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TTC Flaming Purple vs. Huano Grape Orange

An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Huano Grape Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Flaming Purple and the Huano Grape Orange both present unique attributes that cater to different typist preferences and needs. The TTC Flaming Purple stands out with its resonant character and subtly bassy sound signature, elevating the auditory experience of every keystroke while offering a feathery touch with a low 47g bottom-out force. This makes it an ideal option for those who value a premium typing sound and feel, appealing to both enthusiasts and daily users who appreciate a bit of flair with each press. On the other hand, the Huano Grape Orange is designed for minimal effort, boasting an ultra-light 40g actuation force. This characteristic makes it exceptionally suited for long typing sessions, enabling users to continue without fatigue. While each switch has its own strengths—one favoring auditory engagement and tactile responsiveness, and the other prioritizing effortless typing—understanding the nuances between them will ensure you choose the best fit for your personal typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

42g

Actuation force

40g

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

3.60 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Partial box

Stem construction

Partial box

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

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

23mm single-stage spring

Spring

22mm single-stage spring

Housing materials

The TTC Flaming Purple and the Huano Grape Orange share a commonality in their top housing material, both utilizing polycarbonate. This choice in material yields a similar sound profile characterized by sharper pitches and crisper sound quality. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature is instrumental in enhancing resonance and clarity, which is particularly beneficial for those who favor RGB lighting due to its translucency. Thus, users of both switches can expect an aesthetically appealing glow alongside the audible enhancements that polycarbonate provides, providing a cohesive experience in sound and visuals.

In contrast to their top housings, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, introducing a significant differentiation in how sound is perceived when typing. Nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller audio experience, as its softer composition absorbs sound rather than amplifying it. This results in a rounder, more muted sound profile that contrasts sharply with the high-pitched clarity from the polycarbonate top. Thus, the Flaming Purple and Grape Orange diverge in their acoustic outputs, which can be felt during use; as the bottom housing is crucial for bottoming-out sounds, the nylon creates a softer auditory experience that complements the sharper top.

Overall, while the TTC Flaming Purple and the Huano Grape Orange exhibit similarities in top housing materials that collectively enhance sound crispness, the divergence in their bottom housings creates a distinct auditory profile throughout the switch. This interplay between the rigid polycarbonate top and the softer nylon bottom offers a balanced audio experience, allowing typists to enjoy both sharper releases and deeper keystrokes. As a result, despite their material differences, users can find a harmony in their respective sound profiles, achieving a unique and satisfying typing experience.

Weight

The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch both fall into the category of light switches, but there are some key differences in their specifications. The Flaming Purple switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, while the Grape Orange has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Grape Orange switch requires less force to register a keystroke, making it a preferable option for those who prioritize ease of typing over a stronger tactile feedback. In contrast, the Flaming Purple's heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial feel when pressing the key all the way down, which can be favored by users who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. Overall, while both switches are relatively light, the Grape Orange is the lighter option when it comes to actuation force, whereas the Flaming Purple offers a heavier bottom out experience.

Travel distance

The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch both share the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on keys equipped with either of these switches. This equal travel distance ensures that both switches provide a consistent feel during typing or gaming, allowing for a comparable performance. With both switches exhibiting identical travel distances, users will likely achieve similar results in terms of key actuation and feedback, making either option viable for those seeking a reliable linear switch.

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 Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.

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 sounds of the TTC Flaming Purple switch to the Huano Grape Orange switch, the Flaming Purple distinctly stands out. It possesses a resonant and bassy sound signature, producing rich auditory feedback with each keystroke. The deeper tones offer an engaging auditory experience, making typing feel dynamic. The Grape Orange, on the other hand, has an unspecified sound profile, which leaves its auditory qualities somewhat ambiguous. However, it’s worth noting that sound perception can largely depend on external factors like the keyboard's construction and keycap materials, suggesting that users could achieve a more customized sound experience based on their setup.

In terms of feel, the TTC Flaming Purple excels with its notably feathery and silky characteristics. It requires an incredibly light actuation force of just 47g, making it easy to press and reducing finger fatigue, ideal for long typing sessions. The smoothness and responsiveness contribute to a pleasant typing experience that is both comfortable and efficient. The Grape Orange switch, meanwhile, features an even lighter actuation force at 40g, implying an equally effortless typing experience. While both switches promise a comfortable feel, the Flaming Purple may provide a slightly more luxurious experience due to its silky smoothness, though the Grape Orange should also maintain high comfort levels.

In conclusion, the TTC Flaming Purple and Huano Grape Orange switches both offer unique qualities appealing to different preferences, especially regarding their sound and feel. The Flaming Purple's resonant, bassy sound and feathery touch enhance its desirability, while the Grape Orange promises an extremely light actuation, favoring users who thrive on minimal resistance. While the sound profile of the Grape Orange remains a mystery, both switches aim for low effort, comfortable typing experiences. Therefore, users will likely find satisfaction with either switch depending on their specific needs, with the Flaming Purple leaning towards a richer audio experience and superior tactile smoothness.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the TTC Flaming Purple and the Huano Grape Orange linear switches ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a switch that offers a combination of a slightly deeper sound signature and a highly feathery typing experience, the Flaming Purple could be your ideal option. Its 47g bottom-out force allows for quick, effortless key presses, making it suitable for both intensive gaming sessions and prolonged typing work. Additionally, the unique poppy undertones of the Flaming Purple can provide an engaging auditory feedback that enhances your overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for something even lighter and simpler, especially for marathon typing sessions, you might lean towards the Huano Grape Orange. While it features a slightly higher bottom-out force of 50g, its ultra-low actuation force makes it a breeze to type on, significantly reducing finger fatigue. Therefore, your decision should reflect whether you value auditory character and tactile feedback, which the Flaming Purple excels at, or if you prioritize an ultra-light touch that the Grape Orange provides. Ultimately, consider what suits your workflow and typing style best.

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