Outemu Silent Grey vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Grey and KTT Purple Click offer two distinct typing experiences. The Silent Grey is sought after for its quiet and tactile typing experience, providing a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke that is satisfying yet silent. On the other hand, the Purple Click, also known as Purple Sauce, boasts a high-pitched and satisfying click with light keystrokes and pronounced tactility. While the Silent Grey is perfect for those looking for a silent yet satisfying typing experience, the Purple Click offers a more invigorating and crunchy typing feel. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
The Outemu Silent Grey and KTT Purple Click both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This leads to a more clear and resonant sound, especially beneficial for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in clear housings allows for a translucent aesthetic, enhancing the overall look of the switches.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both switches utilize nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. Nylon is known for absorbing more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material. By having the bottom housing made of nylon, the switches are able to deliver a unique typing experience with a focus on impact and bottom-out sound.
While both switches share similarities in housing materials, the Outemu Silent Grey and KTT Purple Click offer slightly different experiences when it comes to sound and feel. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a balance between impact and sound quality, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, both switches provide unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences in terms of sound profile and feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch differ in weight. The Silent Grey has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Purple Click has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it feel medium-light to the touch. The Silent Grey offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Purple Click provides a lighter touch, suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches offer distinct typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for typing intensity.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This makes them equal in terms of how they feel when typing, as the distance traveled by the key is consistent between the two. In comparison to other switches that may have shorter or longer travel distances, these two switches provide a medium distance that is comfortable for most users. Ultimately, whether you choose the Silent Grey or the Purple Click will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound.
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 Silent Grey 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 Silent Grey switch is known for its quiet typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch offers a high-pitched and satisfying click that can be likened to stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. The Purple Click provides a more resonant and immersive sound profile compared to the Silent Grey, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is praised for its highly tactile typing experience, with a smooth keystroke and a pronounced bump that offers a satisfying feel with each press. Conversely, the KTT Purple Click switch provides a more invigorating typing sensation with moderate to firm actuation force and a snappy, reactive feel. Additionally, the Purple Click switch is described as having a stepped feel, offering a more nuanced tactile feedback compared to the Silent Grey switch.
Overall, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is best suited for those who prefer a quieter typing experience with a noticeable tactile feedback, while the KTT Purple Click switch is ideal for individuals who enjoy a high-pitched click accompanied by a more invigorating and immersive typing sensation. Depending on your personal preferences, both switches offer their own unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you are looking for a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Silent Grey switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light keystroke with a pronounced click and a medium-light bottom out force, the Purple Click switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound.
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