Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Gateron Zero Degree 0° offer distinct advantages tailored to different typing preferences. The Cherry MX Purple switches stand out with their refined tactile feedback, featuring a medium-strength bump that provides satisfying feedback with each keystroke, making them ideal for users who enjoy a sensory typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° excels in delivering a smooth and silent typing experience thanks to its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, which absorbs sound and minimizes noise, perfect for those who prioritize a quieter workspace. While both switches cater to different need and preferences—tactile versus linear—each has its unique strengths and user benefits. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, notable differences exist in the composition of their top housings. The Cherry MX Purple RGB utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer properties of nylon allow it to absorb sound better, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0° features a polycarbonate top housing that imparts a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffer composition. The clarity of the polycarbonate enhances the resonance of each keystroke, making it well-suited for scenarios where RGB lighting is present, as its translucency allows for effective light diffusion.
Despite the differences in the top housing materials, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing; both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This similarity means that while the sound profiles will diverge when pressing the keys, the overall experience will still have elements of sound absorption from the nylon material present in the bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon grants both switches a deeper and rounder bottom-out sound and feel, allowing users to experience a level of auditory consistency that can mask some of the differences produced by their top housings.
Ultimately, the interplay between the different materials in each switch leads to a unique typing experience. While the Cherry MX Purple RGB delivers a sound profile that leans toward depth and roundness thanks in part to its nylon top housing, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° excels in sharpness and clarity with its polycarbonate top. The nylon bottom housing in both switches creates a sound foundation that enriches the overall typing experience, particularly noticeable during the bottoming-out phase. Thus, users may find that while the keys might feel distinct, the underlying nylon materials unify their tactile experiences, offering both similarities and differences that cater to varied preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch to the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, both switches exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means that users will experience similar responsiveness when pressing down on either switch to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force for both switches is not specified, leaving a gap in the comparison regarding how firmly the keystrokes feel when pressed to their fullest extent. Since the actuation forces are equivalent, both switches are likely to provide a comparable typing experience in terms of responsiveness, making them suitable for both longer typing sessions and gaming. If a user prefers a lighter touch for ease of use, both switches will fulfill that need with their shared actuation force, encouraging prolonged use without as much fatigue. However, without knowing the bottom out forces, we cannot determine which switch might offer a heavier or lighter bottoming feel, which may influence a user's decision based on their personal preference for typing feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, we observe a notable difference in travel distance. The Cherry MX Purple RGB has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This distinction indicates that the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a more pronounced keypress feel, appealing to users who prefer a deeper and more tactile response. In contrast, the Gateron switch's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to gamers and users who value quicker response times, as shorter travel distances typically result in faster actuation. Ultimately, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may gravitate towards the Cherry MX Purple RGB, while those who favor a snappier, more responsive feel might opt for the Gateron Zero Degree 0°.
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 Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° 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 tactile switch produces a refined audio profile characteristic of tactile switches, offering a satisfying, yet not overly loud, sound when the bump is activated. This creates an engaging typing experience that isn't disruptive in quieter environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch excels in silent operation, thanks to its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure. This enables a notably quieter keystroke, effectively absorbing sound and minimizing noise, making it an excellent choice for those who need to maintain a low auditory footprint in their typing environment. Overall, if sound is a major factor in your choice, the MX Purple RGB will make its presence known, whereas the Zero Degree 0° prioritizes silence.
Regarding feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a tactile experience that features a short, medium-strength bump, which many typists find both gratifying and responsive. This tactile feedback enhances the typing experience by providing a clear indication of actuation without being overly harsh on the fingers. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch focuses on smoothness, delivering a soft, elastic feel through its dual-rail structure that ensures stability and consistency in keystrokes. Typists who favor a silky-smooth experience without the tactile bump will find the Zero Degree 0° extremely appealing. While both switches cater to different preferences, they provide distinct yet pleasurable experiences.
In conclusion, when selecting between the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches, it’s essential to consider both sound and feel based on your personal typing style and environment. If you prefer tactile feedback with a moderate auditory presence, the MX Purple RGB offers a satisfying experience. Conversely, for those who prioritize silence and smooth, unimpeded typing, the Zero Degree 0° is the prime choice. These differences not only reflect the individual characteristics of the switches but also how they align with your typing needs, ensuring that your choice is ultimately one that enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch ultimately hinges on how you plan to use your keyboard and your personal preferences in terms of feedback and sound. If you appreciate a tactile response and want to experience a satisfying bump as you type, particularly for typing or gaming where feedback is essential, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch would be an excellent fit. Its refined tactile experience developed with keyboard enthusiasts offers a short, medium-strength bump that can enhance your expression and precision while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and silent typing experience, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is designed for just that, complete with an innovative dual-rail structure that absorbs sound and provides a soft, elastic feel. This makes it particularly suitable for quiet environments or for those who do a lot of typing during call or video meetings. Considering these factors will help you select the switch that best aligns with your typing style and the ambient conditions in which you use your keyboard.
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