TTC Flaming Purple vs. TTC Gold Silver
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the TTC Gold Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple and the TTC Gold Silver mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches, it becomes apparent that each offers unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Flaming Purple stands out for its bassier sound signature and feathery nature, making it easy to press with a low-pitched and resonant feel. On the other hand, the Gold Silver excels in rapid responsiveness, providing a polished and thocky typing experience with a smooth journey from press to bottom-out. While the Flaming Purple is characterized by its engaging auditory flair and swift typing capabilities, the Gold Silver offers a precise and solid bottom-out with a seamless blend of speed, sound, and fluidity. 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
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Purple and the TTC Gold Silver both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for switches that will be used with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. With both switches using polycarbonate in their top housings, users can expect a similar sound experience when typing on either switch.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the TTC Flaming Purple features nylon while the TTC Gold Silver also uses nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a more muted and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite the difference in color schemes between the two switches, the use of nylon in the bottom housings ensures that users will experience a similar typing sound regardless of whether they choose the Flaming Purple or the Gold Silver.
In terms of typing experience, the different bottom housings of the TTC Flaming Purple and the TTC Gold Silver will impact the feel and sound when pressing down on the switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. By understanding the qualities that each housing material brings to the switch, users can make an informed choice based on their preference for the typing experience they desire. Ultimately, both the Flaming Purple and the Gold Silver offer unique sound profiles due to their top and bottom housing materials, providing users with options to tailor their typing experience to their liking.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, providing a smoother typing experience for those who prefer a lighter touch. In contrast, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. Both switches offer a similar level of actuation force, which means that users can expect comparable results in terms of responsiveness. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Gold Silver switch will travel a slightly shorter distance from top to bottom compared to the Flaming Purple switch. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. However, if you prefer a bit more depth and feedback in your keystrokes, you may lean towards the Flaming Purple switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and how you like your keystrokes to feel.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch offers a bassier and resonant experience, creating a poppy undertone with a touch of engagement in every keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch delivers a thocky and neutral sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying tone with a moderate actuation force requirement. While the Flaming Purple leans towards a richer sound with a higher-pitched profile, the Gold Silver maintains a more balanced and low-pitched tonality. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a varied auditory experience depending on the user's preference, keycap choice, and keyboard setup.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is characterized by its feathery and easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal exertion and offering a smooth typing experience. This light actuation force reduces finger fatigue, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. On the contrary, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch provides a polished and silky feel, ensuring a refined and gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the Flaming Purple boasts a light and effortless feel, the Gold Silver offers a more refined and subtle typing experience, catering to users who prefer a smoother and controlled key press. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable typing experience, with the choice between a feather-light touch or a polished glide depending on individual preferences.
In conclusion, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Flaming Purple excels in delivering a bassier and resonant sound with a feathery and easy-to-press feel, while the Gold Silver provides a thocky and neutral sound profile paired with a polished and silky typing experience. Depending on whether the user prefers a richer and engaging sound with light key presses or a balanced and refined typing feel with smooth key travel, both switches present enticing options for enthusiasts and daily typists alike. Ultimately, the choice between the Flaming Purple and Gold Silver linear switches will depend on the user's individual preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your typing preferences. If you value a light touch and an engaging auditory experience with a slightly bassy undertone, the Flaming Purple with its 47g bottom-out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize rapid responsiveness, precise bottom-out with a resonant sound profile, and a smooth typing experience, the Gold Silver switch may better suit your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you prefer the feathery feel and bassy sound of the Flaming Purple or the polished, thocky feel of the Gold Silver. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences for an optimal typing experience.