KTT Purple Click vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Click and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up are the KTT Purple Click and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. The Purple Click is best known for its signature attribute - a high-pitched, satisfying click that adds a touch of excitement to every keystroke. This switch offers a light keystroke feel without compromising on tactile feedback, striking the perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear stands out for its innovative design. As the name suggests, it offers a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. This switch provides a silky smooth typing experience that feels almost buttery, without being overly polished. Both switches have unique qualities that may appeal to different types of users; 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
N/A
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
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Purple Click and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear share the use of polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice of material contributes to a similar sound profile for both switches, characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting, making it a practical choice for those seeking a visually appealing switch.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a notable difference. The Purple Click utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Semi-Silent Linear also employs a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness, absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches elicit a duller and rounder sound when typing.
It's important to note that the qualities brought by the top and bottom housings are distinct. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, whereas the top housing influences the sound during key release. So, while both the Purple Click and the Semi-Silent Linear share similarities in their top housings, their different bottom housing materials contribute to noticeable differences in the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are notable similarities and differences to consider. Starting with the actuation force, the Purple Click requires 40 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the exact force for the Semi-Silent Linear is unavailable. This makes it difficult to directly compare the two switches in terms of actuation force. However, in terms of the bottom out force, the Purple Click requires 55 grams, which is lighter than the Semi-Silent Linear's 62 grams. This means that the Jwick switch provides a slightly heavier typing experience when pressing all the way down.
Weight is a crucial factor to consider when choosing between these switches. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Purple Click may be preferred as its actuation and bottom out forces are lower. This lighter weight allows for longer typing sessions and can be ideal for work or extended gaming periods. On the other hand, some individuals prefer a stronger push for a more substantial typing experience, in which case they may lean towards options with heavier forces. In this case, the Semi-Silent Linear switch may be more suitable as it offers a slightly heavier bottom out force.
In conclusion, while the actuation force for the Semi-Silent Linear switch is unknown, the Purple Click possesses a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Jwick switch is heavier at 62 grams compared to the Purple Click's 55 grams. These variations in force provide different typing experiences, with the Purple Click being lighter overall and potentially more suitable for prolonged use, while the Semi-Silent Linear offers a slightly heavier and more substantial feel for those who prefer it.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, we can see that there is a slight difference in their distances. The Purple Click has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Purple Click falls into the more traditional range of travel distances, providing a satisfying depth when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear offers a slightly shallower travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. It is worth noting that while the difference between the two distances is relatively small, it may still impact the overall typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the shorter travel distance of the Semi-Silent Linear offering quicker response times and the longer travel distance of the Purple Click providing a more substantial 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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 sound. When typing on a Purple Click switch, you can expect a crunchy and resonant sound profile. The keystrokes are light, yet offer a pronounced tactility without being overwhelming. This creates a perfect equilibrium for users looking for an immersive auditory experience and an invigorating typing sensation.
On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is known for its innovative design and semi-silent label. When using the Semi-Silent Linear switch, you will experience a subdued sound that is dampened when pressed. It is not completely silent, but offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. The bottom-out sound, however, remains clacky. The type feel of the Semi-Silent Linear switch is silky smooth, providing a mild and snappy typing experience. Users can expect a more gentle and approachable feel, thanks to its qualities standing in the middle-ground zone.
In conclusion, the Purple Click switch is characterized by its high-pitched click sound and invigorating, stepped feel with pronounced feedback. Meanwhile, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a subdued sound and a mild, snappy, and buttery feel. The Purple Click switch is best suited for those seeking a clicky, resonant typing experience, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch appeals to those who prefer a more subtle sound and a gentle typing feel. However, it is important to note that the sound and feel of both switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Nonetheless, if you are looking for similar results, both these switches offer their unique qualities to cater to different preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering the choice between the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, if you are someone who enjoys a more pronounced tactile and auditory experience, the Purple Click switch would be the better option. Its high-pitched click and light yet tactile keystrokes provide a satisfying equilibrium. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued sound and a smoother type feel, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is the way to go. Its semi-silent label comes from its whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. Moreover, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a safe middle-ground typing experience, suitable for both beginners and advanced users. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for sound and feel.
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