Gateron CM vs. TTC Flaming Purple
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the TTC Flaming Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CM and TTC Flaming Purple both stand out for their unique features. The Gateron CM switch breaks away from tradition with its full nylon housing, offering a richer sound signature and a smooth typing experience due to its impeccable factory lube job. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple switch is known for its resonant character, with a slightly bassier sound profile that adds a poppy undertone to each keystroke. While the Gateron CM provides a bouncy typing experience with its lengthened, dual-staged spring, the TTC Flaming Purple offers a feathery feel with a bottom-out force of just 47g, making typing swift and effortless. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to 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
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
47g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CM and the TTC Flaming Purple both have top housings made of different materials, with the CM using nylon and the Flaming Purple using polycarbonate. The nylon top housing of the CM creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Flaming Purple produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its relatively stiffer plastic composition. While the CM's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound, the Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top housing offers a more clear and resonant sound profile, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Both the Gateron CM and the TTC Flaming Purple feature bottom housings made of nylon, which results in a similar deep and full sound profile for both switches. The softness of the nylon material in the bottom housing of both switches allows for more sound absorption compared to harder plastics, ultimately creating a duller and rounder sound. This consistency in bottom housing material between the two switches means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel when using either switch.
In switches where the top and bottom housings are made of different materials, such as the Gateron CM and the TTC Flaming Purple, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch allows for a more nuanced and customizable typing experience, with each housing material contributing its own unique sound profile to the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CM linear switch to the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Gateron CM has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Purple has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. This means that the Gateron CM will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the TTC Flaming Purple will offer a lighter touch, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with some users preferring the heavier actuation force of the Gateron CM for a more pronounced typing feel, while others may opt for the lighter touch of the TTC Flaming Purple for extended use without fatigue.
Travel distance
The Gateron CM linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch both have an equal travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same travel distance from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance, allowing for similar results in keypress feel. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is identical, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a linear switch with a specific travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron CM linear switch offers a deep and rich bassy sound profile with a thocky and low-pitched tone during key presses. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch also provides a bassy sound profile but with a touch of resonance, resulting in a clean and sharp auditory experience. Both switches offer a unique sound signature that can add an engaging flair to typing sessions, with the CM leaning towards a richer tone while the Flaming Purple veers slightly towards a higher-pitched resonance.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron CM switch is most commonly described as buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless, offering a seamless and refined typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Purple switch is characterized as feathery, easy-to-press, and silky, providing a light and gentle resistance that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches aim to deliver a smooth typing sensation, with the CM focusing on a luxurious typing journey and the Flaming Purple emphasizing a comfortable and effortless typing experience.
Overall, while the Gateron CM linear switch boasts a richer and deeper sound signature with a bouncy typing experience, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch stands out with a touch of poppy undertone and a feathery nature that ensures swift and effortless typing. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences, ultimately providing an enjoyable typing experience for enthusiasts and daily typists alike. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance from both switches, each offering a distinct sound and feel that can enhance the typing experience in different ways.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron CM linear switch or the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, you should take into account your personal preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a bouncy, smooth typing journey with a rich and deep sound profile, then the Gateron CM switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a feathery, effortless typing sensation with a slightly bassier sound profile, then the TTC Flaming Purple switch would be more suited to your tastes. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your individual typing needs and preferences.
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