Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Gateron Weightlessness both offer a tactile typing experience, catering to different preferences among enthusiasts. The Cherry MX Purple RGB is renowned for its refined tactile feedback; it features a well-defined medium-strength bump that appeals to those seeking a satisfying keystroke developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness provides a more subtle to moderate tactile feel, making it an excellent choice for users who favor a balanced sound profile and a less pronounced actuation. While the MX Purple RGB is ideal for gamers and typists who appreciate a noticeable tactile presence, the Gateron Weightlessness might attract those who prefer a more understated typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Purple RGB and Gateron Weightlessness switches both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, resulting in a striking similarity in their acoustic properties and overall feel. Nylon is renowned as a classic switch housing material due to its softer composition compared to more rigid plastics, allowing it to absorb sound effectively. This absorption creates a deeper, fuller sound profile that many typists and gamers find appealing. The topography of sound produced when typing on either switch is likely to exhibit a similar tonal quality, making them a comparable choice for individuals who prioritize auditory feedback during use.
While both switches share identical housing materials, the way these materials interact with their internal mechanisms could lead to subtle differences in the typing experience. Each housing's influence on bottom-out sound and feel is shaped by both the specific design of the switch and its components. As a result, despite the shared nylon composition, users may perceive slight variances in how each switch responds upon actuation and release. The bottom housing plays a critical role in determining the tactile feedback and sound produced when the switch is fully pressed down, while the top housing contributes more to the auditory experience when released, ensuring that each switch possesses its unique characteristics.
In essence, the similarity in housing materials between the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Gateron Weightlessness switches leads to an overall shared quality in sound absorption and tactile response. Users can expect a satisfying auditory experience characterized by a deeper, rounder sound profile when using either switch. Although the individual experiences may vary slightly due to design differences and internal mechanics, the nylon housings guarantee a consistent foundation in sound and feel, allowing users to achieve comparable results in both typing and gaming scenarios. This makes both switches appealing choices for users who appreciate the benefits of nylon’s sound-dampening qualities in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we see some notable differences in their actuation forces. The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is lighter compared to the Gateron Weightlessness with a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This means that for those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Cherry MX Purple RGB could be the better option. However, both switches have unknown bottom out forces, which limits direct comparison in that regard. While the Gateron Weightlessness offers a heavier feel, which some users might appreciate for a more substantial typing experience, neither switch provides data on their bottom out force, making their performance under full pressure somewhat ambiguous. Overall, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is the lighter option, appealing to users seeking ease of use, while the Gateron Weightlessness caters to those who prefer a stronger push.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys, the MX Purple RGB offers a deeper feel compared to the more responsive but shallower Weightlessness. For gamers who prioritize faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Weightlessness may be more appealing. However, some users might prefer the more pronounced feedback and depth that the Cherry MX Purple RGB provides, making it a better choice for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, if you're looking for reactive key presses, the Gateron Weightlessness is the shorter option, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB caters to those who enjoy a longer travel distance.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 switch produces a refined acoustic profile that balances both the tactile feedback and auditory experience, making it enjoyable for both typing and gaming. Its sound is often characterized as crisp yet not overly loud, providing a satisfying auditory click without being intrusive. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switch boasts a balanced sound profile that complements its tactile characteristics, offering a subtle to moderate level of auditory feedback. This means while both switches have a pleasing sound, the MX Purple RGB may offer a slightly more pronounced click, whereas the Weightlessness provides a more muted and balanced experience, which can be beneficial in quieter environments.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch is renowned for its short, medium-strength tactile bump that delivers a satisfying tactile response without being overly harsh or tiring for prolonged use. This refined tactile experience is well-suited for typing while still performing well in gaming scenarios. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch provides a subtle to moderate tactile feel that aims for a smooth and comfortable typing experience. While the Weightlessness might not have as pronounced a bump as its Cherry counterpart, it can still offer a pleasing tactile feedback that allows for a satisfying typing rhythm, making it suitable for users who prefer a gentler response.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches each possess their unique characteristics, they both offer satisfying auditory and tactile experiences tailored for different preferences. The MX Purple RGB shines with a crisp sound and a refined tactile bump, making it ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate a noticeable feedback, whereas the Weightlessness switch caters to those desiring a more subtle tactile response with a balanced sound. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences, but both can provide enjoyable results in a mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches ultimately hinges on your preferences for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you are looking for a refined tactile experience with a distinct and medium-strength bump, the Cherry MX Purple RGB might be the way to go. It has been specifically developed with input from keyboard enthusiasts, ensuring that you get an engaging feel with every keystroke, which is particularly beneficial for those who enjoy typing or gaming where precise feedback enhances performance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile sensation paired with a balanced sound profile, the Gateron Weightlessness switches could be your best choice. Their moderate tactile feel provides comfort for extended typing sessions and casual gaming, allowing for a pleasant experience without overwhelming your senses. Ultimately, assess whether you prioritize a pronounced tactile feedback or more subtlety, and select the switch that aligns with your typing style and sound preferences for the best mechanical keyboard experience.
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