TTC Flame Red vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the KTT Purple Click 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 KTT Purple Click. The Flame Red switch is renowned for its stunning visual appeal, particularly its mesmerizing light diffuser, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer backlit, RGB keyboards. Typing on these switches provides a satisfying combination of weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch, also known as Purple Sauce, is distinguished by its high-pitched and incredibly satisfying click. It offers a light keystroke with a pronounced tactile feedback that strikes a perfect balance. While these general descriptions give us a sense of each switch's characteristics, it's important to dive deeper to truly determine which switch is the best fit for your individual preferences. So, let's explore further and discover the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flame Red and KTT Purple Click differ in their housing materials, with the Flame Red featuring a nylon top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Purple Click has a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The choice of housing material greatly affects the sound profile of the switches. The nylon top housing of the Flame Red creates a deeper and fuller sound with a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Purple Click produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a crisper tone.
Aesthetically, the Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing offers an advantage with its transparency, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. The Flame Red, on the other hand, lacks this feature. However, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The nylon material's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a rounder and less distinct tone. Therefore, users can expect a similar experience in terms of sound when pressing down and bottoming out keys on both TTC Flame Red and KTT Purple Click switches.
It's important to note that the choice of housing material also influences the tactile feel of the switches. When pressing down on the switches, the qualities of the bottom housing are more prominently felt, as it impacts the bottom-out sound and feel. In the case of the Flame Red, the nylon bottom housing contributes to the deeper and fuller tactile experience. Similarly, the Purple Click's nylon bottom housing offers a comparable effect on the tactile feel when typing. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key, with the Flame Red's nylon top housing generating a softer sound upon key release, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Purple Click delivers a more resonant and distinct sound.
Overall, while the TTC Flame Red and KTT Purple Click differ in their top housing material, they both utilize the same nylon material for the bottom housing. This ensures a similar experience in terms of the deeper and fuller sound profile and tactile feel when typing on these switches. The key differences lie in the sharper and crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing of the Purple Click and the Flame Red's lack of transparency for RGB lighting effects.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, we can observe some similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Flame Red requires 45 grams of force, while the Purple Click requires slightly less at 40 grams. Both switches can be categorized as having a medium-light actuation force.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Flame Red has a slightly heavier force of 54 grams compared to the Purple Click's 55 grams. Both switches fall under the medium-light category for bottom out force as well.
Considering weight, some individuals favor lighter switches as it allows for prolonged typing or gaming sessions without inducing fatigue. The lighter actuation force of the Purple Click may be more suitable for those seeking extended usage periods. However, there are those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. In this case, the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Flame Red could provide the desired tactile feedback.
In summary, while the actuation and bottom out forces of the Flame Red and Purple Click switches are relatively similar, the Flames Red exhibits a slightly heavier bottom out force. The overall choice between the two would depend on individual preferences and typing/gaming requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch are both 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer the same level of tactile feedback and responsiveness. Thus, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch.
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 KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 Flame Red switch is visually striking, thanks to its dazzling light diffuser, making it the perfect choice for those with backlit or RGB keyboards. In terms of sound, the Flame Red switch produces a neutral sound profile, which is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether for home or work purposes. It offers a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound when typing. The feel of the Flame Red switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Purple Click switch, also known as Purple Sauce, is best known for its satisfying high-pitched click. The keystrokes are light and provide a pronounced tactile feedback without being overwhelming, creating a perfect balance. In terms of sound, the Purple Click switch is described as crunchy and resonant. It produces a sound similar to stepping on crispy autumn leaves and offers an immersive auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound profile. The feel of the Purple Click switch is invigorating and stepped. It offers a snappy and reactive typing sensation with moderate to firm actuation force and a mild pre-travel or post-travel sensation.
To summarize, the Flame Red switch is visually impressive and offers a weighty smoothness with a clacky sound profile. It provides a mild and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch delivers a satisfying high-pitched click, light keystrokes, and a pronounced tactile feedback. It produces a crunchy and resonant sound and offers an invigorating and stepped typing sensation. Both switches have their unique attributes and qualities, allowing users to choose based on their preferences. However, it's important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps. Overall, whether you opt for the Flame Red or Purple Click switch, you can expect a delightful typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize visual appeal and enjoy using a backlit, RGB keyboard, then the TTC Flame Red linear switch is the ideal choice for you. These switches not only offer a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, but also have a dazzling light diffuser that enhances the overall visual experience. On the other hand, if you value a high-pitched, satisfying click and a balanced level of tactility, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch would be perfect for you. Its light keystrokes provide a pronounced yet not overwhelming tactile feedback.
In terms of sound, the Flame Red switch has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, or using the keyboard at home or work. In contrast, the Purple Click switch offers a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves, as well as a resonant and higher-pitched sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Flame Red switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, with a gentle and approachable quality that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. The Purple Click switch, on the other hand, offers an invigorating and stepped feel, providing pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive typing sensation.
Ultimately, the decision between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch boils down to your personal preferences. Consider whether you prioritize visual appeal, enjoy a weighty smoothness and clacky sound, or prefer a high-pitched satisfying click and a balanced level of tactility. By understanding these differences and aligning them with your own preferences, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
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