KTT Purple Star vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Star and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Purple Star and the Gateron Silent Ink Black mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they both offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Purple Star is known for its buttery smooth typing experience and light 45g bottom-out, making it an excellent choice for light typists who prioritize ease and comfort. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch is favored for its silenced version, perfect for environments where quiet typing is essential. With a pillow-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, this switch provides a polished and muted typing experience. Both switches have their own advantages, 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
43g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Purple Star and the Gateron Silent Ink Black are both unique in their sound profiles, with the Purple Star featuring POM top and bottom housings, which create a deep and muted sound, while the Silent Ink Black showcases a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing that produces a high-pitched and clacky sound. Despite the differences in sound profiles, both switches prioritize providing a satisfying typing experience with unique auditory feedback.
In terms of sound, the POM top and bottom housing of the Purple Star offer a deep and pleasing typing experience, whereas the INK blend top and bottom housing of the Silent Ink Black provide a higher-pitched and clacky sound. This contrast in sound profiles can cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts, with the Purple Star catering to those who prefer a more muted typing experience, and the Silent Ink Black appealing to those who enjoy a sharper and clackier sound.
When comparing the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, the bottom housing of the switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when a key is released. Both the Purple Star and Silent Ink Black offer a balance of sound and feel through their unique housing materials, providing users with a choice between a deeper and muted typing experience or a higher-pitched and clacky one. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is clear that the Purple Star is lighter while the Silent Ink Black is heavier. The actuation force of the Purple Star is 43 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Silent Ink Black, which has an actuation force of 60 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Purple Star requires 50 grams of force to fully press the key, whereas the Silent Ink Black needs 70 grams, indicating a more substantial typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Purple Star, while individuals seeking a more robust typing feel may opt for the Silent Ink Black. In both cases, understanding the actuation and bottom out forces is crucial in selecting the ideal switch for one's specific typing preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is clear that the Purple Star has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Ink Black has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Purple Star's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, as shorter distances are often preferred in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial and satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper actuation feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and the tactile experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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
When it comes to sound, the Purple Star linear switch offers a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch provides a muted sound that is softer and quieter, ideal for environments where noise needs to be minimized. Both switches offer different auditory experiences, allowing users to choose based on their preference for sound levels during typing.
In terms of feel, the Purple Star switch provides a mild and easy-to-press typing experience, making it approachable to most users with its gentle resistance and light actuation force. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky and polished feel that enhances smoothness and reduces resistance during key presses, providing a refined and comfortable typing experience. Depending on personal typing preferences, users can select the switch that best suits their desired tactile feedback and typing style.
Overall, while the Purple Star and Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics, they both excel in providing smooth and comfortable typing experiences. Whether you prefer a lighter, mellow sound with easy key presses like the Purple Star or a quieter, silky feel with refined key travel like the Silent Ink Black, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound levels and typing feel, ensuring that users will achieve satisfactory results with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider your priorities for typing experience. If you value a very light bottom-out force, a buttery smooth typing feel, and a low-pitched sound signature, the Purple Star would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you require a slightly heavier bottom-out force, a cushioned typing feel with minimal audio feedback, and a muted sound profile, the Gateron Silent Ink Black would be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing comfort, noise level, and overall typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your needs and enjoy a satisfying typing experience.
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