KTT Purple Click vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Click and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, you'll definitely want to consider the KTT Purple Click and the SP-Star Duck. These switches offer different experiences that cater to various preferences. The Purple Click is renowned for its high-pitched and satisfying click, providing an invigorating and crunchy typing sensation. With a light keystroke and a pronounced tactility, it strikes a perfect equilibrium for those who seek a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck offers a more subtle tactile feel, delivering a gentle tactility that is both mild and buttery. Its clean and crispy sound profile ensures a pleasant typing experience for those who prefer a polished and neutral switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision and find the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The KTT Purple Click and the SP-Star Duck both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through. Therefore, in terms of sound and aesthetics, users can expect similar results from both switches when it comes to their top housing.
However, the bottom housing of the Purple Click differs from that of the Duck. The Purple Click uses nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Duck utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. While the top housings may provide similar results, the different bottom housings will impact the sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
In summary, the KTT Purple Click and the SP-Star Duck share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, resulting in similar sound profiles and compatibility with RGB lighting. However, their bottom housing materials differ, with the Purple Click's nylon offering a deeper and fuller sound, while the Duck's polycarbonate provides a sharper and crisper sound. Therefore, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for the type of sound and feel desired when typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, it is evident that there are some differences between the two. The actuation force of the Purple Click is 40 grams, while the exact actuation force of the Duck is unknown. However, both switches have a medium-light actuation force.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Purple Click requires a force of 55 grams to fully press down, whereas the Duck has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 58 grams. Although the difference is minimal, it is worth noting that the Duck is slightly heavier in terms of bottoming out.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Purple Click switch. With its medium-light actuation and bottom out forces, it allows for longer typing periods and is suitable for tasks such as office work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Duck switch with its slightly heavier bottom out force.
In the case where the actuation force of the Duck is similar to that of the Purple Click, users can expect comparable results in terms of triggering keystrokes. However, it is important to note that the bottom out force of the Duck remains heavier, providing a distinct tactile feel when fully pressing down.
Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience. Whether one prefers a lighter actuation or a stronger push, considering the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches will help in making an informed decision.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is the distance it moves from the top to the bottom, and is the sensation you experience when you press a key. The KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on either switch, you will feel a 4 mm movement from the top of the switch to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, both switches provide similar results, making them suitable options for those who prefer a 4 mm 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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Purple Click switch is best described as crunchy and resonant. The crunchy sound profile is most commonly associated with clicky switches, offering a satisfying high-pitched click that resembles stepping on crisp autumn leaves. Additionally, the resonant nature of the switch provides a clean and sharp higher-pitched sound profile, creating an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch offers a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate sound level and is suitable for various purposes. However, the specific sound qualities of the Duck switch are not mentioned, so it may not offer the same crunchy or resonant experience as the Purple Click switch. Please note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Purple Click switch offers an invigorating and stepped typing experience. The invigorating nature of the switch provides pronounced feedback and a snappy feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. The switch requires a moderate to firm actuation force, resulting in a reactive and satisfying keystroke. Additionally, the stepped nature of the switch means it has two stages, allowing you to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during keystrokes. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch provides a mild and buttery typing experience. The mild nature of the switch offers a more gentle typing sensation compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The buttery quality indicates a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Furthermore, the polished nature of the Duck switch implies a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the Purple Click switch offers a more invigorating and stepped feel, while the Duck switch provides a mild, buttery, and polished typing experience.
Taking all the available information into account, the Purple Click switch is best suited for those seeking a high-pitched, satisfying click with light keystrokes and pronounced yet balanced tactility. Its sound profile is described as crunchy and resonant, while the feel is invigorating and stepped. On the other hand, the Duck switch is a suitable option for those desiring a more subtle tactile typing experience. Its sound profile is described as neutral, and the feel is mild, buttery, and polished. While both switches offer their unique qualities, it is important to consider personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you're seeking a satisfying and pronounced click with light keystrokes, the KTT Purple Click switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, it strikes a perfect equilibrium between tactility and comfort. The sound produced by the Purple Click is described as crunchy and resonant, offering a clean and sharp auditory experience. Furthermore, its invigorating and stepped feel creates an immersive typing sensation.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience, the SP-Star Duck switch is perfect for you. With a medium bottom out force of 58 grams, it provides a gentle tactility without being overwhelming. The sound profile of the Duck switch is described as neutral, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced typist, and whether you'll be using it at home or work. Additionally, the Duck switch offers a mild, buttery, and polished feel, ensuring a gentle and refined typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Purple Click and SP-Star Duck switches depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy a pronounced click with light keystrokes and an invigorating, stepped feel, the Purple Click is the way to go. However, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a neutral sound profile and a mild, buttery, and polished feel, the Duck switch is the perfect choice. Consider your preferences in sound, feel, and typing experience to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. In the end, both switches offer their own unique qualities and will enhance your typing experience.
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