Outemu Silent Grey vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Grey and the KTT Purple Star offer unique experiences for users. The Outemu Silent Grey is a tactile switch that provides a quiet and highly satisfying typing experience with its pronounced bump and smooth keystrokes. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star is a linear switch known for its all-POM construction, delivering a buttery smooth typing experience with a light 45g bottom-out that makes it ideal for light typists. While the Silent Grey focuses on tactile feedback and quiet operation, the Purple Star offers smoothness and ease of pressing. Both switches have their own strengths and benefits, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
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
The Outemu Silent Grey and KTT Purple Star switches both have unique housing materials that impact the sound and feel of the switches. The Silent Grey's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Purple Star's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate housing of the Silent Grey allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it a visually appealing option for those looking to customize their keyboard setup. On the other hand, the POM housing of the Purple Star offers a more understated look but delivers a unique sound experience.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Nylon bottom housing of the Silent Grey provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. Conversely, the POM bottom housing of the Purple Star also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound, aligning with its overall sound profile characteristics. The choice of bottom housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience, as it directly influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and KTT Purple Star switches differ, both switches aim to create a unique typing experience. Whether it be the crisper sound profile of the Silent Grey with its polycarbonate top housing or the deeper sound of the Purple Star with its POM top housing, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and aesthetics when it comes to selecting the perfect switch for your keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it can be seen that the Silent Grey has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Purple Star has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter choice. The actuation force of the switch determines the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures how much force is required to press the key all the way down. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Purple Star, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may lean towards the Silent Grey. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose according to their preference for a lighter or heavier touch.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Purple Star has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Grey. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Silent Grey is more traditional and provides a slightly deeper key press experience, which may be preferred by some users who enjoy a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the 3.5mm travel distance of the Purple Star offers a quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize speed and agility in their keystrokes. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distances, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent Grey 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is best known for its quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switch is characterized by a low-pitched sound signature, which offers a deeper and more mellow tone compared to other switches. Depending on personal preference, the Silent Grey switch may be more suitable for users looking to minimize noise levels, while the Purple Star switch may appeal to those who enjoy a subtle yet distinct typing sound.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Grey switch offers a highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star switch is described as having a mild and easy-to-press feel, providing a gentler typing experience that is comfortable for extended use. While the Silent Grey switch caters to users who prefer a more tactile feedback during typing, the Purple Star switch is designed to offer a smoother and effortless typing feel, making it a great choice for users who prioritize comfort and ease of use.
Overall, the Outemu Silent Grey switch and the KTT Purple Star switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. If you are looking for a quiet and tactile typing experience, the Silent Grey switch would be an ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and easy-to-press typing feel with a low-pitched sound profile, the Purple Star switch would be a suitable option. Both switches provide a unique typing experience that can enhance your overall typing comfort and satisfaction, ultimately making them great choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and needs. If you enjoy a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Grey switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth and light typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile and easy-to-press keys, the KTT Purple Star switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable and satisfying to you as a typist.
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