KTT Purple Click vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Click and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the KTT Purple Click and the Gateron Weightlessness can significantly impact your typing experience. The KTT Purple Click, renowned for its high-pitched and satisfying click sound, combines a light keystroke with a pronounced yet not overwhelming tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy a fun and engaging typing experience. It's categorized as 'Crunchy', 'Invigorating', 'Resonant', and 'Stepped', appealing especially to those who appreciate auditory and tactile stimulation. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch provides a more subtle tactile feedback, offering a moderate yet balanced sound profile that is ideal for users who prefer a quieter typing experience while still feeling the key actuation. This makes the Weightlessness switch a solid choice for those looking for a more subdued, polished typing experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Purple Click and the Gateron Weightlessness, distinct contrasts emerge, particularly in their top housings. The Purple Click features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer nature, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This clear housing allows for vibrant RGB lighting to shine through, making it aesthetically pleasing for those who prioritize visual elements in their keyboards. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness opts for a nylon top housing, a material renowned for its softer properties that yield a deeper and fuller sound. While this might lend a warmer tone to the typing experience, it lacks the visual appeal offered by polycarbonate's clarity. Thus, the top housings of these switches cater to different auditory and aesthetic preferences.
Interestingly, both the KTT Purple Click and the Gateron Weightlessness utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This shared material creates a deeper and rounder sound profile for both switches, as nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb sound more effectively than other plastics. This commonality means that while the two switches have distinct auditory characters due to the differences in their top housings, they will share similarities in the overall feel and sound when bottoming out due to the nylon used in the lower section of the switch. Thus, the experience during key presses would evoke a fullness characteristic of nylon while the top housing influences the ultimate auditory experience upon release.
Overall, the KTT Purple Click and the Gateron Weightlessness showcase a blend of materials that influence their sound profiles and tactile experiences. With polycarbonate enhancing clarity and brightness in one and nylon producing a deeper timbre in the other, users will find two unique outcomes depending on their choice of top housing. Nevertheless, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches solidifies a degree of similarity in how they respond when keys are pressed down, providing an interesting balance between variation and commonality across these two keyboard options.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces. The Purple Click switch requires a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger, while the Weightlessness switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This means that those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions may find the Purple Click more suitable for work or prolonged gaming. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness, with its greater actuation force, will appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial typing feel. Regarding bottom out forces, the Purple Click's bottom out force is 55 grams, indicating a definitive resistance when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness lacks a specified bottom out force, leaving users without a clear metric for that aspect of its performance. Overall, if one is looking for a lighter feel and defined feedback, the KTT Purple Click stands out, while the Gateron Weightlessness offers a heftier push that some users may prefer for a more robust experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Purple Click clicky switch features a travel distance of 4.0 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference in travel distance may influence user experience significantly; the Purple Click's deeper travel can provide a more pronounced tactile feedback, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial keypress. Conversely, the shorter 3.4 mm travel of the Weightlessness switch may cater to gamers and users seeking quicker actuation and faster response times, as shorter distances can lead to more efficient typing or gaming. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your preference for either depth or responsiveness in your keyboard experience.
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 Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Purple Click switch offers a distinct auditory experience characterized by its high-pitched and satisfying click, which can be compared to the sound of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves—crisp and invigorating. The resonant nature of the switch contributes to a clean and sharp sound profile that enhances the typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch has a sound profile that balances more towards subtlety, lacking detailed descriptors, which implies that it is likely quieter and less intrusive than the KTT Purple Click. This difference means that while the Purple Click provides a clear auditory feedback that many enthusiasts crave, the Weightlessness is likely to be more muted and subdued.
In terms of feel, the KTT Purple Click is invigorating, giving pronounced feedback that makes each keypress snappy and reactive, almost providing a miniature burst of energy with every stroke. The stepped tactile feedback, with its noticeable two-stage response, adds to the overall immersion, blending snappiness with a more controlled actuation. In comparison, the Gateron Weightlessness switches, described simply, suggest that they provide a more subtle tactile feedback, possibly leaning towards a smoother experience without the same pronounced depth of tactile response as the Purple Click. Thus, while the Purple Click engages users with its vivacious tactile characteristics, the Weightlessness may offer a gentler, more understated typing feel.
In conclusion, the KTT Purple Click and Gateron Weightlessness switches offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel, appealing to different preferences among users. The Purple Click's high-pitched clicky sound and invigorating tactile feedback might be preferred by those who enjoy an engaging and dynamic typing experience, while the Weightlessness might attract those who favor a more subtle and quieter interaction. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on a user's personal preference for auditory and tactile feedback, as each offers a unique set of qualities that cater to different typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, consider your typing style and sound preferences. If you enjoy a more invigorating typing experience with a pronounced clicky sound that is both crunchy and resonant, the Purple Click is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom out force and satisfying feedback make it ideal for those who favor a lively, responsive feel while typing, especially if you work in noise-friendly environments or simply enjoy the auditory stimulation it provides. On the other hand, if you seek a subtler, more balanced typing experience, the Gateron Weightlessness could be better suited for you. Although it has an undetermined bottom out force, its moderate tactile feel allows for comfortable, noiseless typing, making it great for quieter spaces or when you want to keep your audio output low-key. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on whether you prioritize an engaging clicky experience or a more muted and smooth tactile sensation in your mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
