Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Cherry MX Purple RGB, a tactile switch, and the KTT Purple Click, a clicky switch. The Cherry MX Purple, developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, is renowned for its refined tactile experience that features a short, medium-strength bump, making it ideal for users who appreciate a balanced touch without excessive noise. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click, sometimes referred to as Purple Sauce, delivers a distinct auditory feedback with its high-pitched click, providing a lightweight keystroke that strikes an enjoyable balance between pronounced tactility and resonance. This makes the KTT Purple Click particularly appealing for those who thrive on auditory cues while typing. Both options cater to different preferences: the Cherry MX Purple offers a subtle yet satisfying tactile feedback suitable for a quieter workspace, while the KTT Purple Click may be more suited for users who enjoy the invigorating sound of each keystroke. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
When examining the housing materials of the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the KTT Purple Click switches, notable differences emerge, especially in their top housings. The MX Purple RGB features a nylon top housing, a material known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which helps absorb sound and create a rounder acoustic experience, making for a typing feel that many users find satisfying. Conversely, the KTT Purple Click employs a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper and more resonant sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to a crisper auditory feedback, ideal for users who appreciate the clarity in their keystrokes. This variance in material composition distinctly influences the overall auditory experience of each switch, with nylon providing a warm, muted sound while polycarbonate delivers a brighter, more pronounced acoustic signature.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This similarity means that when typing, the experience regarding bottom-out feel and sound remains consistent across both models. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound similarly in both switches, ensuring that a deeper, fuller sound profile is preserved as the key reaches its lowest point. Consequently, during usage, while the top housing shapes the initial sound feedback during a press, the nylon bottom housing across both switches contributes to a satisfactory bottoming-out experience. Thus, despite the differing materials in the top housings, both switches maintain a unified acoustic characteristic thanks to the shared nylon in their bottoms.
In considering the overall sound experience when typing, it's interesting to note how the varying materials in the top housings interact with the consistent nylon found in both bottom housings. This unique combination means that while the Cherry MX Purple RGB may elicit warmer, deeper tones thanks to its nylon top, the KTT Purple Click will present a cleaner, higher-pitched response due to its polycarbonate top. However, the underlying similarity in the bottom housing ensures that regardless of the switch you choose, you'll experience a cohesive typing sensation that emphasizes the deeper elements of sound. Therefore, while the auditory character may differ fundamentally due to the top materials, the addition of nylon in the bottom helps to achieve sound profiles that are both satisfying in their own right.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, there are notable differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is heavier than the KTT Purple Click, which requires only 40 grams to actuate. This means that the KTT Purple Click may feel lighter and potentially more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a stronger push for those who prefer a more substantial feel. However, the bottom out force for the MX Purple RGB is unspecified, making it difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of bottoming out. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click has a clearly defined bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating that it provides a firmer resistance when pressed down completely. Overall, those seeking a lighter actuation force may lean towards the KTT Purple Click, while those who appreciate a heftier feel might favor the Cherry MX Purple RGB, even if its bottoming out characteristics remain unknown.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch feature the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that both switches provide an equal amount of travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance results in a comparable tactile feel when pressing down on the keys, allowing for a similar typing experience. Consequently, users can expect consistent key actuation depth with either switch, making them both suitable options for those who prioritize a tactile response in their keyboard.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches provide a more understated audio profile compared to the KTT Purple Click switches. While the specific sonic characteristics of the MX Purple RGB are not detailed, it is likely to produce a balanced sound that may be quieter, focusing more on the tactile feel rather than on pronounced auditory feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click is known for its distinctly high-pitched and satisfying click, reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. This creates a resonant and clean sound profile, enhancing the audible experience of typing considerably, positioning it as a more engaging option for those who appreciate pronounced click sounds.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches offer a refined tactile experience characterized by a short, medium-strength tactile bump. This results in a satisfying feedback without being overly aggressive, making it a suitable option for typists who prefer a smooth yet noticeable tactile response. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switches offer an invigorating typing experience, with pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. The stepped tactile nature of the Purple Click means users can experience a noticeable change in resistance during keystrokes, providing a reactive and immersive feel. This dual-stage tactile feedback tends to create a more dynamic typing experience compared to the MX Purple RGB.
In conclusion, both switches cater to different preferences, with the Cherry MX Purple RGB emphasizing a refined tactile sensation suitable for longer typing sessions and more muted sounds, while the KTT Purple Click engages users with its sharp auditory feedback and memorable feel. For those who prioritize sound and a more pronounced click with their typing, the KTT Purple Click may be the preferred choice. In contrast, if one values a balanced tactile experience with less auditory distraction, the Cherry MX Purple RGB could be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these two options comes down to what qualities resonate more with the individual typists’ preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, your specific preferences and typing style will guide your choice. If you enjoy a refined tactile experience paired with a medium-strength bump, the Cherry MX Purple RGB may be your ideal option. It's particularly suitable if you value a light keystroke feel that allows for a quicker typing speed while still providing tactile feedback, making it appealing for both gaming and typing without overwhelming your fingers. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a more pronounced auditory and tactile experience, the KTT Purple Click may be your best bet. Its satisfying, high-pitched click and invigorating feedback create an immersive sensation that's fantastic for those who appreciate a more traditional typing feel with a sharper auditory presence. Ultimately, your decision should depend on whether sound and a tactile ‘snap’ are priorities for you, or if you prefer a smoother, more subtle tactile response without the click.
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