TTC Flame Red vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura

Overview

When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Flame Red and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura. The Flame Red is a linear switch known for its smooth, weighty feel and clacky sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a polished typing experience, especially on backlit, RGB keyboards. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura is a tactile switch celebrated for its snappy response and buttery downstroke, offering a balanced tactility without overpowering feedback. While the Flame Red leans towards a neutral and mild typing experience, the Purple Sakura provides a buttery, mild, and snappy feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Flame Red Linear

Sarokeys Purple Sakura Tactile

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

$4.00

$3.15 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, it is clear that they both use nylon for the bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is known for absorbing more sound due to its relatively softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound that can be satisfying for typists looking for a quieter typing experience. Therefore, in terms of sound profile and typing feel, users can expect similar results from both switches due to their shared nylon bottom housing.

However, where the switches differ is in their top housing material. While the Flame Red uses nylon for the top housing, the Purple Sakura utilizes polycarbonate. This contrast in materials leads to a noticeable difference in sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing of the Purple Sakura creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the Flame Red's softer and fuller sound from the nylon top housing. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind, providing a visually appealing option for users who prioritize aesthetics in their keyboard setup.

Overall, the choice between the TTC Flame Red and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura will come down to personal preference for sound profile and typing feel. Those who prefer a deeper and fuller sound may lean towards the Flame Red with its nylon top and bottom housing. On the other hand, users looking for a sharper and crisper sound may find the Purple Sakura's polycarbonate top housing more to their liking. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience for enthusiasts seeking a specific sound profile and feel in their mechanical keyboards.

Weight

The TTC Flame Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Flame Red requires 54 grams, while the Purple Sakura requires 60 grams. The Flame Red is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, making it a more suitable option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura provides a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force, offering a more substantial typing feel. Both switches fall into the medium range, with the Flame Red being on the lighter side and the Purple Sakura being slightly heavier. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirement.

Travel distance

The TTC Flame Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the Flame Red has a longer travel distance compared to the Purple Sakura. The Flame Red's 4 mm travel distance provides a bit more depth when pressing down on the key, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura's 3.2 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it a good option for those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences, but in terms of travel distance, the Flame Red takes the lead in providing a longer distance compared to the Purple Sakura.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Flame Red and Purple Sakura switches fall under the descriptor of neutral, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes them suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists, and regardless of whether they are used for work or play. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Flame Red switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura switch is characterized as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a mild and snappy feel. The tactility of the Purple Sakura strikes a delicate balance, being pronounced without being overpowering, while still maintaining a gentle typing sensation.

In conclusion, both the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Flame Red switch provides a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile with a mild and polished feel, the Purple Sakura switch boasts a snappy response and decadently buttery downstroke with a mild and neutral sound signature. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, you can achieve similar results with either of these switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to your individual typing style and preference for tactile feedback.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when choosing between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider the specific qualities that best suit your preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a visually stunning backlit keyboard with a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, the Flame Red may be the right choice for you, especially if you enjoy a polished typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a snappy response, decadently buttery downstroke, and a mild, neutral sound signature, the Purple Sakura could be more suited to your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to determine what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Flame Red Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

Learn more

Sarokeys Purple Sakura Tactile

$4.00

$3.15 per 10

Learn more