TTC Flaming Purple vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Purple and TTC Gold Brown offer distinct typing experiences. The Flaming Purple is a linear switch known for its resonant character and poppy undertones, making it a great option for those who enjoy a bassier sound while typing swiftly and effortlessly. On the other hand, the Gold Brown is a tactile switch that provides a balanced typing experience with a slight satisfying bump and moderate weightiness. Its softer sound profile offers a more polished and buttery typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and TTC Gold Brown switches are quite similar, with both featuring a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches results in a clear and resonant sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience for users looking for a more distinct sound.
Additionally, both the Flaming Purple and Gold Brown switches also share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon is a softer plastic compared to polycarbonate, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound that can be satisfying for typists seeking a more muted typing experience. The combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both switches allows for a balance of sharpness and depth in the sound produced, catering to different preferences in sound profile.
While the housing materials of the Flaming Purple and Gold Brown switches are similar, the specific nuances of the sound and feel may vary slightly due to the differences in top and bottom housing materials. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This differentiation in housing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience, providing users with a range of sound profiles to choose from based on their personal preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Flaming Purple is the lighter option of the two. The Flaming Purple has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Brown is the heavier option, with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics - the Flaming Purple for its light touch and the Gold Brown for its medium resistance. Depending on personal preference, users can choose the switch that aligns with their typing style and desired level of feedback. Overall, considering weight is crucial when selecting a switch, as it can greatly impact typing comfort and overall typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Gold Brown has a longer travel distance compared to the Flaming Purple. Generally, a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying typing experience for some users who prefer a deeper press feel. On the other hand, a shorter travel distance, like that of the Flaming Purple, may be more preferred by those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Gold Brown being on the longer side and the Flaming Purple being slightly shorter. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences for key press depth and speed of response.
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 TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 Purple linear switch stands out with its bassy and low-pitched characteristics, offering a resonant typing experience that adds a poppy undertone to each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch provides a balanced and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments and preferences. Both switches offer distinct auditory qualities, with the Flaming Purple leaning towards a richer and deeper sound, while the Gold Brown offers a softer and more rounded sound profile. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as keyboard construction and keycap material.
Moving on to the feel, the Flaming Purple linear switch is described as feathery and easy-to-press, providing a light typing experience that reduces finger fatigue and enhances overall comfort during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Gold Brown tactile switch offers a mild and buttery keystroke feel, striking a balance between gentle tactility and smooth keypresses. The Gold Brown switch also features accented and polished qualities, delivering a refined typing sensation with a moderate level of tactility. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of typing experience, with the Flaming Purple offering a light and effortless feel, while the Gold Brown provides a comfortable and approachable tactile response.
In conclusion, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Flaming Purple excels in providing a bassy and resonant sound with a feathery typing feel, the Gold Brown showcases a balanced and neutral sound profile with a mild and buttery keystroke sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound pitch and tactile feedback, both switches cater to a diverse range of users seeking a specific typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the Flaming Purple and Gold Brown switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing comfort.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a light and feathery typing experience with a touch of poppy undertone in sound, the Flaming Purple switch with its 47g bottom out force may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced feel with a moderate weightiness and a slight satisfying bump in sound, the Gold Brown switch with its 63g bottom out force could be more suitable. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a swift and effortless typing experience or a more tactile and moderate sound profile.
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