TTC Flaming Purple vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Flaming Purple and the TTC Gold Red Pro are two impressive linear mechanical keyboard switches known for their unique characteristics. The Flaming Purple stands out for its resonant and bassy sound signature, offering an engaging auditory experience with a feathery touch that makes typing swift and effortless. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro is praised for its versatility, providing a seamless typing experience with a neutral sound signature that is suitable for various settings. While both switches have their strengths and appeal to enthusiasts and daily typists alike, the Flaming Purple leans towards a more poppy undertone, while the Gold Red Pro offers a polished and thocky feel. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Purple and the TTC Gold Red Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is especially useful for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to shine through. In terms of aesthetic appeal and sound quality, these two switches would offer very similar results due to their shared polycarbonate top housing material.
However, the key difference between the Flaming Purple and the Gold Red Pro lies in their bottom housing materials. The Flaming Purple utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which brings a deeper and fuller sound profile to the typing experience. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience with a deeper sound profile that resonates throughout the key press.
When comparing the overall sound and feel of the switches, the qualities of the bottom housing material play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the top housing material has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. With the Flaming Purple and Gold Red Pro sharing a polycarbonate top housing but differing in their nylon bottom housing, users can expect a similar overall typing experience in terms of sharpness and clarity of sound, but with a subtle difference in the depth and fullness of the sound profile.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Flaming Purple has a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Gold Red Pro's 43 grams. Both switches have similar bottom out forces, with the Flaming Purple requiring 47 grams and the Gold Red Pro having an unknown bottom out force. The lighter actuation force of the Flaming Purple may appeal to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the slightly heavier actuation force of the Gold Red Pro could provide a more satisfying push feel for those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Gold Red Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Flaming Purple. Both switches fall within the range of short travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their quick response times. The difference of 0.2 mm between the two switches may not be significant to the average user, but for those who are more particular about their typing experience, they may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Gold Red Pro for a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, both switches offer relatively short travel distances that cater to those seeking a fast and responsive typing experience.
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 Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is known for its bassier and resonant sound profile, providing a poppy undertone to each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a thocky and neutral sound that is harmonious in any setting. While the Flaming Purple leans towards a deeper and richer sound, the Gold Red Pro presents a more versatile and gentle tone, catering to a wider range of preferences. Ultimately, if you opt for the Flaming Purple, you can expect a more pronounced bass undertone, whereas the Gold Red Pro will deliver a smoother and more adaptable sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is characterized as feathery and easy-to-press, making it effortless for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a polished and silky typing experience, with a mild and subtle tactile response. The Flaming Purple provides a light and comfortable typing feel, reducing finger fatigue, while the Gold Red Pro focuses on smoothness and refinement, ensuring a sleek and gentle keystroke. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their unique tactile characteristics, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
Overall, while the TTC Flaming Purple and TTC Gold Red Pro linear switches differ slightly in their sound and feel qualities, both switches offer a high level of performance and versatility. Whether you prefer a bassier and resonant sound with a feathery typing feel, or a neutral and silky sound with a polished typing experience, both switches provide a satisfying and engaging performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound signature and tactile response. Nevertheless, you can expect a premium typing experience from either switch, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable typing session.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you prefer a light and feathery feel with a slightly bassy and resonant sound, the Flaming Purple may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a versatile switch with an easy-to-press feel and a neutral, thocky sound, the Gold Red Pro could be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to prioritize what aspect of typing experience matters most to you when making your decision.
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