KTT Purple Star vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Star and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Purple Star linear switch with the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, we can see distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Purple Star is renowned for its all-POM construction, providing a smooth typing experience with a light 45g bottom-out force, making it an excellent option for light typists seeking comfort and ease. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out for its innovative design, offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. It boasts a silky smooth type feel without being overly polished. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Purple Star and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches offer different sound profiles due to their distinct properties. The Purple Star's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The POM bottom housing of the Purple Star contributes to its pleasing sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Semi-Silent Linear offers a deeper and fuller sound. Despite the differences in sound, both switches prioritize sound quality and uniqueness in their housing materials.
Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Semi-Silent Linear's top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it a visually appealing choice for those looking to add lighting effects to their keyboard. In contrast, the opaque POM material in the Purple Star's housing may not offer the same visual effect but still provides a satisfying sound experience. The use of different materials in the top and bottom housings of these switches allows for a combination of sound characteristics to create a unique typing experience with each press of a key.
While the POM and nylon housing materials of the Purple Star and Semi-Silent Linear switches, respectively, offer distinct sound profiles, they both prioritize creating an enjoyable typing experience. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Semi-Silent Linear delivers a clear and resonant sound, while the softer nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, both switches aim to enhance the user's typing experience through the unique qualities of their housing materials, whether it be through sound or aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, it is evident that there are differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Purple Star has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, with an unknown actuation force. This makes the Purple Star the lighter option between the two, perfect for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear provides a more substantial typing feel with a heavier bottom out force, catering to users who prefer a stronger push. Both switches offer their own advantages based on individual preferences, ensuring that users can achieve their desired typing experience with either option. Ultimately, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces allow for a customized typing experience based on personal preferences.
Travel distance
The KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Purple Star switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them a good choice for gamers looking for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to users who prefer a more substantial depth when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
The KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Purple Star switch offers a low-pitched and mellow tone, providing a bass-heavy sound signature that is pleasant to the ears. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch produces a subdued sound that is dampened and quiet when pressed, with a more neutral overall sound profile. While the Purple Star emphasizes a deeper pitch, the Semi-Silent Linear focuses on being quieter and subtle. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired sound experience, with the Purple Star catering to those who enjoy a lower-pitched sound and the Semi-Silent Linear appealing to individuals seeking a quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, both the Purple Star and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches provide a mild typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel to most users. The Purple Star switch is easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate the keys, making typing effortless and comfortable. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as snappy and buttery, providing a super responsive and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is polished, ensuring a smooth and refined finish that enhances the typing sensation. Both switches offer a comfortable and responsive typing experience, with the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear providing a bit more liveliness and smoothness compared to the Purple Star.
In conclusion, the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Purple Star excels in providing a low-pitched sound and easy-to-press typing experience, while the Semi-Silent Linear emphasizes a quieter sound profile and a snappy, buttery feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a deeper tone and effortless typing (Purple Star) or a quieter sound with a more responsive and polished feel (Semi-Silent Linear). Both switches offer quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are a light typist looking for a smooth and comfortable typing experience with a light actuation force, the KTT Purple Star linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher actuation force and want a semi-silent switch with a more subdued sound profile, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so make sure to choose the one that best fits your needs and typing style.
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