KTT Purple Click vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Click and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Purple Click and the KTT Wine Red offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Purple Click is famous for its high-pitched click, providing a satisfying and invigorating typing experience. With its light keystrokes and pronounced tactility, it strikes a perfect equilibrium between responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the Wine Red switches deliver a different kind of satisfaction with their pillow-like light feel and deep, rich sound profile. These switches offer a bassy, low-pitched typing experience that engulfs users in a sense of indulgence. 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
44g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The KTT Purple Click and the KTT Wine Red both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches will provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetic when it comes to their top housings.
However, the differences arise when we look at the bottom housing materials. The Purple Click utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Wine Red features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances sound clarity and resonance. Therefore, the bottom housing of each switch will produce different sound profiles, with the Purple Click being deeper and fuller, and the Wine Red being sharper and crisper.
When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more prominent. The impact and sound when bottoming out a key will be influenced by the bottom housing material. As for the sound when releasing a key, the top housing will have a greater impact. Therefore, while the top housings of both switches provide similar attributes, the bottom housings will contribute to distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences when typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, we can see some similarities and slight differences. The actuation force of the Purple Click is 40 grams, while the Wine Red has a slightly higher actuation force of 44 grams. Despite this difference, both switches fall under the category of medium-light actuation force.
In terms of bottom out force, both switches have a requirement of 55 grams. This means that regardless of the actuation force, the overall pressure needed to fully depress the key is the same for both switches. Therefore, the typing experience for the user will be similar in terms of the required force for bottoming out.
Considering weight, it is worth noting that some individuals prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. The lighter actuation force of the Purple Click may be more suitable for these individuals. On the other hand, those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience might opt for the Wine Red switch with its slightly heavier actuation force.
In conclusion, while there are differences in the actuation force between the KTT Purple Click and KTT Wine Red switches, both have the same bottom out force. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a consistent and standard travel distance, allowing for a smooth typing or gaming 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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 per 10 switches.
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 signature crunchy and resonant sound profile. When typing on these switches, you can expect a high-pitched and satisfying click, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. The sound profile is clean, sharp, and immersive. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. The sound during key presses is deeper and richer, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The Purple Click provides a light and tactile feel, offering a perfect equilibrium between a pronounced tactility and a light keystroke. It provides an invigorating typing sensation with moderate to firm actuation force and a snappy, reactive feel. Additionally, the Purple Click exhibits a stepped feel, which means you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, unlike hypertactile switches that have a bigger bump throughout the whole keystroke. Unfortunately, there is limited information available on the feel of the Wine Red switch.
In summary, the Purple Click switch is ideal for users seeking a clicky switch with a high-pitched and satisfying sound, along with a light yet tactile feel. It offers an invigorating and stepped typing sensation. The Wine Red switch is recommended for those who prefer a deeper, richer sound profile with a bassy and low-pitched tone. While information on the feel of the Wine Red switch is limited, it can be inferred that the Purple Click and Wine Red switches provide different subjective qualities. Depending on personal preferences, one can choose between the crunchy and resonant sound of the Purple Click or the bassy and low-pitched sound of the Wine Red. Similar results in terms of sound and feel can be achieved by considering factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who enjoys a satisfying, high-pitched click and a light yet tactile keystroke, then the KTT Purple Click switch would be an excellent choice for you. Its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams strikes a perfect balance between ease of typing and noticeable tactility. Additionally, the Purple Click offers a crunchy and resonant sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more pillowy and rich typing feel, along with a deeper and bassy sound profile, then the KTT Wine Red switch is the way to go. With the same medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, the Wine Red offers a softer, light type feel that is enjoyable during typing sessions. Its low-pitched sound gives off a mellow and bass-heavy tone.
Ultimately, the decision between the Purple Click and Wine Red switches comes down to your personal preferences. If you prioritize a satisfying click and a balanced keystroke, the Purple Click is the ideal choice. However, if you value a pillowy typing feel and a deeper, bassy sound, the Wine Red switch will be more to your liking. Consider your typing style and the overall experience you want to have while using your mechanical keyboard to make the best decision for you.