Outemu Purple vs. KTT Rose
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the KTT Rose switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Purple and KTT Rose offer unique experiences for users. The Outemu Purple switch is a tactile switch, providing feedback with every key press. On the other hand, the KTT Rose is a linear switch, offering a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump. The purple switch is best known for its tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. Meanwhile, the Rose switch is praised for its progressive springs, creating a substantial yet not heavy typing sensation. The purple switch is categorized as tactile, while the Rose switch is categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Purple and the KTT Rose, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for optimal showcasing of RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for those looking to add visual flair to their mechanical keyboards. Both the Purple and Rose switches benefit from the acoustical properties of polycarbonate in their top housings.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Outemu Purple and the KTT Rose switches opt for nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This choice of material in the bottom housing contributes to the overall typing experience by creating a rounder and more muffled sound upon bottoming out the keys. The use of nylon in the bottom housing enhances the tactile feedback and sound of both the Purple and Rose switches.
While the top and bottom housings of the Outemu Purple and KTT Rose switches differ in material, the qualities of each housing material are distributed accordingly. The bottom housing, made of nylon in both switches, plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Conversely, the top housing, constructed from polycarbonate in both switches, influences the sound produced when a key is released. This split of housing materials allows for a well-rounded typing experience that combines the strengths of both nylon and polycarbonate in the Purple and Rose switches.
Weight
The Outemu Purple tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the KTT Rose linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the KTT Rose switch has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the bottom out force of the Outemu Purple switch is unavailable. This means that the Outemu Purple switch would provide a lighter typing experience in terms of actuation force, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the KTT Rose switch would offer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel, with the Outemu Purple being lighter and the KTT Rose being heavier in terms of force required for typing.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the KTT Rose linear switch is equal, as both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. While the travel distance is the same for both switches, their tactile and linear characteristics differ, with the Purple switch providing a tactile bump during actuation and the Rose switch offering a smooth, linear press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Purple comes in at $3.10, whereas the KTT Rose comes in at $3.01.
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 Purple tactile switch does not have a distinct reputation, whereas the KTT Rose linear switch is known for offering a low-pitched and mellow tone, resembling bassy raindrops when typing. This unique sound profile adds a soothing element to the typing experience, making it pleasant for long typing sessions.
Moving on to the feel, the Outemu Purple tactile switch lacks specific descriptors, while the KTT Rose linear switch is praised for providing a mild and polished typing experience. The progressive springs in the Rose switches offer a substantial yet light typing feel, ensuring a gentle and refined keystroke with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This combination of characteristics creates a comfortable and approachable typing experience suitable for various users.
When considering all the available information, it is evident that the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the KTT Rose linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Purple switch is more of an unknown in these aspects, the Rose switch stands out for its low-pitched and mellow sound profile and its mild and polished typing feel. Both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on the specific sound and feel preferences of the user. Choosing either switch would result in a distinct typing experience that is sure to satisfy the user's individual needs and preferences in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with no bottom out force and a unique typing experience, the Outemu Purple switch may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth, polished feel, the KTT Rose switch could be the better choice for you. Keep these factors in mind when considering which switch would best suit your typing preferences and needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for.
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