KTT Lightning vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Lightning and Cherry MX Purple RGB offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. The KTT Lightning, recognized for its speed-oriented design, provides a slick typing feel complemented by a clacky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for gamers who thrive on split-second reactions in competitive scenarios. Its high-pitched and polished nature enhances the tactile feedback, which can boost typing performance for fast-paced tasks. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches offer a refined tactile experience, featuring a short, medium-strength bump that delivers satisfying feedback without being overly forceful. Designed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, these switches appeal to typists who appreciate a more nuanced feel while typing, balancing responsiveness with comfort. Ultimately, your choice between the KTT Lightning and Cherry MX Purple RGB may hinge on whether you prioritize speed or tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Lightning Linear

Cherry MX Purple RGB Tactile

$3.41 per 10

$6.19

$5.79 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Lightning and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches each employ a unique combination of materials in their top housings, which significantly affects their acoustics and sound profiles. The KTT Lightning utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffer composition. This rigidity contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. The polycarbonate material not only enhances the acoustical clarity of the switch but also increases its translucency, making it particularly effective for showcasing RGB lighting. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB features a nylon top housing, a traditional choice in switch design known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic quality compared to the Lightning.

Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, further bridging their characteristics in performance and sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing in both the KTT Lightning and Cherry MX Purple RGB is significant for creating a fuller sound experience when the key is bottomed out. This material's sound-absorbing qualities contribute to a rounded acoustic signature, ensuring that both switches deliver a satisfying sound on key presses. Since the effects of the bottom housing are more pronounced during the actuation and bottoming out of the keys, the presence of nylon in both models leads to a similar deep and rich sound quality that can appeal to users favoring a softer auditory feedback.

In conclusion, while the KTT Lightning and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches may provide different results in terms of their top housing materials, their bottom housings are alike in that they both utilize nylon. This shared element ensures that both switches offer a harmonious blend of sound qualities; however, the sound experience during release will differ. The KTT Lightning's polycarbonate top will yield a brighter sound upon key release, while the MX Purple RGB's nylon top will create a more muffled auditory cue. Thus, users can expect an engaging sound experience overall, with distinct characteristics emerging based on the switch's material choices in the top housing.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, we observe some notable differences in their actuation forces. The KTT Lightning has an actuation force of 43 grams, making it a lighter option, which may appeal to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended usage. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that it requires a bit more effort to actuate. However, the bottom out force for the MX Purple RGB switch remains unknown, making it difficult to fully evaluate its response during heavy usage compared to the KTT Lightning's clearly defined bottom out force of 50 grams. While the heavier actuation force of the MX Purple RGB may provide a more substantial typing feel for those who favor a firmer push, the light actuation force of the KTT Lightning is conducive to prolonged typing sessions without fatigue.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, the differences are quite pronounced. The KTT Lightning features a travel distance of 3 mm, which is on the shorter side and often favored by gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, embodying a more traditional switch feel that provides a hearty depth for those who prefer a more deliberate actuation. Consequently, users opting for the KTT Lightning will experience a more responsive keypress, while those choosing the Cherry MX Purple may appreciate the satisfying tactile feedback and longer travel distance for a more nuanced typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for either speed or depth while typing or gaming.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profiles of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch inherently differ. The Lightning switch is characterized by a clacky sound profile that delivers a sharp and snappy auditory response with each keystroke. This high-pitched sound is described as crisp and bright, making it quite pronounced during typing sessions. In contrast, while the specific sound details for the MX Purple RGB are not provided, tactile switches generally produce a more muted and subdued sound due to their design. The difference in sound can create distinct environments when typing, potentially making the Lightning more suitable for settings where a lively feedback sound is desired.

Regarding the feel, the KTT Lightning switches provide a subtle yet polished typing experience. Their gentle resistance offers a light typing feel without being overly feathery, making them approachable for both speed and accuracy. The smoothness of the switch enhances the typing experience, leading to reduced friction and a refined finish that many users appreciate. On the other hand, the feel of the Cherry MX Purple RGB remains somewhat unspecified. However, tactile switches are typically known for their pronounced bump that gives users tactile feedback, which is beneficial for typing accuracy. The defined actuation point in the MX Purple can create a different typing sensation compared to the slick and smooth experience of the Lightning.

In conclusion, the KTT Lightning switches present a clacky sound profile and a polished, subtle feel that lends itself well to fast-paced typing environments, making them a compelling choice for competitive gameplay or quick typing tasks. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switches, with their tactile bump, might cater to users who prefer feedback for each keystroke, though specifics about their sound and feel are less defined in this context. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, but both switches could potentially deliver enjoyable typing experiences, albeit in different ways.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you're a gamer seeking speed and responsiveness, the KTT Lightning switch is an excellent fit due to its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams, allowing for swift key actuation that can give you a competitive edge. The clacky and high-pitched sound profile adds an engaging auditory feedback that enhances your gaming experience. Additionally, the polished feel of the Lightning switch ensures smooth key travel, making it suitable for rapid keystrokes in fast-paced environments. Conversely, if you value a tactile typing experience, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch might be the better choice. Its refined tactile bump provides satisfying feedback that can enhance your typing rhythm, appealing to those who appreciate a more deliberate press. Even though the exact bottom-out force remains unknown, the switch is designed for enthusiasts who enjoy that tactile response without the clackiness of linear options. In shared spaces, the subtlety of the tactile experience allows for quieter typing while still feeling engaging. Therefore, consider your primary activities—if you lean towards gaming, opt for KTT Lightning; if you prefer typing with tactile feedback, go for the Cherry MX Purple RGB.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Lightning Linear

$3.41 per 10

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Cherry MX Purple RGB Tactile

$6.19

$5.79 per 10

Learn more