KTT Purple Click vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are various options available. Two popular choices are the KTT Purple Click, a clicky switch, and the TTC Silent Red, a linear switch. The Purple Click is best known for its fairly high-pitched, satisfying click, making every keystroke feel invigorating. It strikes a perfect balance between lightness and tactility, providing a rewarding typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and noise-free typing experience, the Silent Reds are the way to go. These switches offer a muted sound profile, making them ideal for use in office or shared living spaces. With a consistent and smooth feel throughout, they also offer a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific needs.

By the numbers

KTT Purple Click Clicky

TTC Silent Red Linear

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Purple Click and the TTC Silent Red have similar polycarbonate top housing materials. Both switches utilize polycarbonate to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics and visual effects from both the Purple Click and Silent Red switches.

On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click and the TTC Silent Red differ in their nylon bottom housing materials. While both switches use nylon, the properties of nylon result in contrasting sound profiles. Typing on the Purple Click, which has a nylon bottom housing, elicits a deeper and fuller sound. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Silent Red's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, but the specific qualities of the nylon may differ slightly between the two switches.

When it comes to the overall sound and feel of the switches, the different top and bottom housing materials play a role. The bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. Therefore, the nylon bottom housing in both the Purple Click and Silent Red will contribute to a similar deep and full sound profile. Conversely, the top housing material has a greater influence on the sound when a key is released. Since both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, users can expect similar crisp and resonant sound profiles when they let go of a key.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Purple Click has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, whereas the Silent Red requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Silent Red switch will require a slightly stronger push in order to trigger a keystroke. As for bottom out force, the Purple Click has a slightly lighter force of 55 grams, while the Silent Red has a heavier force of 63.5 grams. This means that when typing, the Silent Red switch will offer a more substantial and solid typing experience due to the heavier bottom out force. It is worth mentioning that both switches fall within the medium-light to medium-heavy range, providing a good balance between typing comfort and overall key responsiveness. Overall, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the KTT Purple Click, while those seeking a stronger push feel may opt for the TTC Silent Red.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the Purple Click has a travel distance of 4.0mm, while the Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7mm. The Purple Click falls into the more traditional range, while the Silent Red is slightly shallower. This means that if you prefer a more classic typing experience with a bit more depth, the Purple Click may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, gamers and those who prioritize quick response times may find the shorter travel distance of the Silent Red more appealing. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and whether you value a more responsive feel or a more substantial key press. Both switches offer their own unique experience, so selecting the one that suits your specific needs will ensure you have a satisfying typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Purple Click switch is best described as crunchy and resonant. The crunchy sound is often associated with clicky switches and is reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This gives a satisfying high-pitched click that adds an immersive auditory experience to typing. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is known for its muted sound profile. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, making it ideal for use in office or shared living spaces where noise needs to be minimized. It is important to note that the sound profile of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the KTT Purple Click switch is described as invigorating and stepped. The invigorating nature of this switch offers pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force, resulting in a snappy and reactive typing sensation. It provides an immersive experience for typists. Additionally, the stepped characteristic of the switch means that it has two stages of tactility, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This gives a mild and nuanced feel during typing. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red switch is often described as buttery, mild, and polished. It provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, creating a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The switch offers a gentle typing experience that most typists will find approachable and comfortable. The polished finish of the switch ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience.

Taking all the available information into consideration, the KTT Purple Click switch and TTC Silent Red switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Purple Click switch provides a high-pitched, satisfying click with light keystrokes and pronounced tactility. It offers an invigorating and stepped feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch offers a muted sound profile, making it suitable for quieter environments. It provides a smooth and consistent feel with a padded bottom-out for maximum comfort. While they offer different experiences, both switches cater to specific preferences. If you enjoy the sound and feel of the Purple Click switch, you can expect similar results in terms of a satisfying click and pronounced tactility. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a smooth and gentle feel, the Silent Red switch will deliver the desired results. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a satisfying click with a medium-light bottom out force, the KTT Purple Click switch is the perfect choice for you. With its crunchy and resonant sound profile, typing on this switch will feel invigorating and immersive. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the TTC Silent Red switch is the ideal option. Known for its muted sound profile, this switch is perfect for office or shared living spaces. The smooth and buttery feel of the Silent Red switch, along with its mild and polished characteristics, will provide a seamless and comfortable typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Purple Click and TTC Silent Red switches depends on your preference for sound and feel, so make sure to consider your typing environment and personal preferences when making a decision.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Purple Click Clicky

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more