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Outemu Dustproof Brown vs. KTT Purple Click

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

Overview

When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Dustproof Brown, a tactile switch, and the KTT Purple Click, a clicky switch. The Dustproof Brown is best known for its reliability and longevity due to its dustproof design. On the other hand, the Purple Click, also known as Purple Sauce, stands out for its high-pitched, satisfying click and light keystrokes that still provide a pronounced tactility. While the Dustproof Brown offers a smooth and consistent typing experience, the Purple Click provides a more invigorating and resonant feel with each keystroke. Both switches have their own unique qualities that appeal to different preferences, making them suitable for various typing needs. 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

45g

Actuation force

40g

Bottom-out force

65g

Bottom-out force

55g

Pre-travel

2.00 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

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

Plate (3-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

18mm spring

Housing materials

The Outemu Dustproof Brown and KTT Purple Click both feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is also beneficial for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for a visually appealing aesthetic. However, where they differ is in their nylon bottom housings. The Dustproof Brown's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. The KTT Purple Click also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar experience in sound profile to the Dustproof Brown.

Despite their similarities in top housing material, the Dustproof Brown and KTT Purple Click differentiate themselves in their bottom housing materials. While both utilize nylon for the bottom housing, each switch offers a unique sound profile based on the properties of the nylon used. The Dustproof Brown's bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound, while the KTT Purple Click's nylon bottom housing also provides a similar experience, creating a rounder and duller sound. This difference in sound profile can impact the overall typing experience for users of these switches.

In summary, the Outemu Dustproof Brown and KTT Purple Click share similarities in their use of polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharp and clear sound profile that is ideal for RGB lighting. However, they differentiate themselves in their nylon bottom housing, with the Dustproof Brown offering a deeper and fuller sound profile and the KTT Purple Click providing a rounder and duller sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound and typing feel, as the housing materials play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it is evident that the Dustproof Brown has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Purple Click's lighter 40 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Dustproof Brown also requires more force at 65 grams, while the Purple Click is lighter at 55 grams. The Dustproof Brown provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy force, while the Purple Click offers a lighter typing feel with its medium-light force. Both switches have different weight preferences, with some users favoring the lighter actuation and bottom out force for extended typing sessions, while others prefer the heavier force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirement.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches ensures that users will get a consistent tactile feedback and overall typing experience. In terms of travel distance, there is no significant difference between the two switches as they both offer the same level of key travel. Therefore, whether you choose the Dustproof Brown or Purple Click switch, you can expect to have a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance.

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 Dustproof Brown 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 Dustproof Brown switch is known for its quiet operation, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch is renowned for its distinct and satisfying high-pitched click, providing a unique auditory feedback that some find exhilarating. The Dustproof Brown switch offers a subdued sound profile, while the Purple Click switch delivers a more pronounced and engaging typing noise, reminiscent of crunchy autumn leaves. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding typing sound.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch is often praised for its smooth tactile feedback, offering a gentle bump during key actuation without being overly pronounced. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switch provides a more invigorating typing experience with a firmer actuation force and a snappy, reactive feel. The Purple Click switch is often described as having a stepped tactile sensation, meaning that users can feel distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages during keypresses. Once again, the decision between these switches will come down to individual preference for typing feel.

Overall, the Outemu Dustproof Brown and KTT Purple Click switches offer contrasting qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Dustproof Brown switch provides a quiet and smooth typing experience, suitable for those who prefer a more subtle feedback, the Purple Click switch delivers a unique high-pitched click and a more invigorating tactile response. Both switches have their strengths and preferences, so it is recommended to try out both to determine which one suits your typing style and preferences best. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to whether you prioritize a quieter typing experience or a more engaging tactile and auditory feedback.

Conclusion

Bringing it all together, when it comes to choosing between the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, consider your preference for key feel and sound. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a tactile switch with no specific standout features, the Dustproof Brown may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter bottom out force, a high-pitched click sound, and a switch that offers an invigorating typing experience with a stepped feel, then the Purple Click switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.

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