KTT Purple Click vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Click and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are various options available that cater to different preferences and typing style. Two notable switches to consider are the KTT Purple Click and the Outemu Red Panda. The Purple Click is beloved for its high-pitched, satisfying click sound, offering a delightful auditory experience while typing. Its keystrokes are light and offer a pronounced tactility without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Red Panda provides a light-medium amount of tactility, accompanied by a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. While both switches offer their own unique characteristics, the Purple Click leans towards a crunchy and invigorating typing experience, whereas the Red Panda feels thocky and mild. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Purple Click and the Outemu Red Panda switches have clear similarities and differences. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly beneficial for RGB lighting effects. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics from the top housing of both switches.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of both switches is made of nylon. Nylon is a softer plastic compared to polycarbonate, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The ability of nylon to absorb more sound contributes to a duller and rounder sound. As a result, users can experience a distinct bottom-out sound and feel from the qualities of the nylon bottom housing. However, since both switches share the same nylon material for the bottom housing, they are likely to produce comparable sound profiles in this aspect.
It is worth noting that the choice of housing material for a switch affects different aspects. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. This distinction suggests that the KTT Purple Click and the Outemu Red Panda switches may offer slightly varied tactile experiences, as their top and bottom housings possess unique characteristics. Overall, the switches' housing materials play a crucial role in determining the sound profiles and tactile sensations users can expect from each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it becomes evident that there are some notable differences. The Purple Click has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the Red Panda requires slightly more force to trigger a keystroke with an actuation force of 50 grams. However, both switches provide a similar medium level of resistance when it comes to bottoming out, with the Purple Click requiring 55 grams and the Red Panda requiring 60 grams.
Considering weight, those seeking a lighter typing experience may prefer the Purple Click, as its lighter actuation and bottom out forces allow for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This can be advantageous for individuals using the keyboard for work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial and forceful typing experience may opt for the Red Panda, with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This provides a stronger push feel, resulting in a more satisfying typing experience.
In summary, while the actuation and bottom out forces may differ between the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, individuals can achieve similar results in terms of typing experience with both switches. The Purple Click offers a lighter option for prolonged use, while the Red Panda delivers a heavier and more robust typing feel.
Travel distance
The KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch have different travel distances. The Purple Click has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered to be the more traditional and deeper travel distance. On the other hand, the Red Panda has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers as it allows for faster response times. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Purple Click may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a deeper keypress, the Red Panda with its shorter travel distance may not provide the desired level of depth.
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 Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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
The Purple Click switch is best known for its fairly high-pitched, satisfying click. When typing on these switches, the keystrokes are light and offer a pronounced tactility without being overwhelming. This creates a perfect equilibrium between the clickiness and the tactile feedback. The sound produced by the Purple Click switch can be described as crunchy, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. It also has a resonant sound profile, which means it produces a clean and sharp higher-pitched sound. However, it is important to note that the sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
On the other hand, the Red Panda switch offers a different set of qualities. When typing on these switches, there is a light-medium amount of tactility and a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound. The top-out sound is clackier and higher-pitched. The feel of the Red Panda switch is mild, providing a gentle typing experience. It falls in a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. The sound produced by the Red Panda switch can be described as thocky, which means it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed.
In conclusion, the Purple Click switch and the Red Panda switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Purple Click switch provides a satisfying click sound with light keystrokes and a pronounced yet balanced tactility. It produces a crunchy and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the Red Panda switch has a bassier and clackier sound with a mild feel, creating a gentle typing experience. Both switches have their strengths and are suitable for different preferences. However, it is essential to consider other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, as they can also influence the sound and feel of the switches. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when making a choice between the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly lighter switch with a pronounced click and a satisfying equilibrium of light keystrokes and noticeable tactility, then the Purple Click switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium bottom out force and prefer a switch that produces a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, then the Red Panda switch would be more suitable. Additionally, if you favor switches that offer an invigorating typing sensation with moderate to firm actuation force and reactive feel, the Purple Click is your best choice. However, if you prefer a milder typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, then the Red Panda switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches rests on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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