KTT Cream Yellow vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch to the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it becomes evident that both switches offer unique features and characteristics. The Cream Yellow is renowned for its distinctively clacky sound, bouncy typing feel, and resonant audio feedback, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch is known for its lack of distinct features but offers a more subtle typing experience. While the Cream Yellow may be preferred for its clacky sound and bouncy feel, the Outemu Purple can appeal to those who prefer a quieter and smoother typing 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
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Outemu Purple, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that offers a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Both switches also utilize nylon bottom housings, which provide a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer texture absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches.
Despite the similarities in housing materials between the Cream Yellow and the Purple switches, there may be subtle differences in sound and feel due to variations in design and construction. The Cream Yellow may offer a slightly sharper sound profile compared to the Purple due to potential differences in the thickness or shape of the housing components. Conversely, the Purple switch may provide a slightly softer or more muted sound due to nuances in the nylon bottom housing. Overall, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for sound and typing feel.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the housing materials of the Cream Yellow and the Purple switches provides a balance of sharpness and depth in sound profiles. The influence of each housing material on the overall typing experience highlights how the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Whether choosing the Cream Yellow or the Purple, users can expect a unique typing experience with a blend of sharpness and depth in sound, making these switches suitable for a variety of preferences.
Weight
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch both have an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of activation pressure. However, the Cream Yellow has a higher bottom out force of 58 grams, giving a slightly heavier feel when fully pressing the key compared to the Purple switch, which does not have a specified bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter touch when typing for extended periods, the Cream Yellow may be the preferable choice due to its lower bottom out force. On the other hand, the Purple switch may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a consistent actuation force throughout. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and pressure sensitivity.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, we see that the Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm while the Purple has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cream Yellow has a shorter travel distance, making it suitable for those who prefer a quicker response time while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who appreciate more depth and feedback while typing. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distances, but ultimately it comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize speed and efficiency or feedback and tactile feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
The Outemu Purple comes in at $3.10 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
Overall, the Cream Yellow linear switch is known for its distinctively clacky sound and bouncy typing feel, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch's sound and feel qualities are unknown. If we were to compare these two switches, one could expect the Cream Yellow to provide a sharp and snappy sound with a bouncy typing sensation, while the Purple switch's characteristics remain a mystery. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for sound and feel. Whether you prefer the clacky sound and bouncy feel of the Cream Yellow or opt for the unknown qualities of the Outemu Purple, both switches offer unique experiences that can enhance your typing and gaming sessions.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a distinctively clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, the Cream Yellow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a different sound profile and tactile feedback, the Purple switch could be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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