KTT Purple Star vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Star and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence the typing experience, and two popular linear options are the KTT Purple Star and the TTC Yunhai. The Purple Star switches, known for their all-POM construction, provide a buttery smooth typing experience with a light 45g bottom-out force, making them an excellent choice for lighter typists seeking comfort and ease. Their mild and low-pitched sound profile adds to a serene typing atmosphere, catering to those who prefer a softer auditory environment. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches deliver a distinct typing experience characterized by their deep, rounded sound profile and similarly light actuation force, which appeals to users who enjoy a gentle touch while typing. While both switches offer a smooth and enjoyable experience, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference for sound and tactile feedback. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Purple Star and the TTC Yunhai, we can observe interesting similarities and differences that shape the overall sound profile of each switch. Both the Purple Star and the Yunhai utilize materials designed to produce deeper and more muted sound signatures. The Purple Star employs POM for both its top and bottom housings, known for its pleasing and unique tonal qualities, while the Yunhai opts for nylon in the same locations. The nylon material in the Yunhai delivers a similar deeper sound profile, balancing its resonance through its softer nature. While both switches aim for a fuller auditory experience, their differing materials can influence the resultant sound distinctly.
Diving deeper into the characteristics of these materials, we see that POM's rigidity contrasts with nylon's softness, which leads to nuanced differences in how each switch feels and sounds when pressed. The POM material used in the Purple Star is noted for creating a unique auditory experience that can be somewhat more muted compared to the Yunhai's nylon construction, which tends to absorb sound. This absorption lends the Yunhai a rounder quality when typing—offering a divergence in tactile feedback, particularly in the bottom-out experience when the key is fully pressed. All these aspects indicate that while both switches are tuned for a satisfying sound experience, the tactile sensation and loudness perception are likely to vary due to the intrinsic properties of the housing materials.
Despite their differences, the strategic use of POM in the Purple Star and nylon in the Yunhai showcases how both can achieve similar goals in sound profile while employing different tactile qualities. The contrasting nature of the two materials allows users to experience what can be deemed a comparable yet unique sound signature based on the characteristics of each housing type. Both switches achieve a deeper tonal ambiance—where the POM adds a distinct clarity and the nylon offers cushioned warmness—resulting in a rich typing sound that enhances the user's experience. Thus, while KTT Purple Star and TTC Yunhai present themselves with unique textures and qualities, they harmonize in creating a sound-centric experience that can cater to diverse typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, both exhibit similar characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, though there is a slight difference in their actuation forces. The Purple Star has an actuation force of 43 grams while the Yunhai requires just 42 grams, making the Yunhai the lighter option overall. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that users will experience a uniform resistance when bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter touch, especially ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, either switch could be a suitable choice; however, the Yunhai offers a marginally lighter actuation feel. Since both switches are categorized as light, they provide a comfortable option for users seeking to minimize finger fatigue during extended use.
Travel distance
The KTT Purple Star linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Yunhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Purple Star the shorter option, providing a somewhat more responsive feel ideal for gamers who favor quicker key presses. In contrast, the Yunhai's travel distance of 3.6 mm offers slightly more depth, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial key press. Both switches fall within a relatively close range, so if you opt for either, you'll likely achieve similar overall results in terms of responsiveness and typing experience. However, those who appreciate a defined depth in their keystrokes may find the Yunhai's longer travel distance more satisfying.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 linear switch produces a low-pitched and mellow tone, which creates a subtle and pleasant auditory experience when typing. This bass-heavy sound allows for a less intrusive environment, making it suitable for both work and leisure contexts where minimal noise disruption is desired. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai linear switch has a unique sound profile that hasn’t been explicitly defined, but its design is geared towards a gentle auditory experience that complements its light actuation force. Given that sound can be affected by the board and keycap choices, both switches can potentially deliver satisfying results depending on the overall setup.
When considering feel, the KTT Purple Star switch offers a mild typing experience that strikes a balance, making it accessible to a broad range of typists. Its gentle resistance during key presses provides a comfortable and easy-to-press feel that minimizes finger fatigue, which is particularly beneficial during prolonged typing sessions. Though the TTC Yunhai switch doesn’t have specific descriptive qualities provided, its inherently light actuation force suggests a similarly effortless typing experience. Typists looking for a light touch will find both switches appealing, as they emphasize comfort and responsiveness.
Overall, both the KTT Purple Star and TTC Yunhai linear switches cater to typists who prefer a gentle, light touch. While the Purple Star offers a distinct low-pitched sound and a well-rounded feel characterized by mild feedback, the Yunhai provides an equally light typing experience, albeit with an undefined sound profile. Depending on individual preferences regarding sound or tactile feedback, either switch can yield a satisfying typing experience, and both are well-suited for those seeking a comfortable and enjoyable interaction with their keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Purple Star and the TTC Yunhai linear switches, it really depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you are someone who enjoys a buttery smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the all-POM construction of the Purple Star switches will likely meet your needs perfectly. Their low-pitched sound provides a more mellow typing experience, making them ideal for light typists who favor comfort and ease during prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, if you're attracted to switches that deliver a unique auditory feedback, the TTC Yunhai's deep and rounded sound profile might be more to your liking. Their incredibly light actuation force and effortless feel will suit typists who prefer a gentle touch, allowing for a relaxing typing experience with minimal effort. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a smooth, fundamental typing feel or a more distinct sound experience, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard feels just right for your specific needs.
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