TTC Gold Pink vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Pink and KTT Purple Star both offer unique experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Gold Pink, notable for its ultra-light 37g actuation force, excels in providing a fast and effortless typing experience, making it a favorite among gamers and rapid typists who appreciate a responsive feel. Its clacky sound adds a lively character to each keystroke, offering a satisfying auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Star switches boast an all-POM construction that delivers a smooth and comfortable typing experience, accompanied by a neutral sound profile—ideal for those who prefer a more muted environment. With a light 45g bottom-out force, they cater specifically to typists seeking ease and comfort during extended typing sessions. While both switches cater to users who value lightness and speed, the Gold Pink emphasizes a lively feedback experience, whereas the Purple Star focuses on buttery smoothness and subtlety. 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
37g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Pink and the KTT Purple Star, it becomes evident that they utilize different top housing materials, each contributing unique sound profiles to the switches. The Gold Pink’s polycarbonate top housing is noted for producing a sharper and more resonant sound, primarily due to its stiffer plastic composition. This makes it particularly effective for applications involving RGB lighting as its transparency allows for better illumination. In contrast, the Purple Star employs a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which creates a deeper, more muted sound profile. The softer, denser nature of POM results in a fundamentally different acoustic experience, showcasing how the top housing material can drastically alter the auditory perception of switch actuation.
The bottom housing materials of these switches further distinguish the sound characteristics they offer. The Gold Pink utilizes nylon as its bottom housing material, which is traditionally known for producing a fuller and deeper sound due to its ability to absorb more sound waves. This contrasts with the Purple Star, which also features POM in its bottom housing, reinforcing the deeper and muted sound profile established by its top housing. While both switches have deeper sound qualities due to the presence of POM in the Purple Star, the Gold Pink's nylon contributes a rounder and more robust sound profile that allows for a fuller experience when bottoming out. The differing bottom housing materials highlight how even subtle changes in composition can refine the overall tactile and acoustic response of the switches.
Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in both switches results in distinct yet complementary sound experiences. While the TTC Gold Pink delivers a clearer, more resonant sound from its polycarbonate top and rounder lower tones from its nylon bottom, the KTT Purple Star achieves a more cohesive and muted auditory profile thanks to its consistent use of POM in both housings. Users seeking specific auditory outcomes can choose between these switches based on their desired sound signature; should they require similar results, understanding that both switches offer deeper sound profiles suggests that if one is seeking to blend the critical properties of each design, they may achieve satisfactory results by manipulating the placement and actuation strategies with the aforementioned switch characteristics in mind.
Weight
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can influence user preference based on typing style and comfort. The Gold Pink switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it feel more effortless and suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star requires a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which provides a more pronounced tactile feedback for those who favor a stronger push feel. Consequently, users seeking a lighter switch will find the TTC Gold Pink to be more accommodating, while those who prefer a heavier feel may gravitate towards the KTT Purple Star for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the differences in their forces play a crucial role in the overall typing experience for each switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, a notable difference is evident. The Gold Pink features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Purple Star has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. As such, the Purple Star switch offers a more responsive feel, catering to gamers and typists who favor quicker actuation. In contrast, the Gold Pink's longer 4 mm travel distance can provide a more traditional and substantial keystroke, which some users might prefer for its depth and tactile feedback. Therefore, if you seek a more responsive experience, the KTT Purple Star would be the better option, while the TTC Gold Pink is ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch is characterized by a clacky sound that adds a lively auditory feedback during typing. This makes it suitable for those who enjoy a more expressive feedback while they type. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a low-pitched sound signature, offering a smoother and more mellow audio profile. While the Gold Pink’s clacky sound may be more engaging for some, the Purple Star promotes a quieter typing experience, appealing to users who may be in shared workspaces or looking for a more subdued option.
In terms of feel, the Gold Pink switches excel in providing a buttery, feather-light typing experience thanks to their low actuation force of 37g. This results in a smooth, almost effortless key press that minimizes finger fatigue, making it ideal for both rapid typists and gamers. The Gold Pink switches also deliver a polished feel, enhancing overall typing comfort. The KTT Purple Star, while slightly heavier with a 45g bottom-out force, still offers an easy-to-press experience that is gentle and comfortable. It shares a mild character similar to the Gold Pink, making it accessible to a wide range of users while ensuring a pleasant typing sensation throughout extended usage.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Pink and the KTT Purple Star linear switches cater to users seeking a light and comfortable typing experience. While the Gold Pink leans towards a livelier sound with its clacky feedback, the Purple Star offers a more muted auditory experience with its low-pitched signature. Both switches promote ease of typing and feature mild characteristics, making them suitable options for newcomers. Regardless of the choice, users can expect a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, whether they prefer a more expressive or subtle auditory profile.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the TTC Gold Pink and KTT Purple Star linear switches, consider your typing preferences and the application you have in mind. If you are looking for a fast, effortless typing experience, especially for rapid typing or gaming, the Gold Pink switches may be ideal for you. Their light actuation force of 37g gives them a lively feel, combined with a satisfying clacky sound that can enhance the overall experience. They are well-suited for users who appreciate a feedback-rich environment and enjoy a feathery touch that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth experience that's low-pitched and neutral, the Purple Star switches could be the better choice. With their 50g bottom-out force and all-POM construction, they provide a more subdued sound and help maintain comfort with their easy-to-press mechanism, making them perfect for both casual typing and work-related tasks. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize speed and feedback with the Gold Pinks or smoothness and comfort with the Purple Star switches, aligning your choice with your specific typing habits and preferences.
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