Cherry MX Red vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to contemplate are the Cherry MX Red and KTT Purple Star switches. The Cherry MX Red is praised for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that is both responsive and satisfying. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switches are known for their buttery smooth typing feel with a light 45g bottom-out force, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. While the Cherry MX Red offers a more textured tactile experience, the KTT Purple Star provides an easy-to-press keystroke with a neutral sound signature. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and the KTT Purple Star switches differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The MX Red features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In comparison, the Purple Star utilizes a POM top housing that produces a more muted sound with a deeper tone. While both materials offer unique sound characteristics, the MX Red's nylon top housing may provide a duller and rounder sound compared to the Purple Star's POM top housing.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing of the switches, the MX Red and the Purple Star both use the same material - nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder sound that enhances the typing experience. Therefore, despite differences in their top housing materials, the MX Red and the Purple Star switches will likely offer a similar sound profile and typing feel when considering their shared nylon bottom housing.
Overall, the housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and the KTT Purple Star switches play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While the top housing materials differ between the switches, with the MX Red featuring nylon and the Purple Star utilizing POM, both switches share a nylon bottom housing. This common bottom housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, while the differences in their top housing materials create unique tones and levels of sound absorption. Ultimately, the choice between the Cherry MX Red and the KTT Purple Star may come down to personal preference in terms of sound characteristics and typing feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is clear that the Cherry MX Red has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the KTT Purple Star's 43 grams. However, the Cherry MX Red does not provide information on its bottom out force, while the KTT Purple Star has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is considered light. This means that the KTT Purple Star requires a lighter force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the Cherry MX Red. In terms of weight, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the KTT Purple Star for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the slightly heavier actuation force of the Cherry MX Red for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
Regarding the travel distance of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, the Cherry MX Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Purple Star has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Cherry MX Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the KTT Purple Star. A 4.0mm travel distance is seen as more traditional, providing a balance between depth and responsiveness, while a 3.5mm travel distance is considered shallower and can result in faster response times, making it popular among gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - if you prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker key presses, the KTT Purple Star may be the better option, but if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Cherry MX Red could be the way to go. Both switches offer their own advantages, so it's important to consider your own typing style and preferences when making a decision.
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 Star comes in at $4.88 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 Red switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switch also offers a low-pitched sound signature, emphasizing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that complements the buttery smooth typing experience it provides. Both switches are likely to produce a pleasant sound while typing, with the MX Red having a slightly deeper and richer sound compared to the Purple Star.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Red switch is characterized by its textured feel, which may provide a tactile feedback that some users appreciate. On the contrary, the KTT Purple Star switch offers a mild and easy-to-press typing experience, with gentle resistance during key presses and a light actuation force. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. While the MX Red offers a more textured feel, the Purple Star provides a smoother and gentler typing experience that many users find approachable and comfortable.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Red linear switch excels in providing a satisfyingly deep and slightly textured typing experience with a more pronounced feel, perfect for those who prefer a bit of resistance and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switch offers a buttery smooth and easy-to-press typing feel with a soft, low-pitched sound profile, ideal for light typists looking for a comfortable and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality options for users with differing preferences in sound and feel, ensuring a pleasant typing experience regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a linear switch with a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Red would be the ideal choice for you. It offers a robust typing experience with its thocky and low-pitched sound characteristics, along with a textured feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a very light bottom-out force, the KTT Purple Star linear switch would be the perfect fit. The Purple Star's low-pitched sound and mild, easy-to-press feel make it a great option for those who prefer a more gentle typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the Cherry MX Red and the KTT Purple Star will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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