Outemu Blue Jade vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Blue Jade and the KTT Purple Star are two popular options that cater to different preferences. The Blue Jade is known for its clicky feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy auditory and tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star stands out for its smooth linear feel and low-pitched sound profile, providing a quieter typing experience. The Blue Jade falls into the category of clicky switches, while the Purple Star belongs to the linear switch family. Each switch has its own unique qualities that appeal to different types of typists. 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
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Nylon
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 housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and the KTT Purple Star switches both play a significant role in shaping the sound profile of the switch. The Blue Jade features a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Purple Star utilizes a POM top housing that produces a unique and pleasing sound with deeper tones that are relatively more muted. While both materials contribute to a rich sound profile, they offer slightly different characteristics in terms of tone and clarity.
Moving on to the bottom housing of the switches, the Blue Jade and the Purple Star each have their own distinct properties. The Blue Jade's nylon bottom housing continues to enhance the deep and full sound profile of the switch, thanks to its ability to absorb sound effectively. On the other hand, the Purple Star's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound with a more muted tone, adding to the overall unique auditory experience of the switch. Despite their differences in material, both bottom housings work in tandem with the top housing to create a cohesive sound profile that caters to different preferences.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the top and bottom housings of the switches come together to provide a balanced sound and feel. The impact of the bottom housing is felt when you bottom out a key, influencing the sound and feel at that moment. Conversely, the top housing affects the sound when you release a key, creating a complete typing experience. While the Blue Jade and the Purple Star may have different housing materials, their combination of top and bottom housings work harmoniously to deliver a satisfying typing experience with unique sound characteristics that cater to varying preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is evident that the Blue Jade requires a heavier force overall compared to the Purple Star. The Blue Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Purple Star has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a lighter switch. Those who prefer a more significant typing experience may opt for the Blue Jade due to its heavier forces, while individuals looking for a lighter typing feel may be more inclined towards the Purple Star. In terms of weight, the Blue Jade is heavier than the Purple Star, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more substantial push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style, as each offers a unique typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Purple Star has a shorter travel distance compared to the Blue Jade. A 0.5 mm difference might not seem like much, but it can affect the overall typing experience. The Blue Jade will provide a slightly deeper press feeling, whereas the Purple Star will offer a quicker response due to its shorter travel distance. Both switches have their own advantages depending on personal preference, with the Blue Jade being better for those who prefer a deeper press and the Purple Star for those who want a faster response time. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on what kind of typing experience you are looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Blue Jade 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 Blue Jade clicky switch is known for its sharp and clicky sound, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile that is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. The sound produced by these switches is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Blue Jade switch is known for its tactile bump and audible click, giving a pronounced typing experience that some may find to be more satisfying. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star linear switch offers a smooth and easy-to-press typing experience due to its all-POM construction and light 45g actuation force. These switches fall under the mild category, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users and offers minimal resistance, making typing effortless and comfortable.
In conclusion, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch offer contrasting experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue Jade switch provides a sharp and tactile typing experience with a loud click, the Purple Star switch offers a smooth and quiet typing experience with a light actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, due to their differences in design and characteristics, users can expect to get distinct results when using each switch.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a clicky sound profile, the Outemu Blue Jade switch would be a great option for you. These switches are known for their tactile feedback and audible click, making them ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a light bottom out force and a smooth, low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Purple Star linear switch would be a better fit. With its buttery smooth typing experience and easy-to-press actuation, these switches are perfect for light typists looking for a comfortable and quiet typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force.
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