Gateron Melodic vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference often dictates the best choice for each individual. The Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch, brings a nostalgic charm to typing with its distinct, satisfying clicks and enhanced smoothness thanks to modern features like factory lubing and dual-railed stems. This innovative design allows users to enjoy the classic clicky sound without sacrificing fluidity, making it a fantastic option for typists who crave audio feedback and a playful typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches cater to those who prefer a tactile feel without the pronounced clicking noise. Developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiasts, these switches offer a refined tactile bump with medium strength, allowing for precise typing and gaming without overwhelming auditory feedback. With their unique characteristics, each switch offers compelling benefits, whether you lean towards the playful acoustics of the Melodic or the refined tactile experience of the MX Purple RGB. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches, it becomes evident that they exhibit distinct differences in their top housings. The Gateron Melodic features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffness contributes to a more resonant audio experience, especially beneficial for users who appreciate a more vibrant sound when typing. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB employs a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, leading to a rounded auditory experience. The choice of housing material thus directly influences the perceived sound characteristics of each switch.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a uniformity that contributes to their overall sound and feel. Since nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb sound, both switches will deliver similar deep and full sounds from their respective bottoms. This commonality helps to even out the auditory experience when pressing the switches, regardless of the different sound profiles produced by their top housings. As such, users can expect a noticeable consistency in the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches, regardless of the differences in their top materials.
Ultimately, the contrasting upper housing materials lead to a unique interplay between sound profiles when each switch is engaged. The Gateron Melodic’s polycarbonate top will enhance the brighter sounds during key release, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB’s nylon top brings a warmer tone. However, both switches will exhibit that softer, deeper sound from their nylon bottoms, illustrating how the selection of different materials affects both sound and feel in nuanced ways. Therefore, while the two switches are crafted from similar bottom materials, their upper housings define their individual characters, giving typists distinct auditory experiences even amidst some commonalities.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, we find differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Melodic has an actuation force that is unspecified, while its bottom out force is 60 grams, indicating a medium resistance when pressing the key all the way down. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, but the specific bottom out force remains unavailable. This means that the Cherry MX switch would generally provide a lighter typing experience, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Gateron Melodic's heavier bottom out force might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback. Ultimately, if the Gateron switch had a known actuation force, one could assess whether both switches could yield similar results in certain contexts; however, with missing information for each, a precise equivalence remains elusive.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key for either switch, you'll experience an identical distance of travel from the top to the bottom. As a result, users can expect similar feedback and response when typing or gaming with either switch, making them equally effective in terms of travel distance. Since both switches share this characteristic, personal preference in terms of tactile feel and sound may play a more significant role in choosing between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a captivating auditory experience characterized by its resonant and crunchy qualities. The resonant nature of the Melodic means it produces a higher-pitched sound profile that is both clean and sharp, immersing the typist in its delightful acoustic qualities. The crunchy aspect, reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves, contributes to the satisfying feedback one expects from a clicky switch. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch lacks a described sound profile, making it challenging to compare directly. However, the overall sound experience can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, which means users could potentially achieve a desirable auditory experience with either switch depending on their setup.
In terms of feel, the Melodic excels with its buttery smoothness and invigorating feedback. Users can expect a seamless and fluid keystroke experience from the buttery quality, allowing for effortless typing. Furthermore, the invigorating nature of this switch offers pronounced feedback along with a moderate to firm actuation force, making each keypress feel snappy and responsive. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switch does not have a detailed description of its feel qualities, making direct comparisons difficult. However, both switches cater to users looking for tactile feedback, and while the Melodic may offer a richer sensation, it is unclear how closely the MX Purple RGB may align in terms of user experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch stands out for its engaging sound and delightful tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a rich auditory experience paired with invigorating keystrokes. While the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch lacks specific sound and feel descriptions, it remains a strong contender for users seeking tactile engagement. Overall, if you're leaning towards a clicky experience with clear auditory and tactile rewards, the Melodic is a promising option, while the MX Purple may fit well for those who prefer a solid tactile switch without the same emphasis on sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, consider the specific typing experience you are seeking. If you enjoy a more traditional clicky sound with a considerable tactile bump, the Gateron Melodic is an excellent choice, thanks to its resonant and crunchy auditory feedback. This switch's smooth factory lubing and innovative design ensure that you not only enjoy the classic click but also benefit from enhanced smoothness and an invigorating feel during typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a refined tactile experience without a pronounced click, the Cherry MX Purple RGB provides a shorter bump and subtle feedback that is ideal for gaming or typing without the auditory distraction of a click. Although the bottom-out force specification is unavailable, rest assured that the tactile feedback is adequately tailored for typing speed and accuracy. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences in sound and feel, allowing you to enhance your typing experience either through the satisfying click of the Melodic or the concise tactile nuance of the MX Purple RGB.
Mentioned in this article
