KTT Purple Star vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Star and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Purple Star and the Everglide Sunset Yellow both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Purple Star is praised for its smooth and light typing experience due to its 45g bottom-out, making it perfect for those who prefer a gentler touch while typing. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow stands out with its captivating sound profile that provides a rich and indulgent typing experience, thanks to its unique Ly stem and proprietary factory lube method. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Purple Star and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches are both made of POM, which creates a pleasing and unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted compared to other materials. This similarity in housing material ensures that both switches deliver a consistent typing experience with a focus on sound quality. However, if the top and bottom housings are different for a switch, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the bottom and top of the switch, affecting the overall sound and feel of the keystrokes.
While both the KTT Purple Star and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches use POM housing for both the top and bottom, the specific design and construction of these housings might vary slightly, impacting the overall typing experience. The Purple Star's POM housing, for example, may be engineered to produce a slightly different sound profile compared to the Sunset Yellow's housing, even though they are both made of the same material. These subtle differences in housing design can result in differences in sound and feel, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Purple Star and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing feel. While both switches offer a pleasing and unique sound profile with deeper tones and muted characteristics, the slight variations in housing design and construction may lead to nuanced differences in typing experience. Whether you prefer a slightly softer bottom-out sound or a distinct sound when releasing a key, the specific qualities of the top and bottom POM housings in these switches will play a significant role in your overall satisfaction with the typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force of the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch are the same at 43 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Purple Star is 50 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Sunset Yellow, which has a bottom out force of 51 grams. This means that while both switches have a similar feel when triggering a keystroke, the Purple Star will feel lighter when fully pressed down compared to the Sunset Yellow. Some users may prefer the lighter feel of the Purple Star for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may enjoy the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Sunset Yellow for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the difference in force between the two switches is minimal and users can expect to get similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the Purple Star has a longer travel distance compared to the Sunset Yellow. The 0.3 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and experience of typing or gaming. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance provides a more substantial feel when pressing the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88, whereas the Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09.
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 and mellow tone, creating a soothing typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch provides a rich and bassy sound profile, reminiscent of deep mahjong tiles colliding, providing a more indulgent typing experience. While both switches offer unique sound characteristics, your choice of keyboard and keycaps will also play a significant role in shaping the overall sound produced.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Purple Star switch offers a mild and easy-to-press typing experience, making it approachable and comfortable for most users. The light actuation force of 45g allows for effortless typing with minimal finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch provides a creamy, frictionless, and polished feel, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance and maximum comfort. The unique Ly stem and factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel, making each keystroke feel polished and effortless.
In conclusion, both the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. Whether you prefer a low-pitched and easy-to-press typing experience or a rich and indulgent sound profile with a creamy and frictionless feel, both switches provide unique qualities that enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a low-pitched sound with a mild and easy-to-press typing experience, the Purple Star may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bassy, thocky sound with a creamy, frictionless, and polished feel, the Sunset Yellow switch would suit your preferences more. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you value most - whether it be a smooth and gentle feel with a light sound or a rich and indulgent sound with a buttery-smooth glide.
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