TTC Flaming Purple vs. Gateron Glory Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Glory Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to distinctive offerings like the TTC Flaming Purple and Gateron Glory Red, both of which belong to the linear switch category. The TTC Flaming Purple stands out with its resonant character—characterized by a subtly bassy sound signature that adds a poppy undertone to each keystroke. This switch offers a lightweight feel with a bottom-out force of just 47g, making it perfect for rapid typing and ensuring a smooth, enjoyable experience for both casual users and serious typists. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red, as the lighter option in Gateron's lineup, also prioritizes a smooth and satisfying keystroke, presenting an easy and pleasing travel distance that enhances its usability. While both switches cater to users seeking a linear experience, the unique sound and feel of the Flaming Purple may appeal to those who enjoy an auditory element in their typing, whereas the reputable smoothness of the Glory Red attracts those who prioritize an effortless switch action. 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Purple and Gateron Glory Red switches exhibit distinct characteristics due to their different top housing materials. The Flaming Purple utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer and more resilient properties. This quality allows for a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, making it well-suited for those who prefer a crisper typing experience. The translucency of polycarbonate further enhances its suitability for RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through effectively, creating a visually captivating effect. In contrast, the Glory Red features a nylon top housing that leans towards a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon dampens vibrations more effectively, resulting in a rounder and more muted sound, which appeals to users seeking a smoother auditory feedback while typing.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material, which is nylon for both the Flaming Purple and Glory Red. This shared feature means that the deeper, fuller sound profile associated with nylon will be consistently experienced upon bottoming out during each keystroke. Its ability to absorb sound contributes to the duller and more rounded auditory characteristics of both switches when pressed down. Consequently, this creates a level of uniformity between the switches at the point of actuation, regardless of the differences present in their top housing materials. Users will find that the bottoming-out experiences provide a similar sensation, irrespective of the contrasting sound produced by the top housing.
In summary, while the TTC Flaming Purple and Gateron Glory Red switches differ significantly in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—both switches share the same nylon bottom housing. This leads to a harmonious but distinctive typing experience that melds the crispness of the Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top with the deeper tones produced by its nylon bottom. Conversely, the Glory Red’s all-nylon construction provides a more consistent sound profile throughout the keystroke, favoring users who appreciate a cohesive auditory experience. Ultimately, whether a keystroke is accompanied by sharper sounds or deeper tones, both housing types highlight the unique qualities of each switch, appealing to different preferences in the typing community.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Flaming Purple switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the Glory Red requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This makes the Flaming Purple more suitable for users who favor prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as its lighter force can help reduce finger fatigue. Additionally, the Flaming Purple features a bottom out force of 47 grams, indicating a specific resistance when the key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red does not provide a bottom out force measurement, leaving that aspect unknown. Consequently, while the Flaming Purple offers a lighter overall experience with a user-friendly actuation and bottom out force, the Glory Red's heavier actuation force suggests it may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, although the lack of bottom out data prevents a full comparison.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, both switches have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on the keys of both switches, leading to a consistent feel and response regardless of which switch is used. Because both the Flaming Purple and Glory Red share the same travel distance, those seeking a uniform typing or gaming experience may find both options equally satisfying.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Glory Red switches, the Flaming Purple stands out with its bassy and resonant qualities. This switch produces a sound signature that leans slightly towards deeper frequencies, offering a rich auditory experience that can feel immersive during typing. The low-pitched tones contribute to a poppy undertone, which can make keystrokes feel engaging. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Glory Red switches are not detailed, leaving an unknown aspect in this comparison. However, users can expect that sound will be affected by external factors such as the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flaming Purple excels with descriptors like feathery, easy-to-press, and silky. It requires a mere 47g of force for bottoming out, making it a delightfully light switch that promotes a fatigue-free typing experience. This low actuation force results in a gentle resistance, allowing for a smooth and effortless typing motion, which is ideal for prolonged use. The Gateron Glory Red switches, unfortunately, do not have specific tactile characteristics outlined, so their feel remains unknown. However, the Flaming Purple's refined tactile qualities set a high standard for linear switches focused on comfort and responsiveness.
Overall, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch offers a distinct auditory and tactile experience that is characterized by its resonant sound and lightweight feel, making it an attractive option for both casual typists and enthusiasts. In contrast, while the Gateron Glory Red switch details are less defined, they are likely to provide a smoother experience as well, though specifics are lacking. Ultimately, those who choose either switch can expect some level of satisfaction in their typing experience, though the Flaming Purple clearly shines in both sound and feel where more information is available.
Conclusion
To sum up, when making the choice between the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Glory Red linear switches, you should consider both your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you favor a switch that provides a light tactile feel and an engaging auditory experience, the TTC Flaming Purple is an excellent option. With a bottom-out force of just 47 grams, it enables swift, effortless typing, making it ideal for intensive typing sessions, whether for work, gaming, or everyday tasks. Its resonant, bassy sound adds a layer of enjoyment that can enhance your overall typing experience. Conversely, if you're looking for a straightforward, smooth keystroke without the extra auditory flair and you appreciate a lighter feel, then the Gateron Glory Red might suit you better, especially if you’re not concerned with weight specifics and prefer a more minimalist switch. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, so your choice should align with whether you prioritize engaging sound and a feathery touch or a smooth, uncomplicated keystroke.
Mentioned in this article
