KTT Purple Click vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Click and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the KTT Purple Click and the KTT Semi Mute. The Purple Click is best known for its satisfying, high-pitched click, offering a perfect balance between light keystrokes and pronounced tactility. On the other hand, the Semi Mute, despite its name, operates silently, making it ideal for those who value a noise-free environment during late-night typing sessions. With its linear actuation and advanced dampening technology, the Semi Mute provides a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. These general characteristics give us a glimpse into each switch's unique qualities. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The KTT Purple Click and the KTT Semi Mute both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, leading to clear and resonant sounds. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for RGB lighting. Despite using the same material for their top housings, it's worth noting that the Purple Click is specifically designed to provide a click sound, while the Semi Mute aims for a quieter typing experience. As a result, the sound profiles between the two may vary, with the Purple Click producing a more pronounced clicking sound compared to the Semi Mute.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Purple Click utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its softer plastic properties, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Semi Mute opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing. While polycarbonate is still a relatively stiff plastic, it may not provide the same level of sound absorption as nylon. Therefore, the bottom-out sound and feel of the Purple Click may distinctly differ from that of the Semi Mute.
It's important to consider the impact of the housing materials on the overall sound and feel of a keyboard switch. When pressing down on either the Purple Click or the Semi Mute, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, when releasing a key, the sound and feel will be more influenced by the top housing. This is why both switches prioritize their polycarbonate top housings, as it contributes to the desired sound profiles and works well with RGB lighting. However, due to their differing bottom housings, the Purple Click may have a deeper and fuller sound upon bottoming out, while the Semi Mute may offer a slightly crisper and more resonant sound. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The Purple Click has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which falls into the medium-light range. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, placing it in the medium category. In terms of weight, the Purple Click is lighter, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, especially for extended periods of typing or gaming sessions. The Semi Mute, on the other hand, offers a slightly heavier push feel, which some individuals may find more satisfying for a substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, but with slight variations in weight preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch plays a significant role in the tactile experience of typing or gaming. In the case of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance being covered. So, in terms of travel distance, these two switches will provide similar results. However, it is important to note that the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offers a tactile feedback with an audible click, while the KTT Semi Mute linear switch provides a smooth and quieter typing experience. Despite having the same travel distance, the clicking sensation of the Purple Click and its audible feedback make it more suitable for those who enjoy a tactile and auditory response, while the Semi Mute is better suited for those who prefer a silent and linear typing experience.
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 Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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 KTT Purple Click switch is best known for its characteristic high-pitched, satisfying click. It provides a crunchy sound similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves, creating an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switch lives up to its name by offering a muted and softer sound profile. It aims to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it suitable for those who value a noise-free environment. It has a more neutral sound compared to the high-pitched click of the Purple Click. However, it's important to note that the sound of both switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Purple Click switch offers a highly tactile experience with a moderate to firm actuation force. It provides pronounced feedback, a snappy and reactive feel, and an invigorating typing sensation. In comparison, the Semi Mute switch offers a buttery and smooth keystroke experience. Its keystrokes are seamless, effortless, and uniform, giving a more mild and gentle typing sensation. While the Purple Click switch has a stepped feel, meaning it has two stages with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, the Semi Mute switch falls into the mild category with qualities that stand in a safe middle-ground zone.
In conclusion, the KTT Purple Click switch is known for its high-pitched and satisfying click sound, combined with a tactile and invigorating typing feel. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switch aims for a noise-free environment with its muted sound profile, while providing a buttery and mild typing experience. Both switches offer their unique characteristics and appeal to different preferences. If you enjoy a crunchy and resonant auditory experience with pronounced feedback, the Purple Click switch will be a good choice. If you prioritize a noise-free environment and desire a smooth and gentle typing experience, the Semi Mute switch is the way to go.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values a satisfying click and prefers a light keystroke with pronounced tactility, then the KTT Purple Click clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. The Purple Click offers a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a perfect equilibrium between lightness and tactility. In terms of sound, the Purple Click produces a crunchy and resonant sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves, and offers an immersive auditory experience. When it comes to feel, the Purple Click switch offers an invigorating and stepped typing sensation, with moderate to firm actuation force and reactive feedback.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a noise-free environment and desire undisturbed typing, particularly during late-night sessions, then the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is the one for you. With a medium bottom out force of 58 grams, the Semi Mute switch provides a comfortable and gratifying typing experience. In terms of sound, the Semi Mute switch offers a muted and neutral profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. When it comes to feel, the Semi Mute switch provides a buttery and mild typing experience, with a smooth and fluid keystroke.
Ultimately, your choice between the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch will depend on your personal preferences. If you enjoy a satisfying click, light keystrokes with pronounced tactility, and an immersive auditory experience, opt for the Purple Click. If you prioritize a noise-free environment, undisturbed typing, and a smooth, fluid keystroke, go for the Semi Mute. Consider your typing habits, work environment, and desired typing experience to make the best decision for your needs. In the end, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience overall.
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