Cherry MX Red vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options come to mind: the Cherry MX Red and the KTT Purple Click. The Cherry MX Red is a linear switch known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click, also known as Purple Sauce, offers a high-pitched, satisfying click with light keystrokes and pronounced tactility. While the MX Red is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', the Purple Click is labeled as 'Crunchy', 'Invigorating', 'Resonant', and 'Stepped'. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends 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
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
The Cherry MX Red and KTT Purple Click switches both use nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. However, the top housings of the two switches differ, with the MX Red using nylon and the Purple Click utilizing polycarbonate. The MX Red's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound profile, while the Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate material allows for clear housing, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting.
Both switches benefit from the classic and sound-absorbing properties of nylon in their bottom housings. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, emphasizing the softer nature of the plastic that absorbs sound effectively. This consistency in bottom housing material contributes to a similar typing experience across the Cherry MX Red and KTT Purple Click switches. However, the distinction in top housing material between the two switches leads to differences in sound profile and aesthetics, with the MX Red offering a duller sound compared to the crisper sound produced by the Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing.
In terms of overall typing experience, the top and bottom housing materials of a switch play a significant role in determining the sound and feel of key presses. If the top and bottom housings differ in material, the qualities of each material will influence different aspects of typing. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when the key is released. This distinction is evident in the contrasting sound profiles of the Cherry MX Red and KTT Purple Click switches, showcasing how material choices in switch housings can influence the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it is clear that the MX Red has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the 40 grams of the Purple Click. However, the bottom out force of the Purple Click is noticeably higher at 55 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the MX Red is unknown. The MX Red is known for its light and smooth typing experience due to its light actuation force, making it popular among gamers and those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Purple Click offers a more tactile typing experience with a heavier actuation force and bottom out force, making it ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced key press. In summary, while the actuation forces vary slightly between the two switches, the KTT Purple Click provides a heavier typing experience overall compared to the Cherry MX Red.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the key travel 4 mm from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer the same experience to users, allowing for consistent typing or gaming performance. Overall, the Cherry MX Red and KTT Purple Click switches provide a similar key travel experience with their 4 mm travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Red switch is more low-pitched and thocky, delivering a deep and satisfying sound with each key press. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switch provides a higher-pitched and crunchy sound that is reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. The MX Red offers a bass-heavy tone, while the Purple Click presents a cleaner and sharper high-pitched sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for sound profile.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Red switch is known for its textured feel, offering a subtle friction that some users appreciate for a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch provides an invigorating sensation with firm actuation force and a snappy, reactive feel. Additionally, the Purple Click switch is described as stepped, giving users a slightly different tactile feedback compared to the all-around textured feel of the MX Red. Again, the decision between the two will ultimately come down to personal preference for typing feel.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Red and KTT Purple Click switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the MX Red provides a deeper and textured typing experience, the Purple Click switch delivers a higher-pitched and invigorating feel. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, so it's important for newcomers to consider their own preferences in sound and feel when choosing between these two switches. Ultimately, whether you choose the Cherry MX Red or KTT Purple Click switch, you can expect a satisfying and responsive typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smooth and seamless typing experience with a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, the MX Red may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a light keystroke with a satisfying high-pitched click and pronounced tactile feedback, the Purple Click switch could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so select the one that aligns best with your typing needs.
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