KTT Mallo vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mallo and the KTT Purple Star stand out among the crowd. The Mallo is renowned for its subtle tactility and medium-light typing feel, providing just the right amount of feedback without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Purple Star boasts a buttery smooth typing experience with its all-POM construction and very light 45g bottom-out, perfect for those who prefer a lighter touch. While the Mallo is categorized as mild, neutral, and subtle, the Purple Star falls under mild and easy-to-press. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences, but 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
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mallo and the KTT Purple Star, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles. The Mallo's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffness, while the Purple Star's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. However, both materials excel in their own right when it comes to sound quality, providing users with distinct auditory experiences. Despite their differences, the top housings of both switches play a significant role in producing the overall sound profile, especially in conjunction with RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housings of the KTT Mallo and the KTT Purple Star, the contrast is not as distinct as with the top housings. Nylon, which is used for the Mallo's bottom housing, offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder tone. In comparison, the POM bottom housing of the Purple Star also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile. Both materials excel in providing a satisfying typing experience, with each offering a unique tactile feel and auditory feedback to the user.
In conclusion, while the housing materials of the KTT Mallo and the KTT Purple Star differ in terms of their specific qualities, both switches offer excellent sound profiles and typing experiences. The utilization of polycarbonate and POM in the top housings, alongside nylon and POM in the bottom housings, provides users with a range of options to suit their preferences. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound from polycarbonate or a deeper, more muted sound from POM, both switches offer high-quality materials that contribute to an enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Weight
The KTT Mallo tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch both offer distinct differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience, while its actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Purple Star has a lower actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. The actuation force of the Mallo is unknown, while the Purple Star has a lighter actuation force than the Mallo. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use, the Purple Star may be the better choice. Conversely, individuals who enjoy a slightly heavier touch when typing may lean towards the Mallo. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The KTT Mallo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer than the 3.5 mm travel distance of the KTT Purple Star linear switch. The Mallo offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the Purple Star. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Purple Star, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Mallo. Both switches offer a different feel in terms of travel distance, with the Mallo providing a longer press and the Purple Star offering a slightly shallower option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and what feels most comfortable to 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 KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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 too loud or too quiet. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch provides a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow in tone. Depending on your preference, the Mallo may be a more versatile choice for those who prefer a more subtle sound, while the Purple Star may cater to individuals who enjoy a deeper, lower-pitched tone.
When it comes to feel, both the Mallo tactile switch and the Purple Star linear switch are described as offering a mild typing experience, making them approachable to most users. The Mallo is characterized as feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle, providing a light typing feel with gentle resistance. Similarly, the Purple Star is described as mild and easy-to-press, offering minimal force to activate and enhancing the typing experience with a responsive and low-impact feel. Both switches aim to reduce finger fatigue and provide comfort during extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mallo provides a balanced and versatile option with a neutral sound signature and subtle tactility, while the Purple Star offers a smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. Depending on your preference for sound and typing feel, either switch can provide a satisfying and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find a switch that meets their individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the KTT Mallo tactile switch or the KTT Purple Star linear switch, think about your preference for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a switch with a feathery, mild, or subtle feel, as well as a neutral or subdued sound, then the KTT Mallo tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a mild, easy-to-press feel and a low-pitched sound, then the KTT Purple Star linear switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on what typing experience you value most in your mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
