KTT Purple Click vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Click and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that you may be considering are the KTT Purple Click and the Durock Sea Glass. The Purple Click is a clicky switch, highly regarded for its distinctive high-pitched and satisfying click. With a light keystroke and pronounced tactility, it strikes a perfect balance without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Sea Glass is a linear switch that stands out for its captivating selection of pastel colors. The typing experience with these switches is characterized by a dryness, wispiness, and airiness, thanks to their proprietary material blend. Despite their 62g bottom-out force, they possess a weightless feel that defies expectations, accompanied by a uniquely hollow sound signature. Both switches offer their own unique qualities and benefits. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Purple Click and the Durock Sea Glass differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This material also allows for translucency, making it ideal for those who wish to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Sea Glass utilizes a unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its top housing, leading to a sound profile that is pleasant and bright without being overly sharp.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Purple Click utilizes a nylon material known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, which results in a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Sea Glass opts for the same Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend in its bottom housing. This blend is also described as unique, creating a sound profile that is pleasant but not particularly sharp.
While the KTT Purple Click and Durock Sea Glass differ in their housing materials, it is important to note that the qualities each housing material brings to the switch are split between the top and bottom. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be felt. Conversely, the top housing will have a more prominent influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide satisfying sound profiles, albeit with their own distinct characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Purple Click has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, whereas the Sea Glass requires slightly more force at 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. Both switches fall into the medium-light category, providing a relatively swift response for typing or gaming. However, the bottom out force varies, with the Purple Click requiring 55 grams of force and the Sea Glass needing 62 grams. This indicates that the Purple Click offers a slightly lighter typing experience overall. For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Purple Click may be ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. Alternatively, the Sea Glass presents a slightly heavier option, providing a more substantial push feel for individuals who prefer that added resistance.
Travel distance
The KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Purple Click has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sea Glass has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Purple Click's travel distance of 4 mm falls into the more traditional range, providing a good balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Sea Glass's 3.8 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it a preferred choice for gamers who prioritize faster response times. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, preferring a switch with a longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of key depth and responsiveness.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 KTT Purple Click switch is well-known for its satisfying, high-pitched click sound. When typing on these switches, you can expect a clean and sharp sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switches offer a unique hollow sound signature. The sound they produce is distinct and airy, thanks to their proprietary material blend. However, the specific sound qualities of the Sea Glass switches are not mentioned, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this regard. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel, the Purple Click switches provide a tactile experience that strikes a perfect balance between being light and offering pronounced feedback. Typing on these switches invigorates the user, with a snappy and reactive feel. They can be considered as a type of stepped switch, providing a mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. On the contrary, the Durock Sea Glass switches are described as frictionless, offering an incredibly smooth and effortless typing experience. This means minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys, providing a fluid travel. Additionally, the Sea Glass switches are also described as mild, meaning they offer a gentle typing experience with qualities that lie in a safe, middle-ground zone. They are designed to be approachable and suitable for most users. Furthermore, the Sea Glass switches are feathery, being exceptionally light to press. This feature reduces finger fatigue and provides comfort during extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the KTT Purple Click and Durock Sea Glass switches differ in terms of sound and feel. The Purple Click switches produce a satisfying high-pitched click sound, while the Sea Glass switches offer a distinct hollow sound signature. In terms of feel, the Purple Click switches provide an invigorating and stepped tactile experience, while the Sea Glass switches prioritize frictionless smoothness, mildness, and a feathery lightness. While a direct comparison between sound and feel is not available for the Sea Glass switches, it is safe to assume that they provide similar smoothness and low-impact typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a satisfying click, the KTT Purple Click switch is a great choice. It offers a perfect equilibrium between light keystrokes and pronounced tactility. The Purple Click switch is also known for its crunchy and resonant sound profile, which provides an immersive auditory experience while typing. In terms of feel, it is invigorating and has a stepped sensation, giving you a snappy and reactive typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and a unique typing experience, the Durock Sea Glass switch is a suitable option. These switches possess a weightless quality that defies expectations, despite their 62g bottom-out force. The Sea Glass switches offer a distinct dryness and airiness, while maintaining a smooth typing experience. They also provide a uniquely hollow sound signature. In terms of feel, the Sea Glass switches are described as frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Purple Click and the Durock Sea Glass switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a satisfying click, invigorating feel, and crunchy sound, the Purple Click switch is the way to go. However, if you seek a weightless typing experience, with a distinct sound and a frictionless feel, the Sea Glass switch is a great option. Consider your typing style, preferences, and requirements to determine which switch will enhance your typing experience.
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