Outemu Black vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Outemu Black and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Black and the KTT Purple Star both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Black is a linear switch that is best known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star is also a linear switch but stands out for its buttery smooth typing experience and low-pitched sound signature due to its all-POM construction. While the Outemu Black may be preferred for its reliability, the KTT Purple Star is ideal for light typists looking for an easy-to-press switch. 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
65g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Black and KTT Purple Star switches both offer unique sound profiles due to their different housing materials. The Black features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Purple Star utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. While the Black's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Purple Star's POM top housing offers a pleasing and unique sound experience. Despite their differences, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their distinct sound profiles.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Outemu Black comes with a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. In comparison, the KTT Purple Star also features a POM bottom housing, contributing to a sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. While the housing materials may differ between the two switches, they both focus on enhancing the typing sound by utilizing specific plastics that absorb sound and create a unique auditory experience.
Overall, the combination of top and bottom housing materials plays a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of a switch. While the Black may have a stiffer polycarbonate top housing and a softer nylon bottom housing, creating a clear and resonant sound profile, the Purple Star's POM top and bottom housing offer a more muted and deep sound experience. Despite their differences, both switches prioritize sound quality and aim to provide a satisfying typing experience for users, making them excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking unique auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Black linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is evident that there is a significant difference in actuation and bottom out force. The Outemu Black has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a more suitable option for users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. Those who opt for the Outemu Black will get a more intense typing feel, while those who choose the KTT Purple Star will enjoy a lighter and more effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing weight and feel.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Black linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is evident that the Black has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Purple Star's 3.5 mm travel distance. The Black switch offers a more traditional and deeper keystroke experience, while the Purple Star provides a slightly shallower feel. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Purple Star's shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke may lean towards the Outemu Black switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style, as both offer their advantages based on the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Black comes in at $3.10, whereas the KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88.
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 Outemu Black linear switch is known for being relatively quiet with a neutral sound profile, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch is described as having a low-pitched tone that is more bass-heavy and mellow. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience in terms of sound, but the Purple Star may appeal more to those who prefer a deeper, richer sound from their keyboard.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Black switch does not have a specific feel mentioned. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switch is described as providing a mild and easy-to-press typing experience. This means that the Purple Star switches offer a gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate, which can reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The mild and easy-to-press nature of the Purple Star switches makes them suitable for most users who prefer a comfortable and responsive typing feel.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Black and KTT Purple Star linear switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Black switch offers a more neutral sound profile and a feel that is not specifically mentioned, the Purple Star switch stands out with its low-pitched sound and easy-to-press typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and typing feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. If you enjoy a quiet and neutral sound with a comfortable and light typing experience, the Black switch may be more suited to your preferences. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, bass-heavy sound and a gentle, easy-to-press typing feel, the Purple Star switch would be a great choice for you. Ultimately, both switches are capable of delivering a pleasant typing experience, so you can expect similar results in terms of overall quality.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Black linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a heavier switch with no specific standout features and are looking for a switch with a bottom out force of 82 grams, the Outemu Black may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with an all-POM construction, a buttery smooth typing experience, and a bottom out force of 50 grams, the KTT Purple Star might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing style and what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
