KTT Purple Star vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Star and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the KTT Purple Star and the Gateron Weightlessness offer distinct advantages that cater to different preferences. The KTT Purple Star is celebrated for its all-POM construction, providing a buttery smooth typing experience complemented by a neutral sound signature. With a light 45g bottom-out force, it suits light typists seeking ease and comfort during prolonged use, making it an excellent option for those who prioritize a seamless, fluid feel. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness brings a tactile element to the table, offering a subtle to moderate tactile feel that enhances feedback with each keystroke, while maintaining a balanced sound profile that many find satisfying. This makes it a great choice for users looking for a more engaging typing sensation. Ultimately, your choice may boil down to whether you prefer the effortless glide of a linear switch or the tactile acknowledgment of a tactile switch. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Purple Star and the Gateron Weightlessness switches, we see that both utilize different materials but exhibit similar acoustic qualities. The Purple Star features a POM top and bottom housing, known for producing a pleasing and unique sound profile that is deep and relatively muted. This characteristic aligns with the Weightlessness switches, which utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housings. Nylon, a traditional housing material, is recognized for creating a fuller sound profile while offering a deep and rounder acoustic experience. Although the materials differ, the outcomes in terms of sound quality—both switches achieving a deeper resonance—are notably similar.
In terms of construction, the distinct properties of each housing material play a crucial role in the overall auditory experience when typing. The POM material in the Purple Star is characterized by its hardness, contributing to a unique sound signature, while nylon is softer and inherently more sound-absorbing. As a result, one might expect that the POM might yield a slightly crisper sound when bottoming out, whereas the nylon would provide a more muted, plush typing experience. However, as both switches share a deep sound profile, users may enjoy a comparable typing experience despite the contrasting materials, as the acoustics will still be noticeably pleasing.
Furthermore, the nuanced interaction between the materials also has implications for the feel of the switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role during the bottom-out phase, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key. With the KTT Purple Star utilizing POM and the Gateron Weightlessness utilizing nylon, the tactile feedback during press and release may differ—leading to a nuanced distinction in user experience. Nevertheless, users of either switch can expect a satisfying auditory response, culminating in a deep and rounded sound that is favored in mechanical keyboards, reaffirming that even with different materials, similar results can be achieved in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the Weightlessness remains unknown. The KTT Purple Star features a relatively lighter actuation force of 43 grams, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming due to its ease of operation. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, which appeals to those who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. In terms of bottom out forces, the Purple Star reaches 50 grams, indicating a definitive resistance at full depression, while the lack of data for the Weightlessness leaves its bottom out force ambiguous. Overall, individuals seeking a lighter typing experience may gravitate toward the Purple Star, while those who favor a firmer response might find the Weightlessness more satisfying, despite the missing information on its bottom out characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we find that the Purple Star has a distance of 3.5 mm, while the Weightlessness measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This indicates that the Purple Star offers a marginally deeper press compared to the Weightlessness, making it a better choice for those who favor a more pronounced keystroke. The shorter travel distance of the Weightlessness may appeal to gamers who prefer quicker response times and a more immediate feel while typing, though some might find this abruptness less enjoyable. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a noticeable depth, the KTT Purple Star would be the preferred option, while the Gateron Weightlessness could be ideal for users prioritizing speed and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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 considering sound, the KTT Purple Star linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched tone, which presents a bass-heavy and mellow profile. This can create a moody ambiance while typing and often leads to a more pleasant experience, especially in quiet environments. In contrast, the sound qualities of the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch remain unspecified, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. Nevertheless, the overall sound profile of a switch can be influenced greatly by the choice of keyboard construction and keycaps, meaning that in certain setups, the sound might blend or align more closely than anticipated.
In terms of feel, the KTT Purple Star switch delivers a mild, gentle typing experience, making it approachable for a wide range of typists. The effortless pressing action reduces finger fatigue, particularly beneficial during extended typing sessions, as it requires minimal force to activate. This makes the Purple Star switches ideal for those who favor a light touch. On the other hand, the tactile qualities of the Gateron Weightlessness switch are not described, leaving their specific feel undefined. Thus, while the Purple Star offers a clear advantage in softness and ease of activation, the feel of the Weightlessness remains unknown.
Overall, the KTT Purple Star linear switch stands out for its smooth operation, low-pitched acoustic profile, and user-friendly characteristics that cater well to light typists. Its defined qualities make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a seamless typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch, while presenting a tactile option, lacks specific information on its sound and feel, leaving potential users to consider it more cautiously until further details become available. Both switches can offer satisfactory results depending on individual preferences, but the predictability of the Purple Star makes it a more reliable choice for those stepping into the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a smooth, effortless typing experience and often type for extended periods, the Purple Star is an excellent choice. Its low actuation force and mild characteristics make it perfect for those who prefer a lighter touch and minimal finger fatigue. This switch excels in environments where a quieter profile is appreciated due to its low-pitched sound signature. On the other hand, if you enjoy the tactile feedback while typing, the Gateron Weightlessness is worth considering. Although its specific bottom-out force isn’t listed, the tactile sensation it provides can enhance typing accuracy and comfort, especially if you prefer more defined key presses. In summary, choose the KTT Purple Star for a smooth, light typing experience suitable for prolonged use, and opt for the Gateron Weightlessness if you appreciate a tactile feel that adds a bit of feedback to your keystrokes.
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