Outemu Purple vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Purple and the KTT Purple Click offer distinct typing experiences. The Outemu Purple is a tactile switch that provides a smooth keystroke without an audible click. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click, also known as Purple Sauce, is a clicky switch that offers a high-pitched and satisfying click with each keystroke. While the Outemu Purple is best suited for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience, the KTT Purple Click is perfect for individuals who enjoy a more audible and tactile feedback while typing. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Purple and the KTT Purple Click, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic. The clear housing of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of both switches provides a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound.
Despite their similarities in housing materials, the Outemu Purple and KTT Purple Click differ in their overall sound profiles due to the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in unique ways. The Outemu Purple, with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, offers a clear and resonant keypress sound, emphasized by the stiffness of polycarbonate and the sound absorption properties of nylon. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click, which features the same housing materials in opposite configurations, provides a slightly different typing experience with a sharper and crisper sound when pressing down on the keys due to the polycarbonate bottom housing.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Purple and KTT Purple Click comes down to personal preference for sound and feel. Both switches offer a unique typing experience with a combination of sharpness from the polycarbonate top housing and depth from the nylon bottom housing. Whether you prefer a clearer, crisper sound profile or a deeper, fuller sound, both switches provide options for customizing your keyboard setup to suit your individual preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it is evident that the KTT Purple Click is the lighter option with an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Outemu Purple requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the KTT switch may be more favorable for those who prefer lighter key presses for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Outemu Purple has an unknown measurement compared to the KTT Purple Click's 55-gram force, indicating a medium-light bottom out experience. Ultimately, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Outemu Purple, while those who prioritize a lighter touch may lean towards the KTT Purple Click. It is important to consider weight preference when choosing between these two switches, as it can greatly impact the typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch are the same, both measuring at 4 mm. This means that users will get similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed down. The 4 mm travel distance is considered to be standard for many mechanical switches and provides a satisfying tactile feedback for users. In conclusion, both the Outemu Purple and KTT Purple Click switches offer the same travel distance, making them equally suitable choices for those looking for a switch with a smooth and consistent typing experience.
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 Purple 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Purple switch does not have a specific reputation, as it is not known for any particular sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch is recognized for its crunchy and resonant sound characteristics. The Purple Click switch emits a satisfying high-pitched click that is reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves, creating an immersive auditory experience for the user. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Purple switch does not have a distinct reputation for its tactile feedback. Conversely, the KTT Purple Click switch is known for providing an invigorating typing experience. This switch offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, resulting in a satisfying and immersive typing sensation. Additionally, the Purple Click switch is described as having a stepped feel, providing a tactile experience with two distinct stages that differ from the more uniform bump of other tactile switches.
In conclusion, the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offer contrasting experiences when it comes to sound and feel. The Outemu Purple switch lacks a specific reputation for sound and feel, while the KTT Purple Click switch is known for its crunchy and resonant sound profile, as well as its invigorating and stepped tactile feedback. If the user values a clicky sound with tactile feedback that is pronounced but not overwhelming, the KTT Purple Click switch would be the preferred choice. However, if the user is more concerned with factors such as keycap compatibility, board construction, and overall typing experience, they may find that the Outemu Purple switch provides similar results to the KTT Purple Click switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a balanced tactile experience without the noise of a clicky switch, the Outemu Purple tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy the satisfying click sound and a lighter typing experience, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a tactile feel without the click or a clicky sound with a lighter typing experience. With these guidelines in mind, you can confidently choose the switch that best suits your typing preferences.
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