Gateron CM vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron CM and the KTT Purple Click. The Gateron CM is a linear switch that breaks away from convention with its full nylon housing, providing a richer and deeper sound signature. With an impeccable factory lube job, these switches deliver an effortlessly smooth typing experience, making each keystroke feel like gliding gracefully. Additionally, the CMs feature a lengthened, dual-staged spring, offering a bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click, also known as Purple Sauce, is a clicky switch that stands out for its fairly high-pitched and satisfying click. These switches combine light keystrokes with pronounced tactility, striking a perfect balance. While these general points make both switches appealing, it's important to dive deeper beyond these descriptions to determine the best switch for your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CM and KTT Purple Click differ in terms of their housing materials. The CM utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nylon plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Purple Click incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer polycarbonate plastic lends itself to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the CM and Purple Click feature a nylon bottom housing. This common material leads to a similar sound profile with a deeper and fuller tone. The relatively softer nylon plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, both switches offer a similar experience when it comes to bottom-out sound and feel.
While the top housing of a switch affects the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing influences the sound and feel when pressing down on a switch. Therefore, if the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, the qualities brought by each housing material will be divided between the top and the bottom. This means that the CM's nylon top housing will produce a deeper and rounder sound upon key release, while the Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing will deliver a sharper and crisper sound. Despite these differences, both switches promise an immersive typing experience with distinct characteristics determined by their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CM linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, there are noticeable differences. The Gateron CM linear switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the 40 grams of the KTT Purple Click switch. Similarly, the Gateron CM has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Purple Click has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Gateron CM provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, whereas the Purple Click offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience. It is worth considering individual preferences when deciding between the two switches, as some may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Purple Click for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier forces of the Gateron CM for a more substantial tactile feedback. Ultimately, the switch with the desired weight should be chosen to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron CM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Purple Click clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The CM switch falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more prevalent, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference - if you prioritize responsiveness, the CM switch would be the better option, but if you prefer a deeper press, the Purple Click switch would be more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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
The Gateron CM linear switch is known for its rich and deep sound signature. With its full nylon housing, these switches offer a bassy sound profile, delivering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Additionally, the CM switches have a thocky sound, producing a deep and satisfying noise when pressed and released. These switches are also described as having a low-pitched sound, which adds a mellow and bass-heavy tone to the typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is known for its high-pitched, satisfying click. The Purple Click switch offers a crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. It also has a resonant sound profile, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities, allowing users to choose between a deep and rich tone with the CM or a crisp and satisfying click with the Purple Click.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CM linear switch is praised for its smooth and effortless typing experience. It is often described as buttery, indicating a seamless and uniform keystroke sensation. The CM switches are also known for their polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This smoothness is achieved through factory lubing and high-quality materials. Furthermore, the CM switches offer a creamy typing experience, similar to gliding fingers effortlessly across the keys. The Purple Click clicky switch, on the other hand, provides an invigorating feel. It offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive sensation during typing. While the Purple Click does not have descriptors like buttery or creamy, it offers a unique tactile experience with its stepped switch design, providing a mild level of pre-travel and/or post-travel compared to hypertactile switches.
In summary, the Gateron CM linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CM switch provides a deep and rich sound profile with a smooth and effortless typing feel. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch offers a satisfying high-pitched click with an invigorating and reactive typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences. It is worth noting that the sound and feel of the switches may also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. With the available information, it is likely that users will get similar results if they desire a deep and rich sound or a satisfying and reactive click.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth, gliding typing experience, the Gateron CM linear switch would be an excellent choice. With its full nylon housing and impeccable factory lube job, the CM switches offer a richer, deeper sound signature and a bouncy typing experience. These switches are best known for their bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, creating a deeper and more mellow tone. In terms of feel, the CM switch is described as buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation.
On the other hand, if you prefer a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a satisfying click, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch would be a great option. Known for its fairly high-pitched click, these switches offer light keystrokes with pronounced tactility. The Purple Click switches are best known for their crunchy sound profile, resembling the sound of stepping on crisp autumn leaves, and their resonant, higher-pitched sound. In terms of feel, the Purple Click is described as invigorating and stepped, offering pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive typing sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron CM linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch depends on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. Consider whether you prefer a medium-heavy or medium-light bottom out force, a deeper and mellow sound, or a satisfying click. Additionally, think about whether you prefer a smooth and gliding typing experience or a more tactile and reactive feel. By considering these factors, you can select the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
