Outemu Blue vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Outemu Blue, a clicky switch, and the KTT Purple Click, also a clicky switch. The Outemu Blue switch is best known for its None feature and is categorized as []. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch, also known as Purple Sauce, stands out for its fairly high-pitched, satisfying click. The keystrokes of the Purple Click are light yet offer a pronounced tactility that strikes a perfect equilibrium. This switch falls under categories such as 'Crunchy', 'Invigorating', 'Resonant', and 'Stepped'. Each switch has its unique characteristics that cater to different preferences but ultimately serve the purpose of providing a satisfying typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Blue and KTT Purple Click switches both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This material's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, the nylon bottom housing of both switches differs in sound profile, with nylon offering a deeper and fuller typing experience due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Despite the similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, the Outemu Blue and KTT Purple Click switches offer a unique typing experience due to their different nylon bottom housings. The Outemu Blue's nylon bottom housing creates a more impactful bottom-out sound and feel, while the KTT Purple Click's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material highlights how the specific combination of housing materials can impact the overall typing experience of a switch.
In conclusion, while both the Outemu Blue and KTT Purple Click switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound profile, their nylon bottom housings offer distinct typing experiences. The Outemu Blue's nylon bottom housing creates a more impactful bottom-out sound, while the KTT Purple Click's nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller typing experience. These differences in housing materials showcase how the combination of materials in a switch can influence the sound, feel, and overall performance of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force of the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it is evident that the Outemu Blue requires a slightly heavier force to trigger a keystroke at 50 grams compared to the 40 grams required by the KTT Purple Click. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Outemu Blue's force is not disclosed, while the KTT Purple Click has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the KTT Purple Click has a lighter actuation force but a heavier bottom out force compared to the Outemu Blue. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the KTT Purple Click may be more suitable, while those who prefer a bit more resistance might lean towards the Outemu Blue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when typing on either of these switches. The 4mm travel distance provides a satisfying clicky feedback for typists who prefer a more tactile feel while typing. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a consistent travel distance, making them suitable choices for individuals looking for a clicky switch option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Blue 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Blue switch is best known for its crisp and satisfying click, delivering a tactile and audible experience with each key press. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch is described as having a high-pitched and resonant click, offering a unique and immersive sound profile that is enjoyable for users who appreciate a distinct auditory feedback. Both switches provide a satisfying clicky sound, but the Purple Click switch may offer a slightly different pitch and tone compared to the Blue switch.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Blue switch does not have specific descriptors provided, but is generally known for its tactile feel and light actuation force. Conversely, the KTT Purple Click switch is characterized as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a snappy feel that enhances the typing experience. Additionally, the Purple Click switch is described as stepped, providing a more moderate tactile feel compared to other hyper-tactile switches, allowing users to feel pre-travel and post-travel within the keystroke. Overall, while both switches offer a tactile typing experience, the Purple Click switch may provide a more distinct and reactive feel for users.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue switch is known for its satisfying click and light keystrokes, the Purple Click switch stands out with its high-pitched and resonant sound profile, as well as its invigorating and stepped tactile feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, users can choose between these switches to achieve similar clicky switch results with slight variations in sound pitch and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a switch with no bottom out force and are looking for a switch that is best known for a specific attribute, the Outemu Blue may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, and are looking for a switch with a signature high-pitched, satisfying click sound along with a tactile typing experience that strikes a perfect balance between light keystrokes and pronounced tactility, then the KTT Purple Click switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and specific typing experience you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard setup.
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