TTC Flaming Purple vs. HMX Hibiscus
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Hibiscus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Hibiscus each present unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The TTC Flaming Purple is celebrated for its resonant, bassy sound profile and ultra-light bottom-out weight of just 47g, offering a feathery touch that allows for swift typing with a subtle auditory flair. This makes it an appealing choice for both enthusiasts seeking a tactile experience and daily typists who value speed and comfort. On the other hand, the HMX Hibiscus sets itself apart with its exceptionally smooth actuation and a satisfyingly clacky sound, which enhances the overall typing experience for users who appreciate a more dynamic auditory feedback. While both switches are linear, their distinct sound signatures and tactile sensations provide varied benefits, allowing users to choose based on personal preference. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
T3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Hibiscus switches showcase contrasting approaches to housing materials, leading to distinctly different sound profiles that reflect the characteristics of the materials used. The Flaming Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and clarity. This stiffer plastic enhances the acoustics of the switch, producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The translucence of polycarbonate also lends itself well to RGB lighting, amplifying its visual appeal. Contrarily, the HMX Hibiscus opts for a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for its softer texture. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound, creating a rounder auditory experience. Thus, while the Flaming Purple provides a more vibrant sound signature, the Hibiscus delivers warmth and depth.
Examining the bottom housings reveals an interesting similarity between the two switches. Both the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Hibiscus utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to a similar auditory experience when the switch is bottomed out. The inherent qualities of nylon create a sound that is deep and full-bodied, regardless of the differences in the top housing material. Therefore, both switches, although they diverge in their top housing configurations, will produce a combined sound experience that emphasizes a classic, fuller sound due to the nylon bottom. This shared material choice allows users to expect a consistent acoustic feel when pressing down on either switch.
In summary, the divergent materials used in the top housing of the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Hibiscus ultimately shape their individual sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Flaming Purple lends itself to a sharper sound, while the nylon top of the Hibiscus achieves a richer tonality. However, the presence of nylon in both switches' bottom housings harmonizes their acoustic qualities, leading to a uniform depth in sound when bottoming out. Thus, in considering the sound experience offered by these switches, one can appreciate both the uniqueness of each design and the underlying similarities that allow for a satisfying keyboard experience.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple and HMX Hibiscus linear switches exhibit some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 42 grams, which indicates a relatively light touch required to register a keypress, making them suitable for long typing sessions and extended gaming marathons. However, the Hibiscus has a slightly higher bottom out force of 48 grams compared to the Flaming Purple's 47 grams. This implies that while both switches have a comparable initial feel, the Hibiscus will require a marginally greater force when fully bottomed out, offering a bit more resistance compared to the Flaming Purple. Overall, the Flaming Purple is the lighter option in terms of bottom out force, catering to users who favor a less strenuous typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, the Flaming Purple features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Hibiscus is slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This difference of just 0.1 mm highlights the Flaming Purple as the longer option, offering a more pronounced feel with each key press. For gamers or users who prioritize quick response times, the Hibiscus may be more appealing due to its shorter travel distance, providing a faster activation point. However, for those who appreciate a more substantial depth in their keystrokes, the Flaming Purple's slightly longer travel distance could enhance the typing experience. Ultimately, your choice may come down to personal preference regarding the balance between responsiveness and depth.
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 HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
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
The sound profile of the TTC Flaming Purple switch is characterized by its resonant and bassy qualities. When typing, it delivers a low-pitched, rich auditory experience that engages users with a poppy undertone, enhancing the overall enjoyment of each keystroke. This sound signature effectively strikes a balance between depth and clarity, making it appealing for those who appreciate a more immersive acoustics during their typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus switch’s sound quality is noted to be clacky, poppy, and crispy, which suggests a brighter and perhaps more pronounced sound profile. However, the specifics of its low-frequency resonance or depth remain unspecified, leaving room for further exploration into how these auditory characteristics compare in practice.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flaming Purple switch is designed to offer an exceptionally light and responsive typing experience. With a feathery actuation force, it requires minimal exertion while typing, contributing to comfort during prolonged usage and reducing finger fatigue. The switch is described as silky, which enhances the smoothness of key presses and releases, making for a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, no specific details about the feel of the HMX Hibiscus switch are provided, leaving its tactile feedback and overall typing experience largely unknown. Although both switches are linear, the Flaming Purple's clear descriptions suggest a more refined experience compared to the HMX Hibiscus.
Overall, while the TTC Flaming Purple switch impresses with its resonant sound and overwhelmingly pleasant feel, the HMX Hibiscus switch has a distinctly clacky sound signature that may cater to different auditory preferences. The Flaming Purple's lightweight and smooth typing experience notably stands out, likely enhancing comfort during lengthy tasks. While the Hibiscus switch promises a unique sound experience, the specifics of its feel remain to be explored, making it crucial for typists to consider their personal preferences in sound and tactile feedback when choosing between these switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple and HMX Hibiscus linear switches, your personal preferences and typing style play crucial roles. If you value a lighter touch and enjoy a unique auditory experience, the Flaming Purple would be the ideal choice; its feathery actuation makes it exceptionally easy to press, making it perfect for long typing sessions or fast-paced gaming. The bassier sound profile adds an engaging flair to your interactions, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that can enhance your overall experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience, the HMX Hibiscus switch may be more to your liking, especially given its reputation for delivering an unparalleled silky feel. While its actuation force is slightly heavier, the Hibiscus shines with its unique sound signature—a crisp and poppy characteristic that can make each keystroke feel rewarding. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you lean towards an engaging auditory experience with the Flaming Purple or a smooth and slightly clackier feel with the HMX Hibiscus.
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