Outemu Lotus vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lotus and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Lotus and the KTT Purple Star stand out as popular choices among enthusiasts. The Lotus is a linear switch that is best known for its smooth actuation and consistent feel. On the other hand, the Purple Star is also a linear switch, distinguished by its all-POM construction that provides a unique buttery smooth typing experience. While the Lotus offers a straightforward and reliable typing experience, the Purple Star is favored for its extremely light 45g bottom-out force, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a gentle and comfortable 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
35g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Lotus and the KTT Purple Star, both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Lotus features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Purple Star utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a unique and pleasing deep sound that is relatively more muted. While both switches offer distinctive sound profiles due to their top housings, they differ in the specific qualities each material brings.
When it comes to the bottom housings, the Lotus uses nylon while the Purple Star utilizes POM. Similar to the top housing, the nylon bottom housing of the Lotus contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the POM bottom housing of the Purple Star also results in a deeper sound profile that is relatively more muted. Both switches benefit from the qualities of their bottom housings, impacting the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed down.
Overall, while the Outemu Lotus and the KTT Purple Star have different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The softer nature of nylon in the Lotus provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the POM material in the Purple Star results in a pleasing and muted deep sound. Despite the differences in materials, both switches offer similar results in terms of creating distinctive sound profiles that enhance the typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is evident that the Lotus is the lighter of the two. The Outemu Lotus has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the KTT Purple Star has an actuation force of 43 grams with the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Lotus requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Purple Star, making it a more lightweight option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Both switches have the same bottom out force, ensuring a consistent feel when pressing the keys all the way down. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Lotus offering a lighter touch and the Purple Star providing a slightly more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
The Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. However, the slight difference in distance may be noticeable to some users. The Lotus with its shorter travel distance may provide a more responsive feel, ideal for quick actions in gaming. On the other hand, the Purple Star with its slightly longer travel distance may offer a bit more depth and feedback for those who prefer a more substantial press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Lotus 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 Lotus switch doesn't have a specific descriptor provided, making it somewhat of a mystery in terms of its sound profile. On the other hand, the Purple Star switch is known for its low-pitched sound, which typically translates to a deeper and mellower tone when typing. Depending on personal preference, some users may find the bass-heavy sound of the Purple Star switches more pleasing compared to higher-pitched alternatives. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch is also influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In the realm of feel, the Lotus switch's specific characteristics are not outlined, leaving room for interpretation on how it might feel during use. In contrast, the Purple Star switch is described as having a mild typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. These switches are easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate, which can make typing effortless and comfortable for individuals who prefer a lighter touch when typing. The overall typing experience with the Purple Star switches is designed to be responsive while reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lotus switch lacks specific descriptors for sound and feel, the Purple Star switch is known for its low-pitched sound and mild, easy-to-press feel. Depending on personal preference for sound depth and typing force, users can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Keep in mind that individual typing preferences and the overall keyboard setup will also play a significant role in the subjective qualities experienced with either of these switches, and experimenting with both can help determine which one best suits your typing style.
Conclusion
In choosing between the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a neutral sound signature and very light 45g bottom-out force, the Purple Star would be the ideal choice for you. The buttery smooth typing experience provided by the all-POM construction of the Purple Star switches makes them great for light typists seeking comfort and ease. On the other hand, if you value a switch with a slightly higher bottom-out force of 50g, the Lotus could be more to your liking. While the Lotus may not have a specific standout feature like the Purple Star's all-POM construction, it still offers a quality typing experience. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and preferences when deciding between these two switches to find the one that best suits your needs.
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