Outemu Lime vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Lime and KTT Purple Click are two popular options that offer distinct experiences. The Lime switches are well-known for their lightweight design, approachable tactility, and silenced operation. These switches are perfect for tactile enthusiasts who desire a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility. In contrast, the Purple Click switches are renowned for their fairly high-pitched, satisfying click. Despite their light keystrokes, they provide a pronounced level of tactility without being overwhelming. In other words, they offer a perfect equilibrium between clickiness and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Lime and the KTT Purple Click differ in their use of housing materials, particularly in the top housing. The Lime features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer texture and sound-absorbing properties. On the other hand, the Purple Click utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, enhancing clarity and resonance. Aesthetically, the Lime's nylon top housing is opaque, while the Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it compatible with RGB lighting.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Lime and the Purple Click use nylon. This commonality means that both switches will elicit a similar deep and full sound profile, as nylon is known for its sound-absorbing qualities. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound experience. Therefore, when pressing down on either switch, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be comparable due to the shared nylon bottom housing.
It is important to note that when the top and bottom housings of a switch differ, such as in the Lime and the Purple Click, the qualities brought by each material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing primarily affects the sound produced when releasing a key. As a result, while the Lime and the Purple Click may have contrasting top housing materials, they both offer similar sound experiences through their common use of nylon in the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, there are a few notable differences. The Lime has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams compared to the Purple Click's slightly heavier force of 40 grams. Both switches are relatively light, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Lime requires a force of 45 grams, while the Purple Click requires a slightly heavier force of 55 grams. This means that the Lime provides a more gentle and responsive typing experience, while the Purple Click offers a slightly more substantial and satisfying feel. If you prefer a lighter switch with a quicker keystroke activation, the Lime would be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Purple Click would be a suitable option. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding typing experience and actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, we can clearly see a difference. The Lime has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm. On the other hand, the Purple Click has a travel distance of 4 mm, which falls within the traditional range. Gamers, who value fast response times, may prefer the Lime switch due to its shorter travel distance. The shorter distance allows for quicker key presses, which can be advantageous in competitive gaming. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a more solid and deeper keystroke, the Purple Click switch with its longer travel distance may be a better fit. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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
The Lime switch is best known for its lightweight nature and approachable tactility, making it a great choice for tactile fans who prefer a feathery light typing experience with a touch of tactility. When it comes to sound, the Lime switch is classified as neutral and muted. A neutral switch has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes. The muted sound produced by the Lime switch is softer and quieter compared to regular switches, helping to minimize noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
On the other hand, the Purple Click switch is known for its fairly high-pitched and satisfying click. It offers light keystrokes with a pronounced tactility, creating a perfect equilibrium between the two qualities. In terms of sound, the Purple Click switch is described as crunchy and resonant. The crunchy sound is reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, while the resonant sound profile offers a clean and sharp auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Lime switch provides a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience. These qualities make it gentle, light to press, suitable for shared spaces, and smooth with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch offers an invigorating feel with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive sensation. Additionally, the Purple Click switch is described as stepped, which means it has two stages of tactile feedback, providing a mild feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
In conclusion, the Lime switch is lightweight, lightly tactile, and produces a muted sound. It offers a gentle and smooth typing experience suitable for most users. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch provides a satisfying click sound, light keystrokes with pronounced tactility, and an invigorating typing sensation. Both switches have unique qualities that cater to different preferences, but if you are seeking a similar lightweight and tactile experience with a quieter sound, the Lime switch would be a suitable choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values a lightweight and tactile typing experience, the Outemu Lime switches would be the ideal choice for you. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches provide a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility. Additionally, they are silenced, making them perfect for those who prefer a quieter keyboard. On the other hand, if you enjoy a satisfying click and a medium-light keystroke, the KTT Purple Click switches would suit you best. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches offer a pronounced click without being overwhelming, creating a perfect equilibrium between sound and tactility. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your personal preferences for typing experience, whether you prioritize a lightweight and silenced feel or a clicky and moderately tactile one.
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