Gateron CM vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CM linear switch to the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it's evident that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gateron CM stands out with its full nylon housing and impeccable factory lube job, providing a richer and deeper sound signature along with a bouncy typing experience due to its lengthened, dual-staged spring. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star boasts an all-POM construction for a buttery smooth typing experience, perfect for light typists with its very light 45g bottom-out. While the CM is described as 'Buttery', 'Bassy', and 'Thocky', the Purple Star is labeled as 'Mild' and 'Easy-to-press'. Both switches have their unique strengths, but diving deeper into the details will help you make the best decision for your specific typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron CM and KTT Purple Star both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Gateron CM features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its soft nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Purple Star utilizes a POM top housing, which also produces a deeper sound but with a more muted quality. While both housing materials result in a similar deeper sound, the Nylon top housing of the CM may offer a slightly rounder sound compared to the more muted sound of the POM top housing of the Purple Star.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Gateron CM and KTT Purple Star once again showcase their differences in housing materials. The CM utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profile of the switch due to its softer nature and sound absorbency. On the other hand, the Purple Star features a POM bottom housing, which also creates a pleasing and unique sound that is deeper and relatively more muted. While both bottom housings have similar qualities in terms of sound profile, the nylon housing of the CM may result in a slightly duller and rounder sound compared to the POM housing of the Purple Star.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron CM and KTT Purple Star will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. Both switches offer deep and pleasing sound profiles, with the Gateron CM's nylon housing providing a potentially rounder and fuller sound compared to the more muted sound of the Purple Star's POM housing. Whether you prefer a slightly duller sound with more impact on the bottom-out feel, or a more muted sound with a unique quality, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CM linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, one noticeable difference is in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron CM has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the KTT Purple Star's lighter 43 grams. Additionally, the Gateron CM requires a higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the KTT Purple Star has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Gateron CM switch provides a medium-heavy typing experience, requiring more force to actuate and bottom out, while the KTT Purple Star switch offers a lighter touch for quicker keystrokes. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference, with some preferring the lighter touch of the KTT Purple Star for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the more substantial feel of the Gateron CM for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the weight of the actuation and bottom out forces will play a significant role in determining which switch is the better fit for each user.
Travel distance
The Gateron CM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the KTT Purple Star linear switch with a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which have become popular, especially among gamers seeking quicker response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be very noticeable to the average user. Ultimately, the decision between the two would come down to personal preference in terms of how much travel distance feels comfortable and responsive.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron CM linear switch offers a deep and rich bassy sound profile, thanks to its full nylon housing and impeccable factory lube job. The CM switches provide a thocky and low-pitched sound that resonates with each key press, creating a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch produces a low-pitched sound that is neutral and buttery smooth, making it suitable for light typists seeking ease and comfort during typing sessions. While both switches offer a smooth sound profile, the Gateron CM stands out for its deeper and richer bass tones, providing a unique auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CM linear switch is described as buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The CM switches provide a polished and creamy typing experience due to their factory lube job and materials used, ensuring smooth key travel with minimal resistance. Conversely, the KTT Purple Star linear switch is characterized as mild and easy-to-press, offering a gentle typing experience with minimal force required to activate the keys. The Purple Star switches provide a low-impact typing feel that is approachable to most users, enhancing the overall typing experience with responsive and comfortable key presses. While both switches offer a smooth typing experience, the Gateron CM excels in providing a luxurious and frictionless typing journey.
In conclusion, the Gateron CM linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CM switch provides a deep, rich bassy sound profile and a buttery smooth typing experience, making it ideal for those seeking a luxurious typing journey. On the other hand, the Purple Star switch offers a neutral and gentle sound profile, paired with an easy-to-press typing experience suitable for light typists. Overall, both switches provide smooth and effortless typing experiences, with the Gateron CM excelling in delivering a deeper sound profile and a polished typing sensation. Whether you choose the CM or the Purple Star, you can expect a satisfying and comfortable typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are someone who enjoys a medium-heavy bottom-out force and values a deep, bassy, and thocky sound profile with a smooth and polished typing experience, then the Gateron CM linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force for a more gentle typing experience and a low-pitched sound profile that is easy on the ears, coupled with an easy-to-press feel, then the KTT Purple Star linear switch would better suit your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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