Cherry MX Silent Red vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Silent Red and the KTT Purple Click stand out as popular options to consider. The MX Silent Red offers a smooth and linear typing experience, similar to the well-loved MX Red switch, but with the added bonus of operating in near silence. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch provides a more tactile and clicky typing experience, with a satisfyingly high-pitched sound with each keystroke. While the MX Silent Red is ideal for noise-sensitive environments and offers a quieter typing experience, the Purple Click switch is perfect for those who enjoy a more tactile and audible feedback while typing. 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
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Silent Red and KTT Purple Click switches both utilize nylon in their bottom housings, which leads to a similar deep and full sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows for sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. On the contrary, the top housing of the Cherry MX Silent Red features nylon, while the KTT Purple Click uses polycarbonate. The use of polycarbonate in the Purple Click's top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in top housing material gives each switch its unique sound characteristics.
Both switches share the commonality of nylon in their bottom housings, providing a consistent typing experience with a deep and fuller sound profile. However, the distinction arises in the material used for the top housing. While the Cherry MX Silent Red's nylon top housing produces a relatively softer sound, the Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing produces a clear and resonant sound due to its stiffness. The aesthetics of the switches are also impacted by the choice of housing material, with the Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing being ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of performance, the bottom housing material has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. The Cherry MX Silent Red's combination of nylon in both top and bottom housings results in a consistent typing experience with a deeper sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click's mix of nylon and polycarbonate creates a unique sound quality with a sharper and crisper sound profile. Overall, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound characteristics and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The MX Silent Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Purple Click has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red does not provide information on the bottom out force, whereas the Purple Click has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Purple Click would be the better option due to its lower actuation force. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the MX Silent Red may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and typing habits.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the KTT Purple Click clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Silent Red has a shorter travel distance compared to the KTT Purple Click switch. The shorter travel distance of the Cherry MX Silent Red makes it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the KTT Purple Click switch may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a deeper key press sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch offers a muted and thocky typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for quiet environments where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch provides a crunchy and resonant click that offers a satisfying auditory experience with a higher-pitched sound profile. Both switches offer unique sound qualities, but the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference and the environment in which they will be used.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as having a textured feel, which may appeal to users who prefer some friction when typing. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switch offers an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. Additionally, the Purple Click switch is described as having a stepped feel, providing a tactile sensation with two stages to the keystroke. Again, the choice between the two switches in terms of feel will depend on individual preferences for typing feedback and actuation force.
Overall, the Cherry MX Silent Red and KTT Purple Click switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the MX Silent Red provides a quiet and slightly textured typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Purple Click switch offers a satisfying click with an invigorating and stepped feel. Depending on whether one prioritizes a silent typing experience or enjoys a clicky tactile feedback, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, you'll want to consider your environment and personal preference. If you're in a noise-sensitive setting and prefer a quieter typing experience, the Cherry MX Silent Red would be the ideal choice with its silent operation. On the other hand, if you enjoy the auditory feedback of a clicky switch and prefer a light keystroke with a satisfying click sound, the KTT Purple Click switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a silent typing experience or a more audible and tactile one. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and environment.
Mentioned in this article
