TTC Flame Red vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flame Red and Outemu Purple stand out as popular options, each offering unique characteristics to consider. The Flame Red switch is a linear switch, known for its smooth and weighty feel, complemented by a satisfying clacky sound profile. Its standout feature includes a dazzling light diffuser, making it ideal for those with backlit RGB keyboards. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch falls under the tactile category, offering a different typing experience altogether. While not as visually striking as the Flame Red, the Purple switch provides a tactile bump upon actuation, enhancing the typing feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and Outemu Purple, the key difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The Flame Red utilizes nylon for its top housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Purple employs polycarbonate for its top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This results in a noticeable variation in sound and feel when typing on switches with these different top housing materials.
On the other hand, both the Flame Red and Purple switches feature nylon bottom housings, which offer similar qualities in terms of sound profile. Nylon is known for its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a result, the bottom housing of both switches plays a significant role in influencing the overall typing experience, providing a consistent aspect in their performance despite the difference in their top housing materials.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can have a significant impact on the sound and feel of typing. While the Flame Red offers a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon top and bottom housing, the Outemu Purple provides a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing. Understanding how these materials affect the overall typing experience can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics when selecting switches for their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it is clear that the Flame Red is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Purple is slightly heavier at 50 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force of None grams, making it difficult to determine which one requires more force to fully press. The Flame Red's lighter actuation force may be more appealing to those looking for a smoother typing experience or for longer gaming sessions, while the Purple may be preferred by those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the weight of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing the right option for your typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these two switches, it can be said that they provide a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels when pressed. Whether you opt for the Flame Red or the Purple, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance. This consistency in travel distance can be beneficial for users who prefer a predictable typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable and reliable typing feel due to their equal travel distance.
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 Outemu Purple comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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
Overall, the TTC Flame Red linear switch offers a visually stunning light diffuser perfect for RGB keyboards, a weighty smoothness in feel, and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch lacks a standout visual feature but provides a moderate actuation force requirement for a neutral sound profile. When it comes to feel, the Flame Red switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, while the Purple switch's feel is unknown. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a more gentle typing experience and a sleek finish, the Flame Red would be the ideal choice. However, if you prioritize a neutral sound profile and actuation force requirement, the Outemu Purple switch would be a suitable option. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your preference for visuals, feel, and sound in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, consider your priorities. If you value a visual spectacle with your RGB keyboard setup and enjoy a weighty, smooth typing experience with a clacky sound profile, then the Flame Red may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe middle ground in terms of sound and feel, the Outemu Purple might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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