KTT Kang White vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Kang White and the Cherry MX Purple RGB offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The KTT Kang White, celebrated for its poppy linear design, delivers a smooth and quiet typing experience, thanks in part to its self-lubricating material which enhances the overall feel. With a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, this switch is ideal for users who prefer a seamless keystroke without the interruption of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB stands out with its tactile feel, featuring a short, medium-strength bump that provides satisfying feedback with each keystroke. Developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiasts, it promises a more engaging typing experience, particularly suited for those who appreciate a distinct physical sensation while typing. Both switches have their unique advantages, making them suitable for various typing styles and use cases. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.

By the numbers

KTT Kang White Linear

Cherry MX Purple RGB Tactile

$1.99 per 10

$6.19

$5.79 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Kang White and the Cherry MX Purple RGB, a notable distinction is evident in their top housings. The KTT Kang White utilizes polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that contributes to a clearer, sharper, and more resonant sound profile. This material's translucency makes it particularly effective for showcasing RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination that enhances the overall aesthetic of a keyboard. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB employs a nylon top housing, which is designed to absorb sound more effectively and generate a deeper, fuller audio experience. The differences in material—polycarbonate versus nylon—result in contrasting auditory characteristics, setting apart the typing experience of each switch.

Moving to the bottom housings, both the KTT Kang White and the Cherry MX Purple RGB feature nylon. This commonality ensures a cohesive auditory experience when bottoming out the keys, as nylon is known for its sound-absorbing properties and the ability to deliver a rounder, more subdued sound profile. Because both switches share this bottom housing material, users can expect a similar feel and acoustics when pressing down on the keys, contributing to a fuller typing experience. While the bottom housings of both switches produce similar sounds, the overall sound profile will still be influenced by the unique top housings they utilize.

The interaction of the top and bottom housings creates a multifaceted acoustic property in each switch. When users press down on the KTT Kang White, the stiffer polycarbonate top housing allows for a more pronounced sound during the release phase, enhancing the crispness of the sound. However, when utilizing the Cherry MX Purple RGB, the softer nylon top housing softens the sound, contributing to a more muted auditory feedback as the key is lifted. Thus, even with similar bottom housings, the overall typist experience will be distinct based on the characteristics contributed by the unique materials of the top housings. This interplay ensures that while some aspects, such as bottom-out sound, may share similarities, the overall sound profile can vary significantly depending on the top housing material used.

Weight

The KTT Kang White linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch share the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that both require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This makes them equally suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for prolonged use without fatigue. However, the KTT Kang White switch has a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB is unknown. This suggests that the Kang White offers a more substantial feel when fully pressed down, which might appeal to those who prefer a firmer tactile experience. Therefore, while both switches perform similarly in actuation, the KTT Kang White is the heavier option due to its known bottom out force, whereas the Cherry MX Purple RGB’s bottom out feel remains unassessed.

Travel distance

The KTT Kang White linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they offer the same key press depth from the top to the bottom. This similarity means that users can expect comparable responsiveness and feel while typing or gaming on keyboards equipped with either switch. Since both switches share this identical travel distance, they should provide similar results in terms of key actuation and overall typing experience. Whether one prefers the smoothness of the Kang White or the tactile feedback of the MX Purple RGB, the consistent travel distance ensures that the fundamental mechanics of key presses remain parallel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound of the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, you'll find distinct differences. The Kang White produces a low-pitched sound profile, which is often perceived as more bass-heavy and mellow, making it suitable for a variety of environments. Its neutral sound characteristics contribute to a moderate actuation force, allowing it to be versatile for different users, whether they are novices or experienced typists. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches do not have a specified sound descriptor, but they are generally known to have a more pronounced tactile bump that could indicate a slightly different acoustic profile. However, the overall sound experience can be influenced significantly by factors such as the keyboard construction and the choice of keycaps.

In terms of feel, the KTT Kang White switch is lauded for its exceptional smoothness, primarily due to its self-lubricating material, which enhances the typing experience by reducing friction during each keystroke. This results in a fluid motion that many users find quite pleasing. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switch, in contrast, offers a tactile experience characterized by a short, medium-strength bump. This tactile feedback is aimed at providing a satisfying response during typing, allowing typists to feel when their keypresses register without the clicky sound associated with many tactile switches. Thus, while the KTT Kang White is known for its smooth linear action, the MX Purple RGB emphasizes tactile feedback.

In summary, both switches offer unique attributes catering to different typing preferences. The KTT Kang White linear switch excels in producing a smooth and mellow sound, making it ideal for quieter environments. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch provides a tactile bump that's appreciated by users who enjoy physical feedback while typing. Choosing between them will ultimately depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, but either switch can deliver an enjoyable typing experience tailored to your needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you value a smooth, consistent keystroke with a low-pitched sound, the Kang White is an exceptional choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams ensures a satisfying typing experience without feeling overly stiff, making it suitable for both casual typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and a marked bump during key presses—ideal for typing accuracy—the Cherry MX Purple RGB is your go-to option. It offers a refined tactile experience that can enhance your typing rhythm, especially in environments where feedback is crucial. Ultimately, if you're seeking a quiet and fluid typing experience, go for the Kang White; however, if you prefer a noticeable tactile response that enhances your keystrokes, the MX Purple RGB would be more fitting. Choose based on the sound, feel, and feedback you find most enjoyable and suited to your typing habits.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Kang White Linear

$1.99 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Purple RGB Tactile

$6.19

$5.79 per 10

Learn more