KTT Orange vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Orange linear switch to the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it's important to consider their individual characteristics. The KTT Orange stands out for its 22mm long spring which provides a bouncy feel, along with a polycarbonate milky top housing and a vivid orange nylon bottom housing. The long pole POM stem and excellent factory-lubing ensure a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch lacks specific standout features but is generally known for its tactile feedback. While the Orange switch offers a bouncy and frictionless typing experience, the Purple switch provides tactile feedback that some users prefer for increased accuracy. 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
46g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the KTT Orange and the Outemu Purple switches lies in the bottom housing. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, the Orange switch has a polycarbonate bottom housing, whereas the Purple switch utilizes a nylon bottom housing. This contrast results in the Orange switch producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, while the Purple switch offers a deeper and fuller sound thanks to the softer and more sound-absorbent nature of nylon. Therefore, the bottom-out sound and feel of these switches will differ significantly based on their bottom housing material.
In terms of aesthetics, both the KTT Orange and the Outemu Purple switches feature clear polycarbonate top housings, making them suitable for RGB lighting setups. The translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for vibrant lighting effects to shine through, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the switches. This similarity in top housing material ensures that users can achieve a similar level of brightness and clarity in RGB lighting with either switch. However, the different bottom housing materials will still impact the overall sound profile and typing experience of each switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Orange and the Outemu Purple switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. Those who prefer a sharper, crisper sound may lean towards the Orange switch with its polycarbonate bottom housing, while individuals seeking a deeper and fuller sound might opt for the Purple switch with its nylon bottom housing. Both switches offer the benefit of clear polycarbonate top housings for RGB lighting effects, ensuring a visually appealing typing experience regardless of the chosen housing material.
Weight
The KTT Orange linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Outemu Purple tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Orange requires 53 grams while the Purple's value is unknown. The Orange switch offers a medium-light typing experience, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Purple switch provides a slightly heavier actuation force, which may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced key press. Both switches have their own advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Orange being lighter and the Purple potentially offering a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Purple switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Orange switch. The 4.0mm distance is considered more traditional, while the 3.5mm distance is on the shorter end. Gamers typically prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for a switch with a longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
The Outemu Purple comes in at $3.10 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
The KTT Orange linear switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during typing compared to higher-pitched switches. This, combined with the slick and frictionless typing experience from the polycarbonate milky top housing and factory-lubing, offers a smooth and refined auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it's unclear how it compares in this aspect.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Orange linear switch stands out for its bouncy and frictionless qualities, offering a spring-like feedback sensation with a lively feel and rebound when pressed. The long pole POM stem, along with the 22mm long spring, contributes to this bouncy feel, providing an elastic typing experience. The Outemu Purple tactile switch's tactile feel is unknown, so it's uncertain how it measures up in terms of key feedback and bounce.
Overall, if you prefer a switch with a low-pitched sound profile, a bouncy and frictionless typing experience, and a slick key travel, the KTT Orange linear switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you are looking for tactile feedback or have a preference for a different sound profile, it's important to gather more information on the Outemu Purple tactile switch to make an informed decision. Remember that individual preferences play a crucial role in determining the right switch for you, so testing out both options firsthand may be the best way to find the perfect fit for your typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Orange linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, consider your preference for a light-medium bottom out force and a bouncy, frictionless typing experience. If you enjoy a keyboard switch with a bouncy feel, smooth key travel, and a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with an undefined bottom out force and unknown characteristics, the Outemu Purple switches may not be the best choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing preferences and priorities.
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