KTT Lightning vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the KTT Lightning and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it all comes down to personal preference and intended use. The Lightning is a linear switch known for its speed and precision, making it an excellent choice for competitive gaming where milliseconds can make all the difference. On the other hand, the Purple switch offers a tactile bump for improved typing feedback and a quieter typing experience. Each switch has its own unique characteristics, with the Lightning being described as clacky and high-pitched, while the Purple switch is more subtle and polished. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your specific needs and preferences. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Lightning and the Outemu Purple, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material is known for creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, while the Lightning features a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Purple also incorporates nylon for its bottom housing to absorb more sound and create a duller, rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material may result in a slightly varied typing experience between the two switches.
Despite the differences in bottom housing material, the top housings of the KTT Lightning and the Outemu Purple share the same qualities due to their use of polycarbonate. Both switches offer a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile characteristic of polycarbonate materials. However, where the Lightning provides a more resonant sound with its nylon bottom housing, the Purple absorbs more sound for a duller effect. This distinction may impact the overall typing experience, with the Lightning potentially offering a more pronounced bottom-out sound and feel compared to the Purple.
Overall, the housing materials of the KTT Lightning and the Outemu Purple play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and feel of each switch. While both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, the Lightning distinguishes itself with a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, while the Purple opts for nylon to absorb more sound for a rounder effect. The choice of housing materials can affect the typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the differences in housing materials contribute to the unique characteristics of each switch.
Weight
The KTT Lightning linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Lightning switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Purple switch's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lightning switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Purple switch's bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Lightning switch, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Purple switch, which has a higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and force requirement.
Travel distance
The KTT Lightning linear switch has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lightning switch is the shorter of the two, making it more suitable for those who prefer faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Purple switch offers a longer travel distance, providing a more substantial key press experience for those who appreciate a deeper feeling when typing. Both options have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the Lightning switch offering a more rapid response and the Purple switch providing a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for travel distance in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41, whereas the Outemu Purple comes in at $3.10.
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 KTT Lightning linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, giving off a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. This can be attributed to its design, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more vivid and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch does not have any specific sound descriptors provided, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Lightning switch is noted for its subtle and polished typing sensation. This means that users can expect a gentle resistance with a light typing feel, along with a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience. This combination makes it suitable for both comfortable and efficient typing sessions. Unfortunately, there are no specific feel descriptors available for the Outemu Purple tactile switch, making it challenging to directly compare the two switches in this regard. However, it is safe to assume that the Purple switch may offer a tactile feedback based on its name, which can provide a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile response.
In conclusion, the KTT Lightning linear switch stands out for its clacky sound profile and subtle yet polished typing feel, making it a great choice for those looking for a responsive and fast-paced typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch lacks specific descriptors for both sound and feel, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different user preferences. Ultimately, users can achieve similar results with either switch by considering factors such as sound preferences, tactile feedback, and typing comfort when making their selection.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. You would want to choose the Lightning switch if you prioritize speed and responsiveness in your typing or gaming experience, as they offer a light actuation force and a slick feel with a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, you should opt for the Purple switch if you prefer a tactile feedback and a more traditional typing experience, as the actuation force is unavailable but typically falls in the medium range and offers a different typing feel. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your typing or gaming setup.
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