Outemu Silver vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silver and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silver and the KTT Purple Click offer distinct experiences for users. The Silver is renowned for its linear feel, providing smooth keystrokes without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Purple Click, also known as Purple Sauce, is characterized by its high-pitched and satisfying click sound, offering a light yet tactility that strikes a perfect balance. While the Silver may appeal to users who prefer a seamless typing experience, the Purple Click is ideal for those who enjoy a more invigorating and resonant typing sensation. 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
45g
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
Both the Outemu Silver and the KTT Purple Click feature polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics, both switches offer a similar look with their clear polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Outemu Silver utilizes nylon, while the KTT Purple Click also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. While both switches share this bottom housing material, the difference in sound produced from the bottom-out of the keys may be noticeable to some users.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Silver and the KTT Purple Click may come down to personal preference in terms of the sound profile you prefer. While both switches offer similar characteristics with their polycarbonate top housing, the difference in the bottom housing material may lead to a slightly different typing experience. If you enjoy a sharper and crisper sound, the Outemu Silver may be the better option, while the KTT Purple Click may be more appealing if you prefer a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, both switches offer quality materials that contribute to a unique typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silver linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it is evident that the Silver switch is heavier in both aspects. The Silver switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy overall. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light. This means that the Silver switch requires more force to press down and bottom out compared to the Purple Click switch. This indicates that the Silver switch may provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Purple Click switch may be preferred by those looking for a lighter typing experience for longer periods. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silver linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom, both switches offer a similar experience for the user. The travel distance of a switch is crucial as it can impact the typing experience and the overall feel of the keyboard. Therefore, whether you choose the Outemu Silver or the KTT Purple Click, you can expect to get comparable results in terms of travel distance.
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 Silver 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 Silver linear switch is known for its quiet operation with no specific characteristics standing out. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is recognized for its crunchy and resonant sound profile. The Purple Click switch provides a high-pitched, satisfying click that is reminiscent of autumn leaves crunching underfoot, giving users an immersive auditory experience during typing sessions.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Silver switch's tactile feedback and actuation force are not distinctly defined in available information. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switch is described as having an invigorating and reactive feel. The Purple Click switch offers a moderate to firm actuation force, along with a snappy and reactive sensation that enhances the overall typing experience. Additionally, the stepped feel of the Purple Click switch provides a unique typing sensation with a noticeable pre-travel and post-travel sensation.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silver linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offer distinct experiences in sound and feel. While the Silver switch provides a quiet and undefined sound with no specific tactile characteristics mentioned, the Purple Click switch delivers a crunchy, high-pitched click with a pronounced and immersive typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. If similar results are desired in sound and feel, opting for the Purple Click switch may provide a satisfying experience similar to the Outemu Silver switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth linear feel without any audible feedback, the Silver switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-light bottom out force with a satisfying high-pitched click and a tactile typing experience, the Purple Click switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider what factors are most important to you in a keyboard switch and choose accordingly.
Mentioned in this article
