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KTT Orange vs. KTT Purple Click

An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the KTT Orange and the KTT Purple Click. The KTT Orange switch is known for its bouncy and frictionless feel, thanks to the 22mm long spring and polished POM stem. With a low-pitched sound profile and excellent factory-lubing, it offers a refined, fluid key travel experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch stands out for its high-pitched and satisfying click. It provides a light keystroke with pronounced tactility, creating a perfect equilibrium between feedback and typing comfort. While these general descriptions give a glimpse into the characteristics of each switch, diving deeper will help you make the best choice for your specific preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

46g

Actuation force

40g

Bottom-out force

53g

Bottom-out force

55g

Pre-travel

1.90 mm

Pre-travel

1.90 mm

Total travel

3.50 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

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

18mm spring

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Orange and the KTT Purple Click, one notable difference is seen in their bottom housings. The Orange utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Purple Click incorporates a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Orange contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its relatively stiffer plastic allows for a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those seeking a precise typing experience. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Purple Click produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch. This can be appealing for individuals who prefer a more mellow and subdued typing sound.

On the other hand, when examining the top housings of the KTT Orange and the KTT Purple Click, we find that both switches utilize polycarbonate. The use of polycarbonate in the top housings of both switches contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiffer plastic of polycarbonate allows for a more clear and resonant sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through and create mesmerizing visual effects. Therefore, while the top housings of the Orange and Purple Click are the same, it is worth noting that the qualities associated with polycarbonate are consistent across both switches, resulting in similar sound and aesthetic outcomes.

In terms of usage, the different housing materials in the top and bottom housings of the KTT Orange and the KTT Purple Click impact the overall sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing, be it polycarbonate or nylon, plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and tactile experience when pressing down on the switch. The stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Orange will contribute to a sharper and more pronounced bottom-out sound, enhancing the tactile feedback for typists. Conversely, the softer nylon bottom housing of the Purple Click will provide a more cushioned and gentle bottom-out sound, offering a different tactile experience. On the other hand, when it comes to the sound produced when releasing a key, the top housing takes center stage. Both the Orange and the Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing will contribute to a sharper and more distinct sound when a key is let go, providing a consistent experience for users of both switches.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Orange linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, we can observe a few similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Orange switch is 46 grams, while the Purple Click switch requires a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams. Both switches can provide a medium-light typing experience in terms of actuation.

In terms of bottom out force, the Orange switch requires 53 grams of force, whereas the Purple Click switch demands a slightly heavier force of 55 grams. This means that when pressing all the way down, the Purple Click switch will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience compared to the Orange switch.

Considering weight is essential due to different preferences. For those who prefer lighter switches, the Orange switch would be ideal as it allows for prolonged typing sessions without excessive finger fatigue. This lighter weight is well-suited for bringing your keyboard to work or engaging in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the Purple Click switch, as its heavier bottom out force would provide a more substantial and satisfying typing experience.

In conclusion, while both switches fall into the medium-light category, the Orange linear switch is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, while the Purple Click clicky switch is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Orange linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Orange has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Purple Click has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, but the Purple Click offers a slightly longer distance. If you are a gamer looking for faster response times, the Orange switch may be the better option for you with its shorter travel distance. However, if you prefer a more substantial feeling when pressing down on the keys, the Purple Click's longer travel distance may be more appealing. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired responsiveness.

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 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 KTT Orange switch is best known for its low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches typically have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch is described as having a fairly high-pitched, satisfying click. When typing on the Purple Click switch, you can expect a crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. Additionally, the Purple Click switch offers a resonant sound profile, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the KTT Orange switch is known for its bouncy and frictionless nature. Bouncy switches provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, offering a lively feel and rebound when pressed. In addition, the Orange switch provides an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch is described as invigorating. It offers pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. The Purple Click switch can be likened to a stepped switch, meaning it has two stages of tactility. It offers some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving a more mild tactile experience compared to hypertactile switches.

In conclusion, the KTT Orange and Purple Click switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Orange switch provides a low-pitched sound profile, a bouncy feel, and a frictionless typing experience. It is known for its smoothness and refined key travel. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch offers a satisfying click with a high-pitched sound profile, an invigorating and tactile feel, and a snappy typing sensation. While they have their differences, both switches offer unique and desirable qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. If you are seeking a low-pitched, smooth, and bouncy experience, the Orange switch would be a suitable choice. Alternatively, if you prefer a higher-pitched click, pronounced feedback, and an immersive typing sensation, the Purple Click switch would be a great option. Regardless of your choice, both switches are designed to enhance your typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you enjoy a slick and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange linear switch is the way to go. With its bouncy and frictionless feel, these switches provide a spring-like feedback sensation and effortless typing experience. Additionally, the Orange switches have a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, if you crave a satisfying high-pitched click with pronounced tactility, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is the better choice. These switches offer a crunchy and resonant sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. The Purple Click switches also have an invigorating and stepped feel, providing a reactive and immersive typing sensation. Ultimately, your choice between the Orange and Purple Click switches comes down to your preference in terms of sound and feel.

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