KTT Purple Star vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Star and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Purple Star and the Outemu Red Panda offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Purple Star, a linear switch, is celebrated for its all-POM construction that delivers a smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature. With a light 45g bottom-out, it caters to light typists seeking ease and comfort. On the other hand, the Red Panda, a tactile switch, provides a light-medium amount of tactility along with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. While the Purple Star is characterized as 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Easy-to-press', the Red Panda is labeled as 'Thocky' and 'Mild'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals, but diving deeper into their nuances will help you make the best choice for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Purple Star and the Outemu Red Panda, it is evident that they provide distinct sound profiles. The Purple Star, with its POM top and bottom housing, offers a deeper and more muted sound, resulting in a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Red Panda, featuring a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing, produces a sharper, crisper sound with a fuller sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the Red Panda contributes to a clearer and more resonant typing sound, while the softer nylon material in the bottom housing adds a deeper and rounder tone to the overall sound.
Aesthetically, the material composition of the housing also plays a role in the overall design of the switches. The translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Red Panda allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the typing experience. In contrast, the opaque nature of the POM housing in the Purple Star may not offer the same visual effect but still provides a unique sound that some users may prefer. Ultimately, the choice between the two housing materials may come down to personal preference in both sound and aesthetics.
Despite the differences in sound and design, both the KTT Purple Star and the Outemu Red Panda ultimately aim to enhance the typing experience for users. Whether you prefer the deep, muted sound of the POM housing in the Purple Star or the sharper, crisper sound of the polycarbonate in the Red Panda, both switches offer unique qualities that can cater to a variety of preferences. Regardless of the housing material chosen, users can expect a high-quality typing experience that is tailored to their individual sound and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it becomes evident that the Purple Star is lighter in terms of both forces. The Purple Star requires an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Red Panda has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This makes the Purple Star more suitable for those looking for a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Red Panda provides a slightly heavier feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, slightly longer than the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The Purple Star offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a bit more depth and feedback compared to the Red Panda. However, both switches are relatively close in terms of travel distance, so users can expect similar results in terms of key press feel and performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press sensation and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88, whereas the Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40.
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 Star linear switch offers a low-pitched tone, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch gives a thocky sound, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying tone when pressed and released. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Purple Star leaning towards a more neutral sound and the Red Panda delivering a more bassy and clackier sound.
When it comes to feel, both the Purple Star and Red Panda switches are described as offering a mild typing experience. The KTT Purple Star linear switch provides an easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force to activate and making typing effortless and comfortable. Similarly, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch also falls under the mild category, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Both switches aim to offer a comfortable typing experience with their light actuation force and gentle resistance during key presses.
In conclusion, the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offer different sound profiles and typing experiences. While the Purple Star excels in providing a smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the Red Panda stands out with its tactile feedback and thocky sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on personal preference in terms of sound and feel. However, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience by offering responsive feedback and comfortable key presses.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, consider your typing preference and environment. If you are a light typist looking for a smooth and easy typing experience with a neutral sound, the Purple Star may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light-medium amount of tactility with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound, the Red Panda could be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the sound profile you prefer. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so make sure to test them out before making a final decision.
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