Outemu Cream Pink vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Pink and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Cream Pink and the KTT Purple Star mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique qualities to consider. The Cream Pink, known for its smooth actuation, is a popular choice for those seeking a linear switch with a light touch. On the other hand, the Purple Star stands out for its all-POM construction and incredibly smooth typing experience, making it an excellent option for those looking for a buttery feel and low-pitched sound profile. While the Cream Pink is favored for its none, and the Purple Star for its mild, low-pitched, and easy-to-press attributes, both switches have their own strengths and appeal. 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
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Cream Pink and KTT Purple Star switches feature different housing materials for both the top and bottom components. The Cream Pink utilizes a nylon housing for both the top and bottom, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Purple Star has a POM top housing and bottom housing, creating a unique and pleasing sound profile that is on the deeper side and more muted compared to nylon. While both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference in sound profile.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Outemu Cream Pink and KTT Purple Star switches, they both share a similar characteristic of providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon top housing of the Cream Pink and the POM top housing of the Purple Star both contribute to a sound that is relatively more muted and on the deeper side. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Cream Pink and the POM bottom housing of the Purple Star each play a role in creating a duller and rounder sound when the switches are pressed. These similarities in sound profile may make it difficult for users to distinguish between the two switches based solely on their housing materials.
While the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Pink and KTT Purple Star switches may result in similar sound profiles, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to individual preferences and typing feel. The impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable when pressing down on a key, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Users may find that the POM housing of the Purple Star offers a more unique and pleasing sound, while others may prefer the fuller sound profile produced by the nylon housing of the Cream Pink. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their respective housing materials.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Pink linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the KTT Purple Star linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams. Similarly, the Cream Pink also has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Purple Star has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. The Cream Pink switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy force, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Purple Star switch offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch is 4.0 mm, while the travel distance of the KTT Purple Star linear switch is 3.5 mm. The Cream Pink has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Purple Star. In general, a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying tactile feedback while a shorter travel distance can be preferred for quicker response times, especially in gaming scenarios. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances and should provide a similar typing experience overall, with the Cream Pink offering a slightly deeper keystroke compared to the Purple Star. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Cream Pink 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 Cream Pink linear switch has a yet-to-be-described sound profile, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch is known for its low-pitched sound signature. The low-pitched sound of the Purple Star switch offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It's essential to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other elements such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch lacks a specific description, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch is characterized as mild and easy-to-press. The mild nature of the Purple Star switch provides a gentle typing experience, falling within a safe, middle-ground zone that most users find approachable. Additionally, the easy-to-press quality of these switches means they require minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Overall, while the specifics of the Outemu Cream Pink switch's sound and feel remain unknown, the KTT Purple Star switch is praised for its buttery smooth typing experience and light 45g bottom-out force, ideal for light typists. Both switches offer a linear typing experience, but the Purple Star stands out for its all-POM construction and user-friendly properties. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can achieve satisfying results with either switch, with the Cream Pink being a bit more of a mystery in terms of its characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a bottom-out force of 65 grams and are focused on the feel and sound of your typing experience, the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a bottom-out force of 50 grams and value a smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the KTT Purple Star linear switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom-out force to ensure that you have a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
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