TTC Flaming Pink vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing or gaming experience, the choice of keyboard switches can make all the difference. The TTC Flaming Pink switches stand out for their smooth responsiveness and a satisfying bottom-out sound, making them an excellent option for users who appreciate a premium typing experience that balances performance with a pleasant auditory feedback. These switches cater well to both gamers and everyday typists with their bright yet unobtrusive sound profile. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star switches are renowned for their all-POM construction, providing a notably buttery smooth typing experience alongside a neutral sound signature. With a very light 45g bottom-out force, these switches are particularly well-suited for light typists, ensuring effortless keystrokes that blend comfort with ease of use. While both switches offer distinct advantages—smoothness and comfort versus a delightful sound profile—the decision ultimately hinges on personal preference and typing style. 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
43g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Pink and the KTT Purple Star switches, significant differences emerge that shape the overall auditory and tactile experience. The Flaming Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material's translucency also enhances RGB lighting effects, making it visually appealing in keyboards that prioritize aesthetic illumination. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star employs a POM top housing that delivers a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials contribute distinct auditory characteristics, the polycarbonate of the Flaming Pink stands out for its capability to create vibrant soundscapes, while the Purple Star’s POM creates a more subdued auditory environment.
The bottom housings of the two switches also contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Flaming Pink uses nylon for its bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition. This roundness is complemented by the polycarbonate top, which influences the sound produced when keys are released. Conversely, the Purple Star’s bottom housing is made of POM, which similarly yields a unique and muted sound experience. Given that both switches utilize materials that are softer or designed for sound absorption in their bottom sections, they ultimately share a goal of delivering satisfying auditory feedback, albeit with different tonal characteristics.
Although the TTC Flaming Pink and KTT Purple Star switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, this contrast does not preclude the potential for similar outcomes in sound quality and user experience. The Flaming Pink combines the crispness of polycarbonate in the top and the fullness of nylon in the bottom to create a balanced acoustic experience. Meanwhile, the Purple Star melds its POM components to generate a consistently muted sound that maintains depth. This means the ultimate auditory output when pressing the switches will derive from the interaction of their respective materials, allowing both switches to fulfill their design purposes effectively—each reaching its own distinctive sound profile through the interplay between top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
Both the TTC Flaming Pink and KTT Purple Star linear switches exhibit identical specifications regarding their actuation and bottom out forces, with each requiring 43 grams to actuate and having a bottom out force of 50 grams. As a result, users can expect a similar experience in terms of typing feel and feedback; both switches are classified as light, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming without causing fatigue. These switches provide a softer push feel, appealing to those who prefer a lighter touch, yet they also deliver enough resistance at the bottom to prevent accidental presses. Given their equal specifications, either option would be equally effective in offering comfort and ease during use, catering well to those who favor lighter switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, the Flaming Pink measures 3.6 mm, while the Purple Star has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Purple Star the shorter option by a margin of just 0.1 mm. Both switches fall within a range that caters to modern preferences; shorter travel distances like these can enhance responsiveness and are particularly favored by gamers seeking swift key actuation. However, the Flaming Pink’s longer travel distance might appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience when typing or gaming. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for either a quick response or a more substantial feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Flaming Pink switch boasts a bright and satisfying bottom-out sound that, while not overly loud, enhances the typing experience without being distracting. This sound profile is designed to be pleasant for both casual use and gaming, providing a nice auditory feedback that can be enjoyable. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star features a low-pitched sound, which is typically perceived as more bass-heavy and mellow. The neutral sound signature complements its construction, making it a good fit for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Both switches, while possessing distinct sound characteristics, create an engaging auditory environment that can be influenced further by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flaming Pink switch is known for its smooth and responsive action, contributing to a premium and satisfying typing experience suitable for a wide variety of tasks. The Flaming Pink switch provides a sense of control and precision which is particularly rewarding during fast-paced gaming sessions. Conversely, the KTT Purple Star switch offers a mild typing experience, more accessible to most typists, characterized by its gentle resistance and effortless activation due to its light 45g bottom-out force. This ease of pressing makes it an appealing option for those who may find heavier switches tiring, ensuring comfort during prolonged typing sessions without sacrificing responsiveness.
In conclusion, while both the TTC Flaming Pink and KTT Purple Star switches provide enjoyable typing experiences, they cater to slightly different preferences. The Flaming Pink excels with its bright sound and smooth feel, ideal for users who appreciate a tactile and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Purple Star’s low-pitched sound and easier actuation make it perfect for light typists seeking comfort and a mellow typing environment. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the brighter auditory feedback and smoothness of the Flaming Pink or the gentle resistance and neutral sound signature of the Purple Star. Both options, however, promise to deliver quality performance tailored to your typing or gaming needs.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the TTC Flaming Pink and KTT Purple Star linear switches ultimately depends on your preferences for sound and typing experience. If you enjoy a smooth and responsive typing feel with a satisfying bottom-out sound that isn't overly loud, the TTC Flaming Pink is a fantastic choice. Its 50-gram actuation force allows for both gaming and everyday use, making it versatile for users who appreciate a balance between responsiveness and a bit of auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more gentle typing experience with a focus on comfort, the KTT Purple Star switches would be ideal. With their 45-gram actuation force and low-pitched sound profile, they cater to lighter typists seeking a buttery smooth feel and effortless actuation, reducing finger fatigue during lengthy sessions. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and noise preferences: if you prefer a more tactile sensation with pleasant acoustics, go for the Flaming Pink; if you favor refinement and a neutral sound signature, the Purple Stars will serve you well.
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