KTT Purple Click vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Click and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Purple Click and the KTT Purple Star. The Purple Click is praised for its high-pitched, satisfying click and light yet tactile keystrokes, striking a perfect balance between feedback and comfort. On the other hand, the Purple Star stands out for its all-POM construction that provides a smooth typing experience with a neutral sound profile and a very light 45g bottom-out force, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer gentle key presses. While the Purple Click offers an invigorating and resonant typing experience, the Purple Star provides a milder, low-pitched feedback that is easy to press. 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
40g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Purple Click and Purple Star both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Purple Click features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound compared to the POM top housing of the Purple Star. Polycarbonate is known for its clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Purple Star produces a deeper and more muted sound, providing a different typing experience for users.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the KTT Purple Click utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Purple Star uses a POM bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Purple Star also produces a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted, providing a different tactile experience compared to the nylon bottom housing of the Purple Click.
While the top and bottom housings of the KTT Purple Click and Purple Star differ in material, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to individual preferences. The bottom housing material has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Purple Click or the deeper and more muted sound of POM in the Purple Star, both switches offer distinct typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out force of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is evident that the Purple Click has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Purple Star's 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Purple Click is heavier at 55 grams while the Purple Star is lighter at 50 grams. Both switches provide a different typing experience based on their force requirements. The Purple Click offers a lighter actuation force, making it easier to type for extended periods, while the heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing feel. On the other hand, the Purple Star has a slightly higher actuation force but a lighter bottom out force, catering to those who prefer a more responsive typing experience with less resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference on whether a lighter or heavier typing experience is desired.
Travel distance
The KTT Purple Click clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Purple Click has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Purple Star. The Purple Click with its 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional feel, allowing for a deeper key press, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Star with its 3.5 mm travel distance offers a shorter key press, making it popular among gamers and those seeking quicker response times. Both switches offer their own unique benefits, so the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing feel.
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 KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offers a crunchy and resonant typing experience, with a high-pitched and satisfying click that is reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch provides a low-pitched sound profile that is more bass-heavy and mellow in comparison. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Purple Click delivering a more immersive and sharp sound, while the Purple Star offers a smoother and neutral sound signature.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Purple Click switch provides an invigorating and stepped typing sensation, with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel that creates an immersive typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star linear switch offers a mild and easy-to-press typing experience that is gentle on the fingers and reduces fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Purple Star's light 45g bottom-out further enhances the effortless and comfortable typing feel, making it an ideal choice for light typists.
Overall, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Purple Click excels in providing a crunchy and resonant typing experience with pronounced feedback, while the Purple Star offers a smooth and gentle typing experience with an easy-to-press feel. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that users can find the perfect mechanical keyboard switch to suit their needs. Whether you prefer a clicky and tactile typing experience or a smooth and linear one, both switches provide excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a tactile feedback with a pronounced click sound and slightly higher actuation force, the Purple Click switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and quiet typing experience with minimal actuation force, the Purple Star switch would suit your needs better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel while typing.
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