TTC Flaming Purple vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple and the TTC Gold Red mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Flaming Purple stands out for its resonant nature and slightly bassier sound profile, providing an engaging auditory experience with its poppy undertones. On the other hand, the Gold Red offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality without being too overwhelming. While the Flaming Purple is praised for its feathery feel and easy-to-press design, the Gold Red is known for its polished and subtle characteristics. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the TTC Gold Red, we see that both switches use polycarbonate for the top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, which leads to a more resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. As a result, both the Flaming Purple and the Gold Red will likely produce similar sound profiles and aesthetic effects when it comes to their top housings.
However, the differentiation comes in the bottom housing material, where the Flaming Purple uses nylon while the Gold Red also uses polycarbonate. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing will result in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound of polycarbonate. Therefore, while the top housing materials of the Flaming Purple and Gold Red may produce similar results, the nylon bottom housing of the Flaming Purple will contribute to a different typing experience compared to the Gold Red's polycarbonate bottom housing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches like the Flaming Purple and the Gold Red plays a significant role in the sound profile and typing experience they offer. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and resonant sound, the Flaming Purple's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Gold Red's polycarbonate bottom housing. This difference in bottom housing material demonstrates how the materials used in different parts of a switch can affect the overall sound and feel of typing on the keyboard.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Gold Red's 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Flaming Purple is also lighter at 47 grams, while the Gold Red requires a slightly heavier 50 grams to bottom out. Both switches are considered light in terms of actuation and bottom out force, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Some may find the Flaming Purple's lighter bottom out force more comfortable for extended typing sessions, while others may prefer the Gold Red's slightly heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out force weights.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm, which is shorter than the TTC Gold Red linear switch's 4mm travel distance. The Flaming Purple offers a slightly quicker response time, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for speed and efficiency in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gold Red switch provides a slightly deeper press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, with the Flaming Purple being slightly faster and the Gold Red providing a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Red 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 Red 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 offers a bassier and resonant experience, with a poppy undertone that adds flair to every keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switch provides a thocky and neutral sound profile that adds a touch of personality without being too ostentatious. Depending on personal preference, the Flaming Purple may be preferred for those who enjoy a deeper and richer sound profile, while the Gold Red may appeal to those looking for a more moderate and versatile sound experience.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flaming Purple switch is described as feathery, easy-to-press, and silky, offering a light and effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. In comparison, the TTC Gold Red switch offers a mild and subtle feel, along with a silky and polished typing experience that is smooth and refined. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Flaming Purple excelling in reducing finger strain during extended typing sessions, while the Gold Red offers a more approachable and versatile feel that can suit a wide range of users.
Overall, the TTC Flaming Purple and Gold Red linear switches each offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Flaming Purple excels in providing a bassier and resonant sound profile with a feathery feel for swift typing, the Gold Red offers a thocky and neutral sound with a mild and polished typing experience. Depending on whether a user prioritizes sound depth or smoothness in typing feel, both switches offer excellent options for enthusiasts and typists seeking a customized mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will boil down to individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch or the TTC Gold Red linear switch, your decision may depend on your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a bassier, resonant sound profile with a light and feathery typing experience, the Flaming Purple switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky sound with a buttery smooth typing feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone, the Gold Red switch may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so consider what qualities are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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