KTT Ash Gray vs. TTC Flaming Purple
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the TTC Flaming Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Ash Gray and the TTC Flaming Purple offer unique experiences for users. The Ash Gray is a tactile switch designed to provide a subtle yet satisfying tactile response, offering a light touch with a crisp actuation. In contrast, the Flaming Purple is a linear switch known for its resonant character and feathery nature, making it effortless to type on. While the Ash Gray is easy-to-press and mild, the Flaming Purple is categorized as easy-to-press, bassy, and silky. Both switches have their own merits, making them appealing choices for different preferences. 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
38g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
47g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and TTC Flaming Purple both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, while both switches share the same material for their top housings, they may differ in terms of color and design.
On the other hand, the Ash Gray and Flaming Purple have nylon bottom housings, which produce a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As with the top housings, the bottom housings of the two switches may differ in appearance and color, providing users with options to choose from based on their preferences.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray and TTC Flaming Purple will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile, feel, and aesthetics. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, with the Ash Gray focusing on a sharper sound profile from its polycarbonate top housing, and the Flaming Purple providing a deeper sound profile with its nylon bottom housing. However, if you prefer a similar sound profile and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, which has an actuation force of 42 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ash Gray requires a heavier force of 53 grams, while the Flaming Purple only needs 47 grams. This means that the Ash Gray switch provides a lighter initial press but requires more force to fully press down, offering a balance between typing comfort and feedback. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple switch is lighter overall, making it more suitable for those who prefer a gentler typing experience. Despite their differences, both switches cater to different preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out force, ensuring that users can achieve their desired typing feel with either option.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances commonly preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the Ash Gray provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those seeking a quicker, more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple offers a slightly longer travel distance, which could provide a more substantial and satisfying keypress for those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes. In general, both switches offer similar performance with only a slight difference in travel distance, so users can expect comparable results in terms of typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 Ash Gray switch is known for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide variety of users and settings. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple switch offers a bassier and resonant sound, providing a deeper and richer auditory experience during typing. The Flaming Purple switch may appeal more to those who enjoy a touch of bass in their keystrokes, while the Ash Gray switch offers a more versatile and balanced sound for a broader range of users.
In terms of feel, the Ash Gray switch is described as easy-to-press and mild, offering a gentle typing experience with minimal resistance. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple switch is characterized as feathery, easy-to-press, and silky, providing an exceptionally light and smooth typing feel. This light actuation force reduces strain on the fingers, making it comfortable for extended use, whether for gaming, school, or work.
Overall, the Ash Gray switch excels in providing a balanced and unobtrusive typing experience with its light touch and crisp actuation, suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple switch stands out for its resonant sound profile and feathery feel, offering a unique auditory flair and effortless typing experience. Both switches have their own distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel when choosing between the Ash Gray tactile switch and the Flaming Purple linear switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, you should consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a tactile feedback that is substantial yet unobtrusive, the Ash Gray may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a feathery feel that provides effortless typing, the Flaming Purple might be more suitable for your needs. Additionally, if you enjoy a neutral sound profile, the Ash Gray is a great option, while the Flaming Purple offers a bassier and resonant sound with a touch of poppy undertone. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what matters most to you in a keyboard switch before making a decision.
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