Gateron Melodic vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to clicky mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Melodic and the KTT Purple Click are two popular choices that offer unique features and characteristics. The Gateron Melodic is praised for its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, providing a buttery and resonant typing experience that is both invigorating and crunchy. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click, also known as Purple Sauce, stands out for its high-pitched, satisfying click and light keystrokes that offer a balanced tactile feedback which is both crunchy and invigorating. Both switches have their own strengths and appeals, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
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 Gateron Melodic and KTT Purple Click both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this common material for their top housing, their unique design and construction may result in subtle differences in sound and feel.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Gateron Melodic and KTT Purple Click opt for nylon, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite sharing the same bottom housing material, variations in switch design may still impact the overall typing experience between the two switches.
With the qualities of each housing material split between the top and bottom of the switches, users can expect a different typing experience when pressing down on the Gateron Melodic and KTT Purple Click. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing the key. While both switches offer distinctive sound profiles due to their housing materials, individuals may prefer one over the other based on their personal typing preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it is evident that the Melodic has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is heavier than the 55 grams of the Purple Click. However, the actuation force of the Purple Click is lighter at 40 grams compared to the Melodic's unspecified force. This means that while the Melodic may require more force to bottom out, the Purple Click will be easier to actuate. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods may lean towards the Purple Click, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Melodic. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium to medium-light feel overall, providing a balanced typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience a similar level of travel distance. This consistency in travel distance can provide a familiar typing experience for users, as they can expect the same feel and feedback from either switch. Overall, the similarities in travel distance between the Gateron Melodic and KTT Purple Click switches make them both viable options for those looking for a clicky switch with a standard 4 mm travel distance.
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 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.
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, both the Gateron Melodic and KTT Purple Click switches offer a familiar Crunchy sound that is associated with clicky switches. However, the Melodic switch also provides a Resonant sound profile, offering a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch also features a Resonant profile, ensuring a clean and sharp sound. The ultimate sound experience will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, both the Melodic and Purple Click switches aim to provide an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel. The Melodic switch is described as offering a Buttery feel, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, while the Purple Click switch is said to have a Stepped feel, providing a tactile sensation that feels like it has two stages, with some pre-travel and post-travel sensations. Overall, both switches offer unique tactile feedback that can enhance the typing experience for users.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Melodic and KTT Purple Click switches bring their own unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While they both offer a Crunchy sound profile associated with clicky switches, the Melodic switch provides a Resonant sound in addition. Similarly, they both offer an invigorating typing sensation, with the Melodic switch emphasizing a Buttery feel and the Purple Click switch incorporating a Stepped feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience that each user is looking for.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a resonant or crunchy sound profile with a buttery or invigorating feel, then the Gateron Melodic switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a resonant or crunchy sound profile with an invigorating or stepped feel, then the KTT Purple Click switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics and it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel when making your decision.
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