Gateron Ink Yellow vs. KTT Purple Click

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Yellow and the KTT Purple Click offer unique experiences for different preferences. The Ink Yellow is characterized by its shorter travel, making it ideal for those seeking a typing experience between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. This switch showcases a pleasant smoothness and clackiness, adding a touch of satisfaction to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Purple Click, also known as Purple Sauce, offers a fairly high-pitched and satisfying click. Its keystrokes are light, yet offer a pronounced tactility without overwhelming the user. With a perfect equilibrium between satisfying feedback and ease of use, it provides an invigorating typing experience. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make a more informed decision on the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

KTT Purple Click Clicky

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the KTT Purple Click switches have distinct differences. The Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend for its top and bottom housing, which results in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This gives it a satisfying thin and clacky sound. In contrast, the Purple Click utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the Purple Click's nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to its sound profile. The softer nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller, rounder sound.

While the top housing materials of the Ink Yellow and Purple Click differ, they both provide a similar result when it comes to their sound profiles. The higher-pitched sound they produce, although with differing nuances, contributes to a clacky and satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer a distinct audio feedback that is enjoyable to many users. However, the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend lends it a less sharp and overly piercing sound quality, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Purple Click enhances its crispness. Ultimately, both switches aim to create an auditory experience that satisfies the user's preferences.

When it comes to the impact on sound and feel, the housing materials of the Ink Yellow and Purple Click have their own unique roles. As you press down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more apparent. The Ink Yellow's INK blend bottom housing contributes to its overall clacky sound and feel, while the nylon bottom housing of the Purple Click adds depth and a rounder sound during bottom-out. On the other hand, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when the key is released. The characteristics of the INK blend in the Ink Yellow and the polycarbonate in the Purple Click determine the final sound profile when a key is released, providing an audible response that complements the typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it is clear that the Ink Yellow is the heavier switch. The Ink Yellow has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy. In contrast, the Purple Click has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light.

Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch. For those who prioritize a lighter typing experience, the Purple Click would be a suitable choice as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for longer periods of comfortable typing. This makes it ideal for work environments or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, some individuals prefer a stronger push and a more substantial typing experience. For this group, the Ink Yellow, with its heavier forces, would be a better option.

It is important to note that while these switches have different actuation and bottom out forces, they both fall within the medium range. This means that, regardless of the choice made, users can expect similar results in terms of how the keystrokes feel.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch have different travel distances. The Ink Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Purple Click has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Purple Click has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ink Yellow.

In general, a 4.0 mm travel distance is considered more traditional, while a 3.0 mm travel distance is more shallow. However, in recent times, there has been a growing preference for shorter travel distances, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you are looking for a more responsive switch, the Ink Yellow with its shorter travel distance would be a better choice.

On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer switches with more depth. If you prefer a switch that provides a more hearty keystroke, the Purple Click with its longer travel distance would be the suitable option.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the KTT Purple Click depends on personal preference. If you prioritize faster response times and a shorter travel distance, go for the Ink Yellow. But if you prefer a deeper keystroke experience, the Purple Click would be the better choice.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. Additionally, the Ink Yellow switch produces a clacky sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch is known for its high-pitched and satisfying click sound. It offers a resonant and immersive auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound profile. The Purple Click switch falls under the crunchy category, producing a sound reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch provides a mild typing experience with a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It offers a safe and approachable middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Yellow switch is also polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch offers an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. It falls under the stepped category, providing a mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.

Taking all this information into account, it is clear that the Gateron Ink Yellow and KTT Purple Click switches offer different subjective qualities. The Ink Yellow switch provides a smooth and clacky typing experience with a moderate sound profile and a gentle feel. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch offers a high-pitched and satisfying click sound with a resonant and immersive auditory experience. It provides an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback and a mild tactile feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on personal preference. However, for those seeking a similar result to the Purple Click, the Ink Yellow switch can provide a clacky sound and a smooth typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and typing style. If you desire a typing experience that is between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, the Ink Yellow is the way to go. It offers a shorter travel distance and showcases a pleasant smoothness with a clacky sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a high-pitched, satisfying click and light keystrokes, the Purple Click is the perfect option. It strikes a balance between tactility and lightness.

When it comes to sound, the Ink Yellow is described as having a neutral and clacky sound profile. This makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use the keyboard at home or work. The Purple Click, on the other hand, offers a crunchy and resonant sound. Typing on it will give you the sensation of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, creating an immersive auditory experience.

In terms of feel, the Ink Yellow provides a mild and polished experience, offering a gentle typing experience and smooth key travel. It falls within a safe middle-ground zone that most people would find approachable. In contrast, the Purple Click offers an invigorating and stepped feel. It provides pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive sensation while typing, with a mild tactile feel that includes some pre-travel and/or post-travel.

Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize a shorter travel distance, smoothness, and clackiness, the Ink Yellow is the switch for you. If you enjoy a high-pitched click, light keystrokes, and an invigorating typing experience, the Purple Click should be your choice. Consider your typing style and the specific qualities that appeal to you most when making a decision.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

KTT Purple Click Clicky

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more