Outemu Gold vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Gold, a clicky switch, and the KTT Purple Star, a linear switch, offer distinct typing experiences. The Outemu Gold is best known for its clicky sound and tactile feedback, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy auditory and tactile cues. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star stands out for its smooth keystrokes and lightweight actuation force, making it a great choice for typists who prefer a quiet and easy-to-press switch. While the Gold offers a more pronounced typing experience with its audible clicks, the Purple Star provides a gentler and quieter typing experience. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 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 Gold and KTT Purple Star both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Gold features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound compared to the Purple Star's POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. The translucent nature of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting, while POM offers a pleasing aesthetic.
In terms of bottom housing, the Gold utilizes nylon which provides a deeper and fuller sound while absorbing more sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Purple Star also utilizes POM for its bottom housing, resulting in a similarly deep and muted sound profile. Both switches offer a balance between sharpness in sound from the top housing and the depth of sound from the bottom housing, providing users with a well-rounded typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Gold and KTT Purple Star housing materials boils down to personal preference in sound profile. The Gold's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the Purple Star's POM housing offers a deeper and more muted sound. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, allowing users to customize their typing experience based on their preferred sound profile. Whether you prefer a sharper or deeper sound, both switches provide a high-quality housing material that enhances the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Gold clicky switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the KTT Purple Star linear switch at 43 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Gold switch is heavier at 60 grams, while the Purple Star switch has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Gold switch will require a bit more pressure to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the Purple Star switch. The Gold switch may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier push feel, while the Purple Star switch may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time. Overall, the weight of the switch plays a significant role in determining the typing experience and comfort level for users, with some preferring a lighter touch and others opting for a heavier feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is clear that the Gold switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Purple Star's 3.5 mm. The Gold switch offers a bit more depth when pressing down on the key, which may be preferred by those who like a more pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Purple Star switch has a slightly shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those seeking a faster response time, especially in gaming scenarios. Both switches offer their own advantages based on personal preference, with the Gold switch catering to those who enjoy a deeper keypress while the Purple Star switch is better suited for individuals who prefer a quicker actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's specific needs and preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Gold 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 Gold switch does not have a specific reputation or description available. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile. This means that the Purple Star switch will produce a deeper and more mellow tone when compared to other switches. However, it's important to remember that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Gold switch also does not have a specific reputation or description provided. On the contrary, the KTT Purple Star linear switch is known for offering a mild typing experience with an easy-to-press feel. This means that the Purple Star switch provides a gentle typing experience that falls into a safe middle-ground zone, appealing to a wide range of users. The low actuation force required to press these switches makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing fatigue during long typing sessions.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold switch lacks specific descriptors, the Purple Star switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile and mild, easy-to-press feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preference for typing experience, with the Gold likely offering a different sound and feel compared to the smoother and quieter Purple Star switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, you should consider your typing preference and style. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force and are looking for a switch that offers a satisfying clicky sound, the Outemu Gold switch would be a good choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and prioritize a smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the KTT Purple Star switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and comfort level while typing. Consider trying out both switches to see which one feels the most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing needs.
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