KTT Purple Click vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Click and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Are you in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, but not sure which one to choose? Let's compare and contrast two popular options: the KTT Purple Click and the Gateron Silent Ink Black. The Purple Click switch is renowned for its satisfying, high-pitched click, providing a perfect equilibrium between light keystrokes and pronounced tactility. On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing experience, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a cushion-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. Categorized as "Crunchy, Invigorating, Resonant, and Stepped," the Purple Click switch is ideal for those seeking an invigorating typing experience. Meanwhile, the Silent Ink Black switch, categorized as "Silky, Muted, and Polished," is perfect for environments calling for quieter keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch is perfect for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the KTT Purple Click and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, one noticeable difference is in the top housing. The Purple Click utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing. This blend delivers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. While both offer distinctive sound profiles, the Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing generates a sharper and more crisp sound compared to the Silent Ink Black's INK blend.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Purple Click incorporates a nylon material. Typing on switches with nylon housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend is also used in the bottom housing. This contributes to the switch's relatively high-pitched and clacky sound profile. Both nylon and the INK blend bring their unique characteristics to the sound produced, but while the Purple Click offers a deeper and fuller sound, the Silent Ink Black maintains its satisfying thin and higher-pitched clacky sound.
When it comes to the overall feel of the switches, the impact of the top and bottom housings is divided. The qualities of the bottom housing are felt more prominently during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. In contrast, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when a key is released. While the specific characteristics of the housing materials may differ between the KTT Purple Click and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, the overall result is that they both offer unique and satisfying sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Purple Click has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black requires a higher actuation force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Similarly, when considering the bottom out force, the Purple Click has a lighter force of 55 grams, while the Silent Ink Black exerts a heavier force of 70 grams.
For those who enjoy a lighter typing experience and prefer to type for longer periods, the Purple Click would be a suitable choice. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces provide a smoother and more effortless typing feel. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial keystroke response may prefer the Silent Ink Black. Its higher actuation and bottom out forces give a more tactile and satisfying typing experience.
Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Purple Click and the Gateron Silent Ink Black differ, providing users with options to suit their individual preferences. While the Purple Click offers a lighter experience, the Silent Ink Black delivers a heavier and more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard, as it directly affects the tactile feedback and overall typing experience. In the case of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, both switches have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, users can expect a consistent and similar travel distance for both switches. Therefore, whether you prefer the satisfying clicky feedback of the Purple Click or the smooth linear action of the Silent Ink Black, both switches will deliver comparable results in terms of travel distance.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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. It produces a sound that can be described as crunchy, similar to stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. Typing on a Purple Click switch offers a light keystroke with pronounced tactility, creating a perfect equilibrium between a satisfying click and a light feel.
On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch is designed for quieter typing environments. It provides a muted sound, producing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular or clacky switches. This switch offers a pillow-like bottom-out feel, minimizing audio feedback while still maintaining a comfortable typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Purple Click switch is invigorating. It offers pronounced feedback with a moderate to firm actuation force, resulting in a snappy and reactive feel while typing. It can also be described as a stepped switch, meaning that it has two stages to its tactile feedback, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations.
In contrast, the Silent Ink Black switch provides a silky typing experience. It is exceptionally smooth, enhancing the overall comfort and reducing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This switch can be described as polished, as it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, the Purple Click switch is known for its high-pitched, satisfying click and invigorating feel, while the Silent Ink Black switch is designed for quieter typing environments with its muted sound and silky, polished feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you are looking for a clicky and tactile experience, the Purple Click switch is recommended. If a quieter and smoother typing experience is desired, the Silent Ink Black switch will provide similar results. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the specific requirements of the typing environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a satisfying click, light keystrokes, and pronounced tactile feedback, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch would be the best choice for you. The Purple Click offers an invigorating and stepped feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. It produces a crunchy and resonant sound profile, providing an enjoyable auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is the way to go. This switch offers a pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. It is described as silky and polished, ensuring an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the Silent Ink Black produces a muted sound, minimizing noise commonly associated with mechanical keyboards.
Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preferences and needs. If you prioritize clickiness and tactile feedback, the Purple Click is the better choice. However, if a quiet and smooth typing experience is essential, the Silent Ink Black is the more suitable option. Consider your environment and personal preferences when making your decision.
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