KTT Cream Yellow vs. TTC Flaming Purple
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the TTC Flaming Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Cream Yellow and the TTC Flaming Purple, both linear switches. The Cream Yellow is known for its distinctively clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem that provides resonant audio feedback. It has a bouncy typing feel and is categorized as both bouncy and clacky. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple by TTC boasts a resonant character with a slight bias towards bassier tones, adding a poppy undertone to keystrokes. It has a feathery nature with a light bottom-out force of just 47g, making it easy to press and ideal for swift typing. Categorized as bassy, feathery, easy-to-press, low-pitched, resonant, and silky, the Flaming Purple appeals to enthusiasts and everyday typists alike. 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
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
47g
Pre-travel
1.90 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 Cream Yellow and TTC Flaming Purple both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic material. This makes them ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the lighting effects. In terms of sound and feel, the polycarbonate top housing will have a significant impact on the sound when a key is released, adding to the overall typing experience.
While both switches have polycarbonate top housings, the KTT Cream Yellow features a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that complements the sharper sound from the polycarbonate top housing. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Purple also has a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a focus on creating a more impactful bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
Overall, the KTT Cream Yellow and TTC Flaming Purple offer a unique combination of housing materials that work together to create a well-rounded typing experience. While the polycarbonate top housings contribute to a sharp and crisp sound profile, the nylon bottom housings add depth and fullness to the overall sound. Whether you prefer a sharper sound with a lighter touch or a deeper sound with a more impactful press, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience with their distinct housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, it is evident that the Cream Yellow is the heavier of the two with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Flaming Purple is the lighter option with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams. The Cream Yellow provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Flaming Purple offers a lighter touch for those who like to type for extended periods without fatigue. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences.
Travel distance
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Flaming Purple switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cream Yellow switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for a quicker response time, especially gamers. However, the difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may be negligible for most users, as they will likely provide a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the slight variation in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow 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
The Cream Yellow linear switch is well-known for its distinctively clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy audio feedback that is characterized as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple linear switch offers a slightly bassier sound profile with a touch of a poppy undertone, creating a rich and engaging auditory experience during typing. While the Cream Yellow offers a bouncy typing feel with its unique stem design and lengthened spring, the Flaming Purple stands out for its feathery nature, requiring minimal force to activate and providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, with the Cream Yellow leaning towards a more lively and resonant typing experience, while the Flaming Purple focuses on a lighter and smoother keypress sensation. Depending on individual preferences, enthusiasts and typists can choose between the clacky and bouncy characteristics of the Cream Yellow or the bassier and feathery qualities of the Flaming Purple to enhance their typing experience.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when considering whether to choose the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch or the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. If you are looking for a switch that delivers a distinctively clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, then the Cream Yellow may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a resonant, bassier sound profile and a feathery, easy-to-press feel, then the Flaming Purple could be the better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Whether you prioritize a sharp, snappy sound or a poppy, bass-heavy tone, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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