KTT Mallo vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Purple mechanical keyboard switches, both are tactile switches but offer different experiences to users. The KTT Mallo is praised for its subtlety and finesse, providing a gentle tactility that offers just the right amount of feedback without being overwhelming. With a medium-light typing feel and a neutral sound signature, the Mallo is a balanced choice for typists in various environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple lacks specific standout features but falls under the tactile switch category. While the Mallo offers a more nuanced typing experience, the simplicity of the Purple may appeal to those who prefer a straightforward approach to typing. 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
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Purple switches have similarities and differences. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiff nature of polycarbonate. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Mallo has a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing material, the difference lies in their bottom housing. The KTT Mallo's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, contrasting with the Outemu Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing that creates a crisper sound. The choice of bottom housing material affects the overall sound and feel of the switch, with nylon housing absorbing more sound and polycarbonate housing producing a more resonant sound. Despite the differences in bottom housing, the top housing of both switches allows for a clear and resonant sound profile, making them suitable for switches with RGB lighting.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Purple switches play a significant role in the sound profile and overall typing experience. The combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Mallo results in a mix of sharpness and depth in sound, while the Purple's polycarbonate top and bottom housing create a crisper and more resonant sound. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on switches can help users choose the most suitable switch for their preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
The actuation force of the KTT Mallo tactile switch is None grams, meaning it is very light and requires minimal force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Purple tactile switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it a bit heavier and providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light, while the bottom out force of the Purple is not specified. Those who prefer a lighter touch may enjoy the Mallo for longer typing sessions, while those who like a more significant push feel may lean towards the Purple. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the keys travel the same distance from the top to the bottom. While both switches are equal in travel distance, they may differ in other aspects such as actuation force or sound. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
The Outemu Purple comes in at $3.10 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Mallo tactile switch offers a neutral and subdued sound profile, making it suitable for various environments without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch's sound qualities remain unknown, which means we cannot accurately compare them. When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Mallo is described as feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle, providing a comfortable and balanced typing experience with a gentle tactile feedback. Without information on the feel of the Outemu Purple switch, we cannot make a direct comparison in this aspect.
Overall, the KTT Mallo switch stands out for its subtle tactility, medium-light typing feel, and versatile sound signature. It strikes a balance between providing feedback without being too loud, making it a suitable choice for a wide range of typing preferences. While the Outemu Purple switch may offer similar qualities, the lack of detailed information on its sound and feel characteristics makes it difficult to directly compare it to the KTT Mallo. Ultimately, both switches may provide a satisfactory typing experience, but for those seeking a switch with a gentle tactility and neutral sound, the KTT Mallo is a reliable option.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it is important to consider your preference for typing feel and sound. If you value a feathery and subtle typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Mallo switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if the bottom out force being None is a factor for you and you prefer a switch with a different tactile feel, you may lean towards the Outemu Purple switch. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feedback and sound signature.
Mentioned in this article
