Cherry MX Orange vs. KTT Purple Star

Overview

Mechanical keyboards have gained immense popularity among gamers and typists alike, with a wide variety of switches to choose from, each offering its own unique feel and performance characteristics. Among them, the Cherry MX Orange switch stands out for its rich heritage and recent enhancements, promising a tactile and responsive experience that appeals to those seeking a blend of nostalgia and modern performance. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star switch boasts an all-POM construction that provides a remarkably smooth typing experience, complemented by a neutral sound profile and a notably light actuation force of 45g, which makes it an excellent option for lighter typists who prioritize comfort and ease. While both switches belong to the linear category, offering a smooth keypress without tactile bumps, they cater to different preferences in typing feel and auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Orange Linear

KTT Purple Star Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

$4.88 per 10

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Housing materials

The Cherry MX Orange and KTT Purple Star switches utilize different materials for their housing, which significantly impacts their sound and tactile qualities. The MX Orange's top and bottom housings are both crafted from nylon, a traditional and widely appreciated material in the keyboard community. Nylon is known for its softer texture, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softness allows it to absorb more sound energy, creating a rounder and more muted auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star employs POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its top and bottom housings. POM is characterized by its durability and stiffness, yet it still produces a pleasing sound profile that leans towards deep and relatively muted tones. Thus, while both switches aim for a subdued auditory experience, the specifics of this experience differ due to the inherent properties of the materials used.

Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches lend themselves to similar audible outcomes when it comes to typing sound. The MX Orange’s nylon retains the classical elements seen in many popular switches, emphasizing a soft and well-rounded sound. Conversely, the POM of the KTT Purple Star introduces a distinct sharpness that can still maintain a low pitch, resulting in a unique sound experience. These differences suggest that while users might experience different auditory nuances, they can still find a comforting depth in both switches. Just as the MX Orange achieves a duller sound through softer nylon, the KTT Purple Star does so with its POM material, though the nature of the muted sound may vary with a slight layer of uniqueness from the POM’s properties.

The overall impact of the housing materials not only influences sound but also the tactile sensations each switch provides. In both cases, the top housing affects the sound upon releasing a key while the bottom housing significantly influences the bottoming-out sound and feel. The MX Orange’s nylon may provide a softer landing, whereas the KTT Purple Star's POM could offer a slightly more pronounced touch. However, users of both switches can enjoy a satisfying typing experience due to the depth and muted qualities inherent in each switch’s design. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences related to sound and tactility, but both provide a connection in their pursuit of creating a balanced and immersive typing environment.

Weight

When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, there are notable differences in both their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Orange has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, making it a suitable option for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star boasts a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, which can enable longer typing sessions and may be more comfortable for some users. However, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Orange is unknown, while the KTT Purple Star has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is relatively light. This means that if you're looking for a lighter switch overall, the KTT Purple Star would be the better choice, while the Cherry MX Orange offers a heavier feel that some users might prefer for more tactile feedback. Ultimately, selecting between these switches comes down to personal preference regarding typing comfort and keystroke response.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, the Cherry MX Orange stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Purple Star measures at 3.5 mm. This makes the Purple Star the shorter option, providing a quicker response time that gamers often appreciate for fast-paced actions. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, offers a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a satisfying typing experience. While shorter travel distances like that of the Purple Star can enhance responsiveness, they can also feel abrupt to certain users, making the choice between these two switches largely dependent on personal preference for either speed or comfort.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Orange switch remains somewhat elusive, as specific auditory characteristics are not detailed here. Conversely, the KTT Purple Star switches are noted for their low-pitched sound profile. This quality imparts a bass-heavy and mellow tone, ideal for users who prefer a quieter yet pleasant background noise while typing. However, it is worth mentioning that the overall sound experience can be influenced greatly by the choice of keyboard frame and keycaps, so individual results may vary.

Regarding feel, the Cherry MX Orange switch lacks detailed descriptions of its tactile feedback, but it is known for the enhancements made to replicate the original MX Orange experience. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star switches are recognized for their mild, easy-to-press qualities. They provide gentle resistance and activate with a light 45g force that facilitates effortless typing, making them particularly suitable for light typists. This ease of pressing helps to reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions, enhancing overall comfort without sacrificing performance.

Overall, while the Cherry MX Orange switch may provide a familiar and desirable experience rooted in its heritage, the KTT Purple Star switches offer a modern, buttery smooth typing feel with a neutral sound. Both styles cater to different preferences, but if you prioritize effortless typing and a pleasant acoustic environment, the Purple Star may be the way to go. However, anyone drawn to the refined qualities of the MX Orange switches may still enjoy a satisfying typing experience akin to that of the Purple Stars, as both can deliver desirable results when paired with the right keyboard setup and keycaps.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the Cherry MX Orange and the KTT Purple Star linear switches largely depends on your typing style and preferences. If you are a typist who values a nostalgic experience combined with a bit more substance in their keystrokes, the Cherry MX Orange would be a fitting choice. With its historic lineage and enhanced design, it brings the reliability of a classic switch while catering to those who appreciate a more traditional typing feel. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silky-smooth typing experience with a very gentle touch, the KTT Purple Star is likely to be your go-to option. With its light bottom-out force of only 50 grams, it excels at providing comfort and ease, especially for lighter typists or those who type for long periods without fatigue. Its low-pitched sound signature and mildly appealing tactile feel make it approachable for just about anyone. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches should align with your individual typing habits — be it nostalgia and reliability or smoothness and comfort.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more

KTT Purple Star Linear

$4.88 per 10

Learn more