the Ash Gray leans towards a softer touch, whereas the MX Purple RGB emphasizes a more dynamic feel. 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
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches, a key distinction lies in the top housing materials: the Ash Gray features a polycarbonate top while the MX Purple RGB is constructed with nylon. The use of polycarbonate in the Ash Gray model results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stems from polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which allows for a more vibrant resonance when typing. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the RGB lighting effects, making this switch particularly appealing for enthusiasts looking to customize their keyboard aesthetics with vibrant backlighting. Conversely, the nylon top housing in the MX Purple RGB promotes a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a more subdued auditory experience. This softer plastic absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, producing a rounder sound that many users find desirable for quieter environments.
In examining the bottom housings of both switches, both the KTT Ash Gray and Cherry MX Purple RGB utilize nylon materials. This choice ensures a consistency in sound profiles that characterizes both models. The nylon bottom housing contributes similarly to the overall typing experience by delivering a deeper sound and a cushioned feel due to its excellent sound-absorbing properties. Therefore, while the top housing dramatically influences the overall sound quality when pressing and releasing keys, the nylon bottom housing plays a crucial role in modulating sound during bottom-out events. This shared material creates a common ground, enabling users to expect a certain level of depth and fullness in sound regardless of the distinct top housing materials.
Ultimately, the differences in the KTT Ash Gray's polycarbonate top housing and the Cherry MX Purple RGB's nylon top housing create contrasting auditory experiences, while their shared nylon bottom housings bring them closer together in typographical consistency. Users who prioritize a vibrant RGB lighting experience with a sharper sound will likely gravitate towards the Ash Gray, while those who appreciate a more subdued, full-bodied sound may prefer the MX Purple RGB. However, both designs culminate in a unique typing experience, and enthusiasts can achieve satisfactory results by choosing based on their sound preferences and aesthetic desires.
Weight
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch differ notably in their actuation force, making the Ash Gray the lighter option. With an actuation force of 38 grams, the Ash Gray allows for easier key presses, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the MX Purple RGB has a higher actuation force of 45 grams, offering a more substantial resistance that may appeal to users who prefer a firmer feel when typing. Additionally, the Ash Gray switch has a defined bottom out force of 53 grams, signifying a clear resistance when fully pressed down. The Cherry MX Purple RGB's bottom out force remains unspecified, making it difficult to compare directly in that regard. Generally, users looking for a lighter switch should opt for the KTT Ash Gray, while those seeking a firmer typing experience may lean towards the Cherry MX Purple RGB due to its higher actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The KTT Ash Gray features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This slight variation means that the Ash Gray switch is likely to provide a more responsive experience, making it appealing to gamers who favor quicker actuation. Conversely, the Cherry MX Purple RGB, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, offers a more substantial feel when pressing down, catering to those who might prefer a tactile and deeper experience. Ultimately, users seeking speed may lean towards the Ash Gray for its shorter travel, while those valuing depth may prefer the Cherry MX Purple RGB for its longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 Ash Gray tactile switch is characterized by a neutral profile, producing a moderate sound that makes it versatile for various settings, whether it’s at home or in an office. Its sound level is balanced enough to suit both beginners and advanced users alike. The specifics of the sound profile for the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch are not provided, but it’s worth noting that sound can significantly vary depending on the keyboard construction and the materials of the keycaps used. Thus, both switches may produce a range of sound experiences based on external factors.
In terms of feel, the Ash Gray switch offers an easy-to-press mechanism, requiring minimal force, which results in a comfortable and effortless typing experience. This light actuation and mild resistance make it an appealing choice for those who spend long hours typing, as it minimizes finger fatigue. The tactile feedback is also notably substantial without being overwhelming, maintaining a user-friendly experience. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switch, while also designed for tactile feedback, has not been detailed in its specific feel attributes here. Therefore, it is difficult to make a direct comparison regarding how tactile and responsive it feels against the Ash Gray.
In conclusion, both the KTT Ash Gray and Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switches cater to users looking for tactile feedback, yet they may differ in specific qualities of sound and feel. While the Ash Gray switch offers a known neutral sound profile and a comfortable typing experience with easy-to-press attributes, the details about the MX Purple’s sound and feel remain unknown. Nonetheless, users can expect a solid tactile typing experience from both, likely leading to similar overall satisfaction depending on personal preferences and typing habits.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, you should consider your typing preferences and intended usage. If you're looking for a light-touch experience that still provides satisfying tactile feedback without being overly pronounced, the KTT Ash Gray is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams makes it easy to press, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions; it’s ideal for those who prefer a neutral sound profile and a comfortable, mild tactile response. On the other hand, if you desire a more refined tactile experience with a distinct medium-strength bump, the Cherry MX Purple RGB may cater better to your needs. While specifics on actuation force are unavailable, this switch is considered to have a short and pronounced tactile feedback that could enhance your typing experience, especially for those who appreciate pronounced responsiveness. Ultimately, your choice should align with how much tactile feedback you enjoy and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard—whether it's a quieter home office or a more raucous gaming setup.
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