Gateron Melodic vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch, and the KTT Purple Star, a linear switch, it's clear that each offers a unique typing experience. The Gateron Melodic stands out for its reinvigoration of the clicky switch category, combining smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems to provide a classic clicky sound with tactile feedback while maintaining smoothness. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star boasts an all-POM construction for a buttery smooth typing experience, perfect for light typists with its very light 45g bottom-out. While the Melodic is characterized as 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy', the Purple Star is labeled as 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Easy-to-press.' 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
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Yes
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
The Gateron Melodic and KTT Purple Star switches both offer unique housing materials in their construction. The Melodic features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Purple Star's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. While the materials differ in sound characteristics, they both provide a visually appealing option with their transparent housings suitable for RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Melodic utilizes nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer and sound-absorbing properties. Conversely, the Purple Star also uses POM for the bottom housing, resulting in a similarly deep and muted sound profile. Despite the different materials used, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound profiles, catering to various preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
When considering the overall typing experience, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a crucial role in sound and feel. While the top and bottom housings may have distinct characteristics, they ultimately contribute to the overall sound and tactile feedback of the switch. With the Melodic and Purple Star switches, users can expect a combination of sharpness, depth, and resonance in their typing experience, showcasing the impact of housing materials on the overall switch performance.
Weight
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Melodic switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Purple Star switch has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. However, the actuation force of the Melodic switch is not specified, while the Purple Star switch has an actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Purple Star switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Melodic switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Purple Star switch, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Melodic switch. Overall, the weight of a switch is important to consider based on individual preferences for typing or gaming habits.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Purple Star has a shorter travel distance than the Melodic. The Melodic's 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional typing experience, while the Purple Star's 3.5 mm travel distance offers a slightly quicker response time. Gamers may prefer the Purple Star for its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster key presses during intense gaming sessions. However, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may find the Melodic's longer travel distance more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and response time.
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 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 Gateron Melodic clicky switch is known for its resonant and crunchy sound profile, delivering a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience with clean and sharp tones reminiscent of stepping on crispy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch offers a low-pitched sound signature with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Depending on personal preference and setup, the Melodic switch may provide a more vibrant and lively typing sound, while the Purple Star switch offers a softer and more soothing typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is often described as buttery and invigorating, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. This results in a seamless, reactive typing sensation that can be quite engaging. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star linear switch is characterized as mild and easy-to-press, offering a gentle typing experience with minimal resistance during key presses. These switches are designed for light typists seeking comfort and ease during extended typing sessions.
Overall, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Melodic switch is praised for its vibrant and resonant sound profile paired with a buttery and invigorating typing experience, ideal for those who enjoy a more engaging and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Purple Star switch provides a low-pitched and mellow typing sound with a mild and easy-to-press feel, catering to users looking for a relaxed and comfortable typing experience. Depending on individual preferences and typing style, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience, albeit in different ways.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Melodic clicky switch or the KTT Purple Star linear switch, you should take into account your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium bottom-out force and a resonant or crunchy sound profile, the Melodic switch would be a great choice for you. Its buttery and invigorating feel provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a low-pitched sound profile, along with a mild and easy-to-press feel, the Purple Star switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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