Cherry MX Brown vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Brown and the KTT Purple Click. The Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their subtlety, offering a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switches are distinctive for their fairly high-pitched, satisfying click, providing light keystrokes with pronounced tactility. While the MX Brown switches are categorized as textured, bassy, and low-pitched, the Purple Click switches are described as crunchy, invigorating, resonant, and stepped. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference, but let's explore further to help you make the best decision for your typing style and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 Cherry MX Brown and the KTT Purple Click have different housing materials for both the top and bottom. The MX Brown features a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Purple Click has a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing.
In terms of sound profile, the MX Brown's nylon top housing absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic, creating a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, the Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing is relatively stiffer, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. So, while both switches produce a deep and full sound, the MX Brown has a duller and rounder tonality, while the Purple Click has a more clear and resonant profile.
When it comes to aesthetics, the MX Brown's nylon top housing is less likely to be translucent, as the description does not mention it. However, the Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing is noted to be clear, making it suitable for use with RGB lighting. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch that complements your RGB setup, the Purple Click would be the better choice.
While the top and bottom housings differ between the MX Brown and the Purple Click, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the bottom and top of the switch. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, despite their different housing materials, both switches still provide a unique typing experience with specific characteristics influenced by their respective top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, there are both similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the MX Brown requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Purple Click requires slightly less at 40 grams. Both switches can be considered medium-light in terms of actuation force. However, when it comes to bottoming out, both switches have the same force requirement of 55 grams, which is also medium-light.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows for longer typing periods and is ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. For these individuals, either the MX Brown or Purple Click switches would be suitable as both have similar actuation forces. On the other hand, there are those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. These individuals may opt for switches with heavier forces.
In summary, the actuation force of the Cherry MX Brown is slightly heavier than the KTT Purple Click, but both switches have the same bottom out force. This means that although the MX Brown may require slightly more force to initiate a keystroke, the end result in terms of bottoming out will be similar. The choice between these switches will ultimately depend on the user's preference for a lighter or stronger typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel and experience the same amount of travel distance. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback at 4 mm, allowing for a comfortable typing experience. So, whether you choose the Cherry MX Brown or the KTT Purple Click, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
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 Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Brown switches offer a subtle and subdued audio feedback. They have a low-pitched sound profile with a deeper and richer tone, which is reminiscent of bass tones. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switches have a higher-pitched, satisfying click. The sound is described as crunchy, resembling the sound of stepping on crisp and autumn leaves. They also provide a clean and sharp auditory experience with a resonant sound profile. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the MX Browns leaning towards a bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the Purple Click switches provide a satisfying click with a higher pitch.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Brown switches provide a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility. They are described as having a textured or scratchy feel, which means there is noticeable friction when pressing the keys. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switches offer an invigorating typing sensation. They provide pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. Additionally, the Purple Click switches are referred to as stepped switches, meaning they have two stages of tactile feedback. This allows users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving a mild tactile experience.
Considering all the available information, the Cherry MX Brown switches offer a more subtle and gentle typing experience with a subdued audio feedback. They have a bass-heavy and mellow sound profile, along with a textured feel. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switches provide a more pronounced tactile feedback with a satisfying click. They have a higher-pitched sound profile, described as crunchy and resonant, along with an invigorating and stepped feel. It ultimately comes down to personal preference; if you prefer a lighter, more subtle typing experience, the MX Browns are a suitable choice. If you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and satisfying click, the Purple Click switches would be a better option. Either way, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel, based on the provided descriptions.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with subtlety and a relatively light typing experience, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is your best bet. These switches offer gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, making them ideal for users who prefer a more understated typing experience. On the other hand, if you're after a switch with a satisfying click and pronounced tactility without being overwhelming, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is the way to go. Its fairly high-pitched click and light keystrokes strike a perfect equilibrium. Additionally, if you enjoy a deeper and richer sound profile resembling bass tones, the MX Brown's bassy switches will suit your preferences. However, if you prefer a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience, the Purple Click's resonant switches are the way to go. Lastly, if you're looking for a textured typing experience with noticeable friction, the MX Brown is the better choice. Alternatively, if you want a switch that offers an invigorating and reactive feel, as well as the sensation of a stepped keystroke with mild feedback, the Purple Click is the better option. Ultimately, the decision between the Cherry MX Brown and KTT Purple Click switches depends on your personal preferences for typing experience, audio feedback, and tactile feel. Make sure to consider these factors before making your final choice.
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