KTT Purple Click vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Click and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Purple Click and HMX Swift offer distinct experiences for users seeking different preferences in their typing experience. The Purple Click is renowned for its high-pitched, satisfying click and light keystrokes that still provide a pronounced tactility, making it a perfect balance of comfort and feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Swift stands out with a deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, coupled with a delicate 42g actuation force for effortless typing. Each switch has its unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Purple Click and the HMX Swift, we can see that both switches use nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties, which absorb more sound and result in a duller and rounder sound. This means that when typing on either switch, you can expect a similar tactile experience with a deeper bottom-out sound. However, the top housing of the Purple Click is made of polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Swift uses nylon for its top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, the housing materials of these switches contribute to different auditory experiences for the user.
While both the KTT Purple Click and the HMX Swift feature nylon for their bottom housing, they differ in their top housing materials. The Purple Click utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, known for creating a clearer and more resonant sound profile. This is especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as polycarbonate's translucency enhances the visual effects of the lighting. On the other hand, the Swift's top housing being made of nylon results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer properties of nylon absorb more sound, leading to a rounder and duller sound. This contrast in top housing materials between the two switches showcases how different housing materials can impact sound quality and overall typing experience.
Overall, the housing materials of the KTT Purple Click and the HMX Swift play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and tactile experience of the switches. While both switches share nylon as the material for their bottom housing, their top housing materials differ significantly. The Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more defined auditory feedback while typing. In comparison, the Swift's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, creating a more rounded and duller sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound characteristics and typing feel.
Weight
The KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the HMX Swift linear switch differ in their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of the Purple Click is 40 grams, while the Swift requires 42 grams to actuate a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Purple Click has a heavier force of 55 grams compared to the Swift's 50 grams. This means that the Purple Click has a slightly lighter actuation force but a heavier bottom out force compared to the Swift. Both switches provide a tactile typing experience, but the Purple Click may feel lighter to type on due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, the Swift switch may provide a more consistent typing experience with its lighter actuation force. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The KTT Purple Click clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. This makes the Swift switch slightly shorter in terms of travel distance compared to the Purple Click switch. The difference may seem minimal, but it can affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Those who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Swift switch with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress feel may opt for the Purple Click switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 known for its crunchy and resonant qualities, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves and offering a clean and sharp sound profile. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a crisp, bright, and percussive tone. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Purple Click providing a higher-pitched click and the Swift delivering a deeper sound profile due to its nylon housings. The choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Purple Click switch is described as invigorating and stepped, offering pronounced feedback, moderate actuation force, and a snappy feel that creates an immersive typing sensation. In contrast, the HMX Swift switch is known for being easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy, providing a light and effortless typing experience with minimal force required to activate the keys. While the Purple Click switch offers a tactile and responsive typing feel, the Swift switch enhances the typing experience by being light and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the KTT Purple Click and HMX Swift switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Purple Click switch provides a satisfying click with a balance of tactility and light keystrokes, while the Swift switch offers a smooth and silky typing experience with a deeper sound profile. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, so it ultimately comes down to the individual's personal preference and typing needs. Whether you prefer the crunchy click of the Purple Click switch or the easy-to-press feel of the Swift switch, both options can provide a delightful typing experience depending on your preferences.
Conclusion
Therefore, when it comes to choosing between the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preference and typing style. If you enjoy a satisfyingly high-pitched click with light yet tactile keystrokes, the Purple Click may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter typing experience with a deeper sound profile, the Swift switch could be more up your alley. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and actuation force to make the decision that best suits your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose wisely based on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
