KTT Cream Yellow vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a myriad of options to choose from, each offering its own unique characteristics and typing experience. Two popular switches that stand out from the crowd are the KTT Cream Yellow and the KTT Purple Click. The Cream Yellow switch is best known for its distinctively clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem that provides resonant audio feedback. Additionally, its lengthened spring contributes to a uniquely bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch boasts a satisfying, fairly high-pitched click that adds an invigorating element to your keystrokes. These keystrokes are not only light but also offer a pronounced tactility without being overwhelming. In essence, the Purple Click strike a perfect equilibrium between crunchiness and resonance. Both switches have their own appeal, providing a different typing experience and auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The KTT Cream Yellow and the KTT Purple Click share several similarities when it comes to their housing materials. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, allowing for clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and aesthetic experiences from both switches.
However, the key difference lies in their bottom housing material. The Cream Yellow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Purple Click also employs nylon for its bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a slight variation in sound when bottoming out the Cream Yellow and Purple Click switches.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the housing materials play a significant role. The Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing contributes to the sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Cream Yellow and Purple Click impacts the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect a nuanced typing experience with variations depending on which housing material is being engaged.
In summary, the KTT Cream Yellow and the KTT Purple Click share similar polycarbonate top housings, resulting in a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. However, they differ in their bottom housing materials, with the Cream Yellow utilizing nylon for a deeper and fuller sound, while the Purple Click also employs nylon for a dullest and rounder sound. This distinction in housing materials affects the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound upon releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, there are some notable differences. The Cream Yellow requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Purple Click's 40 grams, making the Cream Yellow switch slightly harder to trigger. However, both switches have a medium force for bottoming out, with the Cream Yellow at 58 grams and the Purple Click at 55 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Purple Click would be the better choice as it has a lower actuation force. This lighter force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for extended work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, if one wishes for a more substantial and tactile typing experience, the Cream Yellow with its heavier actuation force can provide a stronger push feel.
Despite the differences in actuation force, both switches have similar medium bottom out forces which ensure a consistent typing experience in terms of the amount of force needed to fully depress the keys. So, regardless of the actuation force, users can expect similar results when it comes to bottoming out.
Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences. Some may prioritize a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier actuation force for a more satisfying and tactile feel. The information provided allows users to make an informed choice based on their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cream Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Purple Click clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cream Yellow falls on the shorter end of the spectrum with its 3.5 mm travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers who value faster response times. On the other hand, the Purple Click offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm, which may appeal to individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial keypress experience. While the difference between the two may seem minor, it can have an impact on the overall feel and responsiveness of the keyboard. Ultimately, the choice between the Cream Yellow and Purple Click will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 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 Cream Yellow linear switch is best known for its distinctively clacky sound. When pressed, this switch produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Purple Click clicky switch offers a fairly high-pitched and satisfying click. It creates a sound similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves, providing a crunchy and resonant auditory experience. While both switches offer different sound profiles, they both contribute to an immersive and enjoyable typing experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch is known for its bouncy sensation. When typing on this switch, you can expect a spring-like or elastic feedback, giving the keys a lively feel and providing some rebound when pressed. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch offers an invigorating typing sensation. It provides pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. Additionally, the Purple Click switch can be described as stepped, meaning it has two stages of tactile feedback. There is some noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel, creating a more mild tactile experience compared to hypertactile switches.
Taking all the available information into account, the Cream Yellow and Purple Click switches offer different subjective qualities. In terms of sound, the Cream Yellow provides a clacky and sharp sound profile, while the Purple Click offers a high-pitched and satisfying click. When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow offers a bouncy and lively typing experience, while the Purple Click provides an invigorating and moderately tactile feel with its stepped design. Overall, both switches contribute to an immersive typing experience, with the Cream Yellow focusing more on clacky feedback and the Purple Click providing a satisfying click and tactile response. If you enjoy the qualities of one switch, it is likely that you will find similar satisfying results with the other, although with distinct differences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that delivers a sharp and snappy sound, the Cream Yellow switch is the way to go. Its clacky sound is crisp, bright, and percussive, providing a distinct auditory experience. Additionally, if you enjoy a bouncy typing feel with a spring-like feedback sensation, the Cream Yellow switch would be a great choice for you.
On the other hand, if you prefer a keyboard switch that produces a satisfying click, the Purple Click switch is the one for you. Its high-pitched click adds an extra level of satisfaction to your typing experience. Furthermore, if you appreciate an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive feel, the Purple Click switch offers exactly that.
Ultimately, the decision between the Cream Yellow and Purple Click switches comes down to your personal preferences. If you prioritize a clacky sound and bouncy feel, go for the Cream Yellow. If you value a satisfying click and an invigorating typing sensation, opt for the Purple Click. Both switches have their own unique attributes, guaranteeing an enjoyable typing experience.
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