TTC Gold Silver vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices that come to mind are the TTC Gold Silver and the KTT Purple Click. The Gold Silver is recognized for its rapid responsiveness, offering a decisive and solid bottom-out with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Purple Click is known for its satisfying high-pitched click and pronounced tactility. While the Gold Silver provides a smooth and fluid typing experience, the Purple Click offers a more invigorating and crunchy feel. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.40 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
NPI
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 housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the KTT Purple Click have both similarities and differences. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is useful for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Gold Silver and Purple Click also have nylon bottom housings. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile.
Despite the similarities in housing materials between the Gold Silver and Purple Click, there are subtle differences in how each material affects the sound and feel of the switch. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches results in a similar sound profile, creating a sharper and crisper sound. However, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches leads to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. These differences can be felt when pressing down on the switch, as the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the TTC Gold Silver and KTT Purple Click can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. While both switches utilize polycarbonate in the top housing for a sharper sound profile, the differences in bottom housing materials like nylon can create variations in the depth and fullness of the sound. Understanding how each housing material influences the overall typing experience can help users make an informed decision based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, we can see differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the Purple Click has an actuation force of 40 grams, making the Purple Click slightly lighter in this aspect. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gold Silver's force is unknown, while the Purple Click has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that the Purple Click requires a slightly lighter touch to actuate but a heavier force to bottom out compared to the Gold Silver. Both switches provide unique typing experiences based on their force levels. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Purple Click, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Gold Silver. Ultimately, the weight of the switch plays a crucial role in determining the typing experience and comfort level for the user.
Travel distance
The Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Purple Click clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Gold Silver switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more satisfying depth when typing. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Purple Click being slightly longer than the Gold Silver. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Silver switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, which delivers a deep, rich, and satisfying typing experience with a moderate tone. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch provides a crunchy and resonant sound, known for its high-pitched and immersive auditory experience. Depending on personal preference and the surrounding environment, users can choose between a more subdued and neutral sound with the Gold Silver switch or a sharper and more distinctive sound with the Purple Click switch.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch is praised for its polished, silky, mild, and subtle characteristics, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and gentle resistance. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switch offers an invigorating and stepped feel, providing pronounced tactile feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a responsive typing sensation with a two-stage keystroke. Users can opt for a softer and more approachable typing feel with the Gold Silver switch or a more tactile and responsive typing experience with the Purple Click switch.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Silver switch excels in providing a thocky and low-pitched sound with a polished and silky typing feel, while the Purple Click switch stands out for its crunchy and resonant sound with an invigorating and stepped typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the swift and smooth action of the Gold Silver switch or the satisfying click and tactile feedback of the Purple Click switch to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches deliver high-quality performance and can cater to different typing needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you value rapid responsiveness, smooth keystrokes, and a thocky, low-pitched sound profile, the TTC Gold Silver switch is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a satisfying click, light keystrokes with pronounced tactility, and a crunchy, resonant sound profile, the KTT Purple Click switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different typing styles, so choose based on what compliments your typing experience the best.
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