TTC Gold Red vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Red and KTT Purple Star mechanical keyboard switches, both offer a buttery smooth typing experience, making them popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts. The Gold Red switch provides a light-medium level of resistance, giving typists a satisfying feel with a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality. On the other hand, the Purple Star switch features an all-POM construction and a very light 45g bottom-out, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. While both switches are categorized as 'Mild' and 'Low-pitched', the Gold Red is described as 'Thocky' and 'Silky', whereas the Purple Star is noted as 'Easy-to-press'. 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
43g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Standard
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
The Gold Red and Purple Star keyboards both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Gold Red uses a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Purple Star utilizes a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, the Gold Red's clear polycarbonate housing is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, while the Purple Star's POM housing may offer a more understated look.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Gold Red features a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Purple Star also utilizes a POM bottom housing, contributing to its unique deep and muted sound profile. Both keyboards offer a different typing experience based on the bottom housing material used, giving users the option to choose between a sharper or deeper sound profile.
While the top and bottom housings of the Gold Red and Purple Star differ in material, the impact of each housing material is split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material influences the sound when a key is released. Both keyboards offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of their housing materials, providing users with options for different sound profiles and aesthetics.
Weight
The TTC Gold Red linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch have very similar actuation and bottom out forces, with both requiring 43 grams of force to trigger a keystroke and 50 grams of force to bottom out. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience with either switch, as they both offer a light and responsive feel. For those who prefer a lighter touch, both switches would be suitable options for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. However, for users who prefer a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience, they may want to consider other switches with higher actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between the TTC Gold Red and KTT Purple Star switches will come down to personal preference and whether a lighter or heavier force is preferred.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Gold Red offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial feeling when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Purple Star's shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for faster response times. Both switches fall within a moderate range of travel distances, offering a balance between a traditional feel and more modern preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile that provides a rich and satisfying typing experience without being too loud or distracting. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch also provides a low-pitched sound signature, which adds a mellow and bass-heavy tone to your typing sessions. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments and preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a mild and silky typing experience that is both smooth and gentle on the fingers. The subtle resistance of these switches, along with their polished finish, results in a refined and comfortable typing feel that minimizes fatigue during long typing sessions. Similarly, the KTT Purple Star linear switch provides a mild and easy-to-press typing experience, with a light actuation force that enhances typing speed and comfort. Both switches offer a gentle typing experience that is well-suited for extended use and varied typing tasks.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch offer buttery smooth typing experiences with light to medium levels of resistance. While the Gold Red switch provides a slightly snappier sound profile and a polished finish for a sleek typing experience, the Purple Star switch stands out for its all-POM construction and very light 45g bottom-out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, as both options offer high-quality performance and comfort for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences. If you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force of 50 grams and enjoy a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile, then the Gold Red switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter 45g bottom-out force and prioritize a mild, easy-to-press typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, then the Purple Star switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer a smooth typing experience, but your choice should depend on the specific characteristics that align best with your typing style and preferences.
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