TTC Flame Red vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Flame Red and the KTT Purple Star mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Flame Red is renowned for its stunning light diffuser, making it the go-to choice for those seeking a visually appealing backlit RGB keyboard experience. Typing on Flame Red switches provides a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, offering a neutral, mild, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Star switches stand out for their all-POM construction, delivering a buttery smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature. With a very light 45g bottom-out, they are perfect for light typists looking for ease and comfort, falling into the mild, low-pitched, and easy-to-press category. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Flame Red and the KTT Purple Star both use different housing materials, with the Flame Red utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housing, while the Purple Star utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housing. The nylon housing of the Flame Red creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the POM housing of the Purple Star also offers a unique and pleasing sound profile on the deeper side, but with a relatively more muted tone.
While both switches have different housing materials for the top and bottom, the overall impact on the typing experience may be similar due to the qualities each material brings to the switch. The bottom housing has more of an influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing will have more of an impact on the sound when letting go of a key. Despite the differences in housing materials between the Flame Red and Purple Star, the overall typing experience may still be comparable in terms of sound profile and feel.
In terms of housing materials, the nylon used in the Flame Red switch offers a softer and more absorbent quality for a deeper sound profile, while the POM used in the Purple Star provides a unique and pleasing sound with a deeper tone. Both switches aim to create a fuller sound experience with their respective housing materials, showcasing the importance of material selection in switch design. Whether it be the nylon of the Flame Red or the POM of the Purple Star, each material brings its own characteristics to the overall typing experience, resulting in switches that offer a deep and satisfying sound profile for users.
Weight
The TTC Flame Red linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch both offer a smooth typing experience due to their linear design. However, when comparing their actuation and bottom out forces, the Flame Red requires a slightly heavier touch compared to the Purple Star. The Flame Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. In contrast, the Purple Star has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it lighter overall. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Purple Star may appeal to those looking for a more effortless typing experience, while the slightly heavier forces of the Flame Red could suit individuals who prefer a bit more resistance while typing. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The TTC Flame Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Flame Red switch offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a bit more depth when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Purple Star switch offers a slightly shallower experience, making it a popular choice for those seeking faster response times, particularly gamers. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, but the Flame Red will give you a touch more depth in each key press compared to the Purple Star. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and how you like your typing or gaming experience to feel.
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 Star comes in at $4.88 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
The TTC Flame Red linear switch is best known for its dazzling light diffuser which makes it perfect for RGB backlit keyboards. When typing on these switches, users experience a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile. In terms of sound, the Flame Red switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of users and purposes. In comparison, the KTT Purple Star linear switch is known for its all-POM construction, delivering a buttery smooth typing experience with a light 45g bottom-out ideal for light typists. The Purple Star switch has a low-pitched sound signature, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches.
When it comes to feel, the Flame Red switch is described as having a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Purple Star switch also offers a mild typing experience but is noted for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, both switches provide a comfortable and approachable typing experience, with the Flame Red leaning towards a weightier feel and clacky sound, while the Purple Star focuses on a buttery smooth feel and low-pitched sound.
In conclusion, the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. Users can expect a neutral sound profile with a weighty smoothness from the Flame Red switch, while the Purple Star switch provides a low-pitched sound and a buttery smooth typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, users can choose between these two switches to enhance their typing experience on mechanical keyboards. Since both switches offer a mild typing experience, users can expect similar results in terms of overall comfort and ease of use.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a visually stunning switch with a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile that is perfect for a backlit, RGB keyboard, then the TTC Flame Red linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light 45g bottom-out for easy and comfortable typing, then the KTT Purple Star linear switch is the better choice. Consider your typing style, preference for visual aesthetics, and desired sound profile when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best suits your individual needs and preferences.
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