Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence the typing experience, and two popular options are the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the KTT Wine Red switches. The Cherry MX Purple, a tactile switch developed in partnership with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, is distinguished by its refined tactile feedback, characterized by a short, medium-strength bump. This tactile response can enhance typing accuracy and provide satisfying feedback for users who enjoy a pronounced sensation during use. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switch falls into the linear category and is celebrated for its pillowy light feel and deep, rich sound profile. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers or typists who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without the feedback of a bump. Each switch offers unique advantages depending on your personal preferences and typing style; 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
44g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the KTT Wine Red switches, a clear distinction emerges between the nylon and polycarbonate options. The Cherry MX Purple RGB features a nylon top and bottom housing, recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb sound, contributing to a more subdued auditory experience that many users find warm and pleasant. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness creates a resonant quality, which enhances clarity. As a result, the auditory experience with the Wine Red switches will feel noticeably more acute compared to the warmer tone of the Cherry MX Purple RGB.
In terms of aesthetics, the transparency of polycarbonate in the KTT Wine Red switches adds visual appeal, especially for RGB lighting setups. The clear polycarbonate allows for vibrant light diffusion, creating an eye-catching glow when the key switches are illuminated. While the MX Purple RGB switches do not feature a clear top, the nylon remains a tried-and-true material, albeit one that does not offer the same visual interplay with RGB lighting. The significant difference in material usage leads to differing functionalities, where the polycarbonate housing optimizes not only sound clarity but also light transmission, thus appealing to gamers and custom keyboard enthusiasts looking to create dynamic lighting effects.
Ultimately, the disparate characteristics of nylon and polycarbonate housing materials will influence the overall typing experience. Although both switches serve the purpose of providing tactile feedback, the way they achieve this is distinctly different. The Cherry MX Purple RGB will excel in creating a softer and more rounded sound—ideal for typing experiences focused on comfort and sound absorption—while the KTT Wine Red will shine with its sharper audio output and aesthetic versatility, perfect for those who prioritize brightness and sound clarity. If a user desires both sound absorption and RGB aesthetics, they may seek to combine switches with different housing materials to achieve a balanced auditory experience while still enjoying the visual impact of glowing keys.
Weight
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for different preferences in typing experiences. The MX Purple RGB has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the KTT Wine Red requires a slightly lighter actuation force of 44 grams. This means that the KTT Wine Red is more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch, which can be beneficial for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the KTT Wine Red also has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which indicates that when fully pressed, it requires more force compared to the Cherry MX Purple RGB, for which the bottom out force is unknown. As a result, the MX Purple RGB may provide a softer landing experience, while the Wine Red will deliver a more substantial feel upon bottoming out. Ultimately, if you favor a heavier push for a more tactile experience, the KTT Wine Red may be the better option, whereas those who enjoy a slightly lighter actuation may lean towards the Cherry MX Purple RGB.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch both possess a travel distance of 4 mm, making them identical in this regard. Since their travel distances are the same, users can expect similar tactile feedback and keystroke depth when pressing either switch. This congruence means that both switches will provide a comparable typing experience, ensuring that the feel and response of the keys remain consistent, regardless of which switch is employed.
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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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 Purple RGB switch offers a balanced acoustic profile with a refined sound that enhances the overall typing experience. While the specific characteristics of the acoustic signature aren't detailed, one can expect a smooth and pleasant auditory feedback that complements its tactile bump. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch delivers a distinctively bassy and low-pitched sound, characterized by a deeper resonance during key presses. This unique sound profile creates a satisfying experience as it evokes the richness commonly associated with bass tones, providing a contrast to the Cherry MX Purple RGB’s more neutral audio feedback. Keep in mind that sound can vary significantly based on the keyboard construction, such as the type of board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch is recognized for its refined tactile experience that incorporates a short, medium-strength bump, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate feedback without being overly disruptive. While the exact tactile feedback of the MX Purple RGB is not detailed, it is designed to offer a satisfying and responsive actuation. Conversely, the KTT Wine Red switch is characterized by its pillowy and light typing feel, providing a smooth experience without any tactile bump. This linear design allows for uninterrupted key presses, making it ideal for those who prefer a more seamless and fluid typing experience. The differences in tactile response can directly influence typing techniques and personal preferences, pushing users towards one style or the other.
In conclusion, while both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and KTT Wine Red switches offer unique qualities, they cater to different typing preferences. The Cherry MX Purple excels in providing a tactile, yet balanced sound and feedback, ideal for users who enjoy a defined actuation. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red appeals to those who favor a smoother, uninterrupted typing experience paired with a pleasingly deep sound profile. Ultimately, the selection between these switches will depend on whether one values tactile feedback or a linear feel more in their keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch will ultimately depend on your preferences for tactile feedback and sound profile during your typing experience. If you appreciate a pronounced tactile bump and desire a more interactive feel while typing, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is an excellent option. It's particularly suitable for typists who enjoy a medium-strength tactile response, making it a great fit for both gaming and productivity tasks. However, if you prefer a smoother, quieter keystroke with a plush sensation, the KTT Wine Red linear switch may be the better choice for you, providing a light touch without the tactile feedback, which can enhance your typing speed and overall comfort. The bassy and low-pitched sound of the Wine Red switches also caters to users who enjoy a richer auditory experience while typing. Therefore, consider your typing style and the sensory feedback you value most to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
