Outemu Silver vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silver and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Silver and the KTT Purple Star, both of which are linear switches. The Outemu Silver switch is characterized by its smooth keystroke and lack of tactile bump or audible click, making it a great choice for those who prefer a linear typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switches are renowned for their all-POM construction, providing an extremely smooth typing experience with a neutral sound profile. With a light 45g bottom-out force, the Purple Star switches are perfect for individuals who enjoy a light and comfortable typing feel. While both switches have their own unique qualities that may appeal to different users, it's important to delve deeper into the specifics to determine which switch best suits your typing preferences. So, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
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 Silver and the KTT Purple Star both incorporate unique housing materials to enhance the sound profile of their switches. The Silver's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the Purple Star's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the polycarbonate is more ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency, whereas the POM provides a pleasing and unique sound experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Silver utilizes nylon, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Purple Star features a POM bottom housing that also creates a deep and relatively muted sound. Both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound experience of the switch, with the nylon offering a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM's unique deep sound profile.
While the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Outemu Silver and the KTT Purple Star, each brings its own unique qualities to the sound profile of the switches. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, with nylon providing a fuller sound, while POM produces a deeper sound. On the other hand, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key, with polycarbonate delivering a sharper, crisper sound compared to POM's more muted profile. Despite these differences, both switches offer distinctive sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Silver linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the KTT Purple Star linear switch with an actuation force of 43 grams, making the Silver slightly harder to press down initially. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silver requires 65 grams of force while the Purple Star only requires 50 grams, making the Purple Star lighter and easier to fully press down. This means that the Silver provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Purple Star offers a lighter typing experience overall. In terms of weight preference, those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time may lean towards the Purple Star, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may opt for the Silver. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, and the choice between them will depend on the individual's typing style and preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Silver linear switch is 4 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the KTT Purple Star has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Outemu Silver. The 4.0mm of the Outemu Silver is more traditional, offering a bit more depth when pressing down on the key, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the 3.5mm travel distance of the KTT Purple Star is shallower, making it a popular choice for gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer a different experience in terms of travel distance, so choosing between the two would depend on personal preference in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silver 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silver switches are known for providing a neutral auditory experience with no specific characteristics highlighted. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star switches offer a low-pitched sound profile, which tends to be more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. The sound produced by a switch is influenced by a variety of factors, including the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silver switches don't have a specific description available to provide insight into their tactile experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switches are described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. These switches are also noted for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, the Purple Star switches provide a responsive and low-impact typing feel that enhances the overall user experience.
Considering the available information, the Outemu Silver and KTT Purple Star switches offer different subjective qualities for users to consider. While the Silver switches have a more neutral sound profile and an unknown feel, the Purple Star switches are praised for their low-pitched sound and easy-to-press, gentle typing feel. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between the two based on whether they prioritize sound or typing comfort. If you enjoy a smoother typing experience with a mellow sound, the KTT Purple Star switches may be the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile and are open to exploring an unknown tactile feel, the Outemu Silver switches could also be a worthwhile option for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and are not particularly focused on sound or feel characteristics, the Silver switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a buttery smooth typing experience, especially suited for light typists, the Purple Star switch with its all-POM construction and easy-to-press nature may be more suitable. Consider your typing habits, desired typing experience, and sound preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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