KTT Purple Click vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Click and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Purple Click and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The Purple Click switch is well-known for its high-pitched and satisfying click, offering a light keystroke with pronounced tactility. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch provides a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a satisfying typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, these switches offer a bouncy feel with each keystroke. While the Purple Click is categorized as crunchy, invigorating, resonant, and stepped, the Tourmaline Blue is labeled as buttery, easy-to-press, mild, and neutral. Each switch has its unique attributes that cater to different preferences, making it crucial to dive deeper beyond generalities in order to determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Comparing the housing materials of the KTT Purple Click and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, both switches incorporate polycarbonate in their top housing. This material choice enhances the sound profile by creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows the illumination to shine through. Therefore, users of both switches can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and visual aesthetics.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Purple Click utilizes nylon while the Tourmaline Blue employs polycarbonate. This difference in materials leads to contrasting sound profiles. The Purple Click's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and gives it a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This disparity in bottom housing materials provides users with alternative experiences when typing on the switches.
It is important to note that the distinct qualities brought by the bottom and top housing materials are noticeable during different moments of typing. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, offering a more tactile experience. Conversely, when releasing the key, the top housing takes precedence and greatly affects the sound produced upon letting go. Therefore, users can expect a combination of the characteristics derived from both housing materials in their overall typing experience, creating a unique and customized feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that the two switches differ in terms of weight. The Purple Click has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which falls into the medium-light category. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue exhibits a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range.
Considering weight, it becomes apparent that individuals have varying preferences. Some users prefer a lighter actuation force as it allows for more extended periods of typing, making it a suitable choice for work or long gaming sessions. Conversely, others may favor a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For those individuals, opting for options with heavier forces would be more favorable.
In summary, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch with its medium-light actuation force and bottom out force is a lighter option compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, which has a medium-heavy weight. Depending on personal preferences regarding typing experiences, users can choose the switch that suits their needs accordingly.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. When pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches offer the same level of tactile feedback and key press experience 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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 these switches, you can expect a clean and sharp sound profile that is reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue switch provides a more neutral sound profile. It has a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you are using the switch at home or work. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Purple Click switch offers a typing sensation that is invigorating and immersive. It provides pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. This creates an engaging typing experience that is enjoyable for many users. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a buttery and easy-to-press feel. When pressing the keys, you will experience a smooth and fluid keystroke that requires minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Tourmaline Blue switch has a mild feel, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
Overall, the Purple Click switch is known for its satisfying click sound and invigorating feel, while the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile with a buttery and easy-to-press feel. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a crunchy and resonant sound with pronounced feedback, the Purple Click switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile with a smooth and low-impact typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue switch would be a suitable option. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose either switch to achieve similar satisfying results in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a high-pitched, satisfying click, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is the way to go. It offers light keystrokes with a pronounced tactile feedback, striking a perfect balance of tactility without being overwhelming. Additionally, the Purple Click switch provides a crunchy and resonant sound profile, creating an immersive auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deep, thocky sound profile, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is the ideal choice. These switches offer a bouncy feel with each keystroke, thanks to their lengthened single-stage spring. The Tourmaline Blues have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes and user levels.
In terms of feel, the Purple Click switch provides an invigorating and stepped typing sensation, delivering pronounced feedback and a reactive feel. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a buttery and easy-to-press experience, with a smooth and effortless keystroke. Its light actuation force makes typing comfortable and minimizes finger fatigue. Just like its sound profile, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a mild typing experience, falling into a safe and accessible middle-ground zone.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch depends on your preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider your desired level of tactile feedback, sound characteristics, and the level of force you want to exert during typing. Both switches have their own unique qualities, ensuring an enjoyable and immersive typing experience.
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