Outemu Purple vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Purple and KTT Wine Red offer different experiences for users. The Outemu Purple is a tactile switch, providing a satisfying bump feedback when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red is a linear switch, offering a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback. The Purple switch is best known for its distinctive tactile feel, while the Wine Red switch is praised for its pillowy light typing experience and deep, rich sound profile. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a tactile typing experience, the Outemu Purple might be the way to go. However, if you enjoy a smooth and quiet typing experience, the KTT Wine Red switch could be the better choice. 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
44g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Purple and KTT Wine Red both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic that creates a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, making both the Purple and Wine Red suitable for users looking to add some colorful flair to their keyboards. However, while the top housings are the same for both switches, they differ in their bottom housings.
The Outemu Purple incorporates a nylon bottom housing, while the KTT Wine Red utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Wine Red contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness and clarity. This difference in bottom housing material will impact the overall sound and feel of each switch, as the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound upon key release.
Overall, while both the Outemu Purple and KTT Wine Red share similar sound profiles due to their polycarbonate top housing, they diverge in their bottom housing material. The Purple's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, providing a different typing experience compared to the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing. Whether a user prefers a sharper and crisper sound or a deeper and fuller sound will depend on their personal preference, making both switches a viable option depending on individual typing preferences.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch reveals some key differences between the two. The Purple switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Wine Red switch with 44 grams, making the Purple switch slightly heavier. However, the bottom out force for the Purple switch is unavailable, while the Wine Red switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it heavier when fully pressed. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Wine Red switch with its lower actuation force, while those wanting a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Purple switch for its higher actuation force. Overall, while both switches offer different levels of force, users can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness and tactile feedback depending on their personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on either key, users can expect to feel a consistent travel distance that provides a satisfying feel and feedback. The similarity in travel distance ensures that users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience and feedback from both switches. Whether you choose the Outemu Purple tactile switch or the KTT Wine Red linear switch, you can be confident that the travel distance will be a comfortable and enjoyable 4 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Purple comes in at $3.10, whereas the KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71.
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 tactile switch doesn't have a specific reputation or known characteristics, making it a bit of a wildcard in terms of sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is beloved for its intoxicating bassy and low-pitched sound profile. Typing on Wine Red switches provides a pillowy light feel coupled with a deep and rich sound that adds a level of satisfaction to each key press.
In terms of feel, the information provided does not specify the tactile qualities of either the Outemu Purple or KTT Wine Red switches, making it difficult to make a direct comparison based on feel alone. However, based on the sound descriptions provided, it is clear that the two switches offer unique typing experiences in terms of both sound and potentially feel.
Overall, while the Outemu Purple and KTT Wine Red switches may have their differences in sound profile and potentially feel, both offer a distinct typing experience that can be tailored to individual preferences. Whether you prefer the unpredictable nature of the Purple switch or the deep, rich sound of the Wine Red switch, both options provide a unique mechanical keyboard experience that is sure to enhance your typing satisfaction. Ultimately, trying out both switches in different keyboards and setups will allow you to determine which one aligns best with your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, you should choose the Purple if you prioritize a unique switch with no specified bottom out force. The Purple is best known for its distinctive characteristics, making it a good choice for those looking for something out of the ordinary. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and enjoy a pillowy light typing feel with a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, the Wine Red linear switch is the way to go. The Wine Red switches offer a bassy and low-pitched sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preferences for feel, sound, and typing experience.
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