Cherry MX Black vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two standout options are the Cherry MX Black and the KTT Purple Click. The MX Black, known for its legendary status, has been further refined by Cherry with their new Hyperglide tooling, resulting in a textured smoothness that typists are sure to appreciate. With a deep sound profile and a firm typing experience, the MX Black falls into the categories of being low-pitched, textured, and stiff. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch, also known as Purple Sauce, boasts a higher-pitched, highly satisfying click that brings a sense of invigorating energy to each keystroke. Despite its light actuation force, the Purple Click manages to strike the perfect balance between tactile feedback and overwhelming feedback. Categorized as crunchy, invigorating, resonant, and stepped, the Purple Click switch offers a unique typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can choose the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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 housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and the KTT Purple Click switches exhibit distinct differences. The Cherry MX Black features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate housing is advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. Despite these differences, both switches make use of nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile when typing, as nylon's softness absorbs sound effectively.
While the top housings of the Cherry MX Black and KTT Purple Click switches differ in material, their nylon bottom housings remain consistent. Nylon, being a softer plastic, exhibits a sound-absorbing property that enhances the overall sound profile when typing on switches. As a result, both switches feature a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the relatively softer nature of the nylon bottom housing. This similarity ensures that users can experience a similar acoustic quality when using either switch, regardless of the variations in their top housing materials.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in determining its sound and feel. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. In this regard, both the Cherry MX Black and KTT Purple Click switches, with their nylon bottom housings, exhibit a similar impact on the overall sound and feel during bottom-out. Conversely, the top housing predominantly affects the sound when a key is released. Here, the distinct properties of nylon and polycarbonate contribute to contrasting sound profiles - the softer nylon of the Cherry MX Black provides a duller and rounder sound, while the stiffer polycarbonate of the KTT Purple Click produces a crisper and higher-pitched sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it becomes evident that they offer distinct typing experiences. The Cherry MX Black is the heavier option, with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. This heavier weight provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click boasts a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option. This lighter weight allows for a more effortless keystroke, which is ideal for those who type for longer periods, such as during work or extended gaming sessions. Although they differ in weight, both switches offer reliable responsiveness and durability. Therefore, individuals seeking similar results can choose either switch based on their preference for lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. In the case of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same 4 mm distance being traveled. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results as they have an equal distance of travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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 Cherry MX Black switch offers a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch is known for its crunchy and resonant sound. Typing on this switch creates a sound similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. The Purple Click switch also delivers a higher-pitched sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience. It is worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Black switch provides a textured experience. This means that there is noticeable friction when pressing the keys. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. Additionally, the MX Black switch is known for being stiff. It requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. This means that you will need to apply more force when pressing the keys with MX Black switches. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch offers an invigorating feel. It provides pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. This creates an immersive typing sensation. Moreover, the Purple Click switch is described as stepped, which means it has a mild tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that the Cherry MX Black and KTT Purple Click switches offer different subjective qualities. The MX Black switch provides a low-pitched sound profile, a textured feel, and a stiff typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch delivers a crunchy and resonant sound, an invigorating and stepped feel. When choosing between these switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If one prefers a deeper, bass-heavy sound and a textured, stiff feel, the MX Black switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if one enjoys a higher-pitched clicky sound and an invigorating, stepped feel, the Purple Click switch would be more suitable. It is important to consider the individual's typing preferences and needs to make the best choice.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prioritize a heavy and textured typing experience with a deep sound profile, the Cherry MX Black linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a classic smoothness and require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and more invigorating typing sensation with a pronounced click sound, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch would be the better option. These switches have a lower bottom out force and offer moderate to firm actuation force, creating a snappy and reactive feel. Additionally, they produce a high-pitched click sound that adds to the satisfying tactile experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
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