TTC Flame Red vs. TTC Flaming Purple
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the TTC Flaming Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Flame Red and the TTC Flaming Purple, both of which are linear switches. The Flame Red is well-known for its stunning light diffuser, making it ideal for those who prefer backlit RGB keyboards. Typing on these switches offers a smooth and weighty feel accompanied by a satisfying clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple stands out for its resonant character and slightly bassier sound signature, providing a poppy undertone to each keystroke. With a feather-light bottom-out force of just 47g, it offers swift and effortless typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
47g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Flaming Purple, it is evident that they both use nylon for their bottom housing. This means that typing on both switches will result in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic properties that absorb more sound. However, while the Flame Red uses nylon for its top housing as well, the Flaming Purple utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for the Flaming Purple compared to the duller and rounder sound produced by the Flame Red's nylon top housing.
In terms of aesthetics, the Flame Red's nylon housing may not be as visually striking as the Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top housing, which allows for RGB lighting to shine through due to its translucency. When it comes to sound profiles, the Flame Red with its nylon housing will have a more muffled and subdued sound compared to the Flaming Purple with its polycarbonate top housing, which produces a clearer and more resonant sound. While both switches share the benefits of nylon for the bottom housing, the use of different materials for the top housing results in distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Flame Red and the Flaming Purple ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The Flame Red's nylon housing offers a classic and softer typing experience with a deeper sound profile, while the Flaming Purple with its polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and more vibrant sound profile that is visually appealing with RGB lighting. Regardless of the choice, both switches provide a quality typing experience with their respective housing materials, showcasing the importance of housing materials in creating unique sound profiles for mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, we see that the Flame Red has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Flaming Purple's 42 grams. The Flame Red also has a higher bottom out force of 54 grams, while the Flaming Purple has a lower bottom out force of 47 grams. This means that the Flame Red switch offers a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience, while the Flaming Purple switch provides a lighter and smoother typing feel. Both switches fall within the range of medium-light to light in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Flame Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm. The Flame Red offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more traditional keypress feel compared to the shallower Flaming Purple. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Flaming Purple, while those seeking a more substantial keypress may opt for the Flame Red. Overall, both switches offer a balance between depth and responsiveness, with the Flame Red being slightly longer than the Flaming Purple. So, while they do have some differences, both switches will provide similar results in terms of keypress experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 Flame Red switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple switch provides a unique bassier sound with a touch of poppy undertones, creating a more engaging auditory experience. The resonant character of the Flaming Purple adds another layer of depth to the sound, appealing to those who appreciate a clean and sharp sound profile. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Flame Red switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, providing a gentle and refined feel that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple switch is described as feathery, easy-to-press, and silky, offering an exceptionally light and smooth typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue and enhances overall typing comfort. The low actuation force of the Flaming Purple switch makes it a suitable choice for extended typing sessions, whether for gaming, school, or work.
Overall, the Flame Red and Flaming Purple switches offer distinct characteristics in both sound and feel. While the Flame Red provides a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, the Flaming Purple stands out with its resonant and bassier sound, as well as its feathery and effortless typing feel. Depending on your preferences and typing habits, you can choose between these two switches to find the one that best suits your needs. Just keep in mind that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as keyboard construction and keycap material.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you prioritize a visually stunning experience with backlit keys, a weighty smoothness, and clacky sound profile, the Flame Red may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a resonant sound with a touch of bass, a feathery and easy-to-press feel, and a smooth typing experience, the Flaming Purple could be the ideal switch for your keyboard. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of sound and feel you prefer while typing, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences.
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