KTT Purple Click vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon

Overview

The KTT Purple Click and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon are two popular mechanical keyboard switches with distinct features and advantages. The Purple Click switch is known for its satisfying high-pitched click and a perfect equilibrium between light keystrokes and pronounced tactility. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch represents a different experience, with a buttery smooth typing sensation, thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. While the Purple Click offers a crunchy and invigorating typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a low-pitched and mild sensation. Choosing the right switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Purple Click Clicky

KTT Sea Salt Lemon Linear

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

$2.80 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Purple Click and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon have some key similarities. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it especially useful if you plan to use RGB lighting. Similarly, both switches incorporate nylon bottom housings. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.

Despite these similarities, there are some differences between the two housing materials. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, the specific design or color of the housings may differ. For instance, the Purple Click may have a different visual appearance compared to the Sea Salt Lemon, but the overall sound profile created by the polycarbonate material remains the same. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of each switch is functionally identical, as nylon's softer plastic nature and sound absorption properties remain consistent regardless of the switch design.

In terms of the impact on typing experience, the choice of housing material affects different aspects of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing come into play, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Conversely, the polycarbonate top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. As the top housing is responsible for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, the material choice will contribute to the overall sound experience upon key release. Overall, while there may be slight differences in terms of aesthetics and visual appearance, the housing materials of the Purple Click and Sea Salt Lemon ultimately provide similar results in terms of sound profiles and typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is evident that both switches belong to the medium-light category. The Purple Click has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This indicates that both switches require a relatively light touch to trigger a keystroke and have a similar typing experience in terms of force applied. Therefore, users who prefer a lighter weight and a more effortless typing experience would find either switch suitable for prolonged periods of typing or gaming. However, those who seek a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience might find the Purple Click to be slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Sea Salt Lemon. Overall, both switches offer comparable results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with a satisfying tactile response and an enjoyable typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distances of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch are both 4 mm. Both switches have the same distance that they travel from the top to the bottom, which is the distance you feel when you press down on a key. Therefore, pressing down on either switch will result in similar results in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Purple Click switch is best known for its fairly high-pitched, satisfying click sound. Typing on these switches produces a clean and sharp sound profile, giving an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is characterized by a low-pitched sound. It offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The sound profile of the Sea Salt Lemon is described as neutral, with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you are using it at home or work. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.

In terms of feel, the Purple Click switch is invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. It provides a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. Additionally, these switches are described as stepped, meaning they have two stages of tactile feedback. This differs from hypertactile switches, which have a single, significant bump throughout the keystroke. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a more mild typing experience. It provides a gentle feel, making it approachable to most users. The Sea Salt Lemon switch falls into a safe middle-ground zone in terms of its qualities.

Taking all the available information into account, the Purple Click switch is best known for its high-pitched, satisfying click sound and invigorating feel with pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a low-pitched sound profile and a mild, gentle typing experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you are looking for a clicky switch with pronounced feedback, the Purple Click is the way to go. If you prefer a more mellow sound and a gentle typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon switch would be a great choice. Additionally, it is worth noting that these subjective qualities are influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are someone who values a satisfying, high-pitched click and a tactile typing experience, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its light keystrokes and pronounced tactility, this switch offers a perfect equilibrium between comfort and feedback. Additionally, the sound profile of the Purple Click is described as crunchy and resonant, providing an immersive auditory experience.

On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience and a more mellow, low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is the way to go. Its progressive spring and dry-lube design ensure a silky feel while typing, making it a delight for those who prioritize smoothness. The Sea Salt Lemon also offers a neutral switch experience, suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether at home or in a work setting.

Overall, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. Whether you seek an invigorating and tactile experience with the Purple Click or a mild and gentle typing sensation with the Sea Salt Lemon, KTT has provided options to cater to different needs. Whichever switch you choose, both the Purple Click and the Sea Salt Lemon offer exceptional quality and performance, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Purple Click Clicky

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

KTT Sea Salt Lemon Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more