Outemu Crystal vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Crystal and KTT Purple Star mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Crystal is praised for its elastic feel and medium-light weight, providing a distinct linear typing experience with a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star stands out for its buttery smooth typing experience due to its all-POM construction, coupled with a very light 45g bottom-out for effortless typing. While the Crystal offers a chirpy and high-pitched sound, the Purple Star maintains a mild, low-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference and typing style. 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
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and the KTT Purple Star, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles due to their distinct materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the Crystal creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, ideal for those seeking a more crisp typing experience. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Purple Star produces a deeper and more muted sound, perfect for users who prefer a more subdued typing experience. While both materials excel in creating different sound profiles, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of desired typing feel and sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Crystal and the POM bottom housing of the Purple Star contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The stiffer polycarbonate material in the Crystal's bottom housing adds to the clear and resonant sound profile. Meanwhile, the POM material in the Purple Star's bottom housing provides a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and more muted. Users may find that the bottom housing material has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, making it an important factor to consider when choosing between the two switches.
Overall, while the Outemu Crystal and the KTT Purple Star may have different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, they both offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound from the Crystal's polycarbonate housing or a deeper, more muted sound from the Purple Star's POM housing, both switches excel in providing a unique typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the KTT Purple Star linear switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Crystal requires 55 grams, while the Purple Star needs 50 grams. This means that the Crystal switch is slightly heavier both in actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Purple Star, making it a better option for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Star switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. In both cases, users can expect a smooth linear typing experience, but with slight variations in the required forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Crystal switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Purple Star switch. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Crystal switch is more traditional, offering a bit more depth when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Purple Star switch is slightly shorter, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer different travel distances, catering to different preferences based on the user's needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a longer travel distance for a more substantial feel or a shorter travel distance for quicker responses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40, whereas the KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88.
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 Outemu Crystal linear switch offers a unique combination of chirpy and high-pitched characteristics, creating a distinctive typing sound that may appeal to those looking for something different. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch provides a low-pitched sound profile with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, offering a soothing auditory experience. Both switches offer neutral sound profiles overall, but the Crystal leans towards a sharper and crisper sound, while the Purple Star is more mellow and gentle.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This polished finish enhances the overall feel of the switch, making it pleasant to type on. 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 light actuation force of the Purple Star switches makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions.
Overall, both the Outemu Crystal and KTT Purple Star linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Crystal switch provides a more elastic feel with medium-light weight and a chirpy, high-pitched sound, the Purple Star switch offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile and easy-to-press keys. Depending on your personal preference for feel and sound, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either of these switches, as they both deliver excellent performance in their respective categories. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prioritize a more unique sound profile with a polished feel (Crystal) or a smoother, easy-to-press typing experience with a more mellow sound profile (Purple Star).
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing force and sound profile. If you prefer a slightly heavier typing force and a more elastic typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Crystal switches may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing force and a buttery smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the KTT Purple Star switches may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making a decision.
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