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HMX Canglan V2 vs. KTT Purple Click

An in-depth look at the HMX Canglan V2 and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Canglan V2 and KTT Purple Click offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Canglan V2, celebrated for its silky and thocky linear feel, provides a smooth typing experience with a deep sound signature that many HMX enthusiasts have long desired. Its light touch and gentle bounce make it ideal for those who appreciate a subtle, uninterrupted keystroke without the distraction of noise. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click, also known as Purple Sauce, stands out with its invigorating, high-pitched click that adds a satisfying auditory feedback to each stroke. This switch achieves a perfect balance between light keystrokes and pronounced tactility, making it a great choice for typists who enjoy a more engaging, tactile experience. While both switches cater to specific needs—smoothness versus auditory feedback—each offers unique advantages that can enhance your typing or gaming experience. 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

42g

Actuation force

40g

Bottom-out force

48g

Bottom-out force

55g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

1.90 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

T2

Stem material

POM

Top housing material

Nylon

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

Plate (3-pin)

Spring

20mm single-stage spring

Spring

18mm spring

Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the HMX Canglan V2 and the KTT Purple Click, significant differences arise in their top housing materials. The Canglan V2 features a nylon top housing, which is noted for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the soft nature of nylon. This quality allows it to absorb sound more effectively, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience, which many users find satisfying for typists looking for a muted sound. Conversely, the KTT Purple Click employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer composition. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making the typing experience feel more resonant and clear. The use of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting, as the material’s translucent nature enhances the visual effects, making it a popular choice among users who prioritize aesthetics alongside performance.

In contrast, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which cultivates similar auditory characteristics in this aspect. The nylon bottom housing in both the Canglan V2 and the Purple Click contributes to a deeper, fuller sound while typing, reinforcing the softer and more muted quality that users experience with each keystroke. This similarity allows users to enjoy a more consistent sound profile when bottoming out, despite the differences in sound signature offered by the top housings. Consequently, while the top housing of the Purple Click may provide a crisper auditory experience, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying tactile and acoustic experience when pressed.

Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in the HMX Canglan V2 and KTT Purple Click results in distinct typing experiences. The Canglan V2, with its nylon top, offers users a rounded, deep sound that is complemented by the similar qualities of its nylon bottom. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing introduces a more vibrant sound profile, while the nylon bottom helps to maintain depth during typing. Therefore, even though these switches differ in their top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing allows users to enjoy a refined typing experience that retains some degree of similarity in sound, making both switches capable of delivering satisfying results in their respective domains.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, we see some key differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Canglan V2 features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it relatively light and suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Purple Click switch requires a slightly lower actuation force of 40 grams but has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, categorized as medium-light. This means that while both switches allow for a similar ease of actuation, the Purple Click's firmer bottoming out offers a more substantial feel for those who prefer heftier feedback when typing. Overall, if you favor a lighter touch for your keyboard use, the Canglan V2 would be more efficient, whereas the Purple Click may cater to users seeking a stronger, more tactile experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, a notable difference emerges. The Canglan V2 has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option between the two. In contrast, the Purple Click features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional standard. This means that users who favor a more responsive feel might prefer the Canglan V2 for its quicker actuation, suitable for gaming scenarios. However, those who appreciate a greater depth in their keystrokes may find the Purple Click more satisfying, as its longer travel distance offers a more pronounced tactile feedback. While the difference in travel distance may cater to varying preferences, it ultimately affects the overall typing experience, with the Canglan V2 providing a swifter response and the Purple Click delivering a more substantial depth.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The HMX Canglan V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Canglan V2 for $2.99.

The KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.

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 Canglan V2 switch and the KTT Purple Click switch offer distinctly different auditory experiences. The Canglan V2 is characterized by a deep, thocky sound profile that produces a bass-heavy, mellow tone, delivering a satisfying, rich sound with each keystroke that many users appreciate for its calming qualities. In contrast, the Purple Click is known for its high-pitched, resonant click which creates a sharp and clean sound that can be quite satisfying in a different way. The audible feedback from the Canglan V2 conveys a deep richness, while the Purple Click's sound is more piercing and pronounced, appealing to those who prefer a clicky auditory experience.

In terms of feel, the two switches also present contrasting experiences. The Canglan V2 offers a silky and feathery touch, allowing for a smooth and lightweight feel that minimizes finger fatigue, making it incredibly comfortable for extended use. Its bouncy feedback adds to the enjoyment, giving users a lively sensation with each press. On the other hand, the Purple Click provides a more invigorating feel, characterized by pronounced feedback that creates a snappy, reactive typing experience. The stepped nature of its feedback allows users to sense distinct stages during key presses, which adds a tactile dimension absent in the Canglan V2. While both switches aim to provide a gratifying experience, the Canglan V2 focuses more on smoothness and lightness, while the Purple Click emphasizes tactile feedback and an engaging typing sensation.

In summary, while the HMX Canglan V2 and KTT Purple Click switches both offer unique and enjoyable experiences, their sound and feel diverge significantly. The Canglan V2's deep, thocky sound and silky, light touch cater to those who prefer a mellow and smooth typing experience. Conversely, the Purple Click entices with its high-pitched resonance and invigorating, tactile feedback for those who enjoy the clicks and distinct stages in their keystrokes. Depending on your preferences, you will find that each switch appeals to different aspects of the typing experience, making the choice between them a matter of personal taste.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a light, silky, and feathery feel with a low-pitched, thocky sound signature, the Canglan V2 is an excellent choice, especially for long typing sessions where comfort and minimal finger fatigue are key. Its satisfying blend of materials ensures a deep sound and smooth keystrokes, making it perfect for those who prefer a more understated auditory experience. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile sensation paired with a higher-pitched, resonant click, the Purple Click will likely appeal to you. With its moderate-medium-light force, it provides a snappy, invigorating feedback that can enhance your typing enjoyment, particularly for those who appreciate a lively and pronounced auditory experience. Ultimately, consider what attributes are most important to you—whether that’s the smoothness and quietness of the Canglan V2 or the tactile responsiveness and engaging sound of the Purple Click—to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard experience.

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