Cherry MX Silent Red vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red and the KTT Purple Star mechanical keyboard switches, we see that both are linear switches offering a smooth typing experience without tactile feedback. The MX Silent Red is ideal for those who value a quieter typing experience, with a muted, low-pitched sound profile suitable for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star is praised for its buttery smooth feel and very light 45g bottom-out, perfect for light typists seeking ease and comfort. 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
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Cherry MX Silent Red and KTT Purple Star both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The MX Silent Red features a nylon top housing, which absorbs sound and creates a duller, rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Purple Star's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials contribute to a pleasing typing experience, they offer slightly different sound profiles due to their unique properties.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and KTT Purple Star use similar materials. The nylon bottom housing of the MX Silent Red and the POM bottom housing of the Purple Star both contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. These softer plastics absorb sound effectively, creating a more satisfying typing experience. As a result, the bottom housing of each switch plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches.
Overall, the housing materials of the Cherry MX Silent Red and KTT Purple Star contribute to their distinct sound profiles. While the MX Silent Red's nylon housing creates a duller and rounder sound, the Purple Star's POM housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer a pleasing typing experience thanks to the unique properties of their housing materials. Whether it's the top or bottom housing, each component plays a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of typing on these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, a notable difference can be seen. The MX Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, slightly heavier than the Purple Star's 43 grams. However, the Cherry MX Silent Red does not have a specified bottom out force, whereas the KTT Purple Star has a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Purple Star requires a heavier force to fully press the keys compared to the MX Silent Red, making it the heavier option between the two. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cherry MX Silent Red might be the better choice, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may prefer the KTT Purple Star. Both switches offer unique advantages, with the MX Silent Red being lighter and potentially better for extended typing sessions, while the KTT Purple Star provides a heavier push for a more satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the KTT Purple Star has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red. The shorter travel distance of the Purple Star may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a bit more depth with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and what feels more comfortable for the individual user.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is known for its muted and low-pitched characteristics, providing a quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switch also offers a low-pitched sound profile, emphasizing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches aim to reduce the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making them suitable choices for quieter environments. Ultimately, whether you prefer the slightly deeper "thocky" sound of the MX Silent Red or the buttery smooth sound of the Purple Star will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as having a textured feel, which may offer a slightly more tactile typing experience with noticeable friction. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switch is characterized by its mild and easy-to-press nature, providing a gentle typing experience with minimal resistance. Those who prefer a smoother, more friction-free typing experience may lean towards the Purple Star, while those who enjoy a bit of feedback and texture may find the MX Silent Red more to their liking. Ultimately, the feel of a switch is a highly individual preference that can greatly impact typing comfort and efficiency.
Overall, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the KTT Purple Star switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the MX Silent Red excels in providing a quieter typing experience with a slightly textured feel, the Purple Star stands out for its smooth and easy-to-press nature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a more tactile typing experience or a smoother, lighter touch. Experimenting with both options on different keyboards and keycap setups can help you determine which switch best suits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a quieter typing experience while maintaining a slightly heavier feel, then the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and smooth typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the KTT Purple Star linear switch would be the ideal option. Consider your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing force to make the best decision for your keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your needs.
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