TTC Flaming Purple vs. TTC Ice
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the TTC Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two noteworthy options from TTC are the Flaming Purple and the Ice switches, both of which feature a linear design. The TTC Flaming Purple stands out with its unique sound signature, offering a slightly bassy tone that is both resonant and engaging, delivering a poppy undertone with each keystroke. With a featherlight bottom-out force of just 47g, users can enjoy a swift and effortless typing experience, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize responsiveness and comfort, whether for gaming or daily tasks. On the other hand, the TTC Ice switches offer a crystal-clear transparent design that not only looks stunning but also provides a smooth and satisfying tactile feedback. While these switches also cater to gaming and everyday use, they focus more on delivering a cohesive, premium typing experience without any additional auditory flair. In summary, while the Flaming Purple entices with its engaging acoustics and lightweight feel, the Ice captivates through its aesthetic appeal and sleek response. 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
60g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and TTC Ice switches, both models share a significant aspect in their top housing, as both utilize polycarbonate. This commonality results in a sound profile characterized by sharpness, higher pitch, and crispness, thanks to polycarbonate's stiffness as a material. The translucency of polypropylene not only contributes to a clearer resonance but also enhances the aesthetic appeal, particularly in setups featuring RGB lighting. Hence, users seeking vibrant lighting effects will benefit from this uniform choice in the top housing material, ensuring a visually striking and sonically refined experience across both switches.
However, the contrasts between the two models arise prominently in their bottom housing materials. The TTC Flaming Purple employs nylon, known for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer composition, which yields a deeper, fuller sound profile. This creates a noticeable distinction in feel and sound during typing, where the bottom housing's qualities are accentuated. In contrast, the TTC Ice switch stays consistent with its polycarbonate material in the bottom housing as well, further reinforcing the sharp and crisp sound profile throughout the entire switch. This choice results in a more uniform auditory experience, as both the bottom and top housings contribute similarly to the sound profile.
In essence, while both switch models feature polycarbonate tops that yield a clear and resonant high-pitched sound, the differing materials in the bottom housing significantly influence the overall acoustic and tactile experience. Users of the Flaming Purple may appreciate a unique depth in sound due to the nylon bottom, whereas those opting for the Ice will experience a consistent sharpness from top to bottom. Thus, the tactile response when bottoming out on the switches will differ, reflecting the distinct characteristics that each material imparts. Ultimately, both models cater to different preferences, allowing gamers and typists to choose based on their desired sound profile and feel.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, we see notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Flaming Purple switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer typing experience, especially during prolonged use, such as in work environments or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Ice switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a medium resistance that caters to users who seek a more substantial feel with each keystroke. Thus, the Flaming Purple is the lighter option overall, while the Ice is the heavier choice. These differences in force can significantly influence the typing experience, with the Flaming Purple providing a more effortless press, whereas the Ice switch may appeal to users who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback when typing.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them identical in this aspect. Since the travel distance is the same, users can expect comparable feedback and keypress feel when using either switch. This uniformity in distance means that the tactile experience during typing or gaming will be similar, allowing for seamless transition between the two switches without any noticeable difference in actuation 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 TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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
When it comes to sound characteristics, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch stands out with its bassy undertones and resonant qualities. It delivers a rich, immersive auditory experience, characterized by a deep, low-pitched sound that evokes a satisfying "pop" with each keystroke. This sound profile, while fundamentally neutral, leans towards a warmer spectrum, giving typing a unique warmth and engagement. In contrast, the specifics of the sound produced by the TTC Ice linear switch are unknown, making it difficult to directly compare; however, it does feature a smooth and satisfying bottom-out sound, suggesting it may have an appealing auditory quality as well. Ultimately, the Flaming Purple is likely to provide a more distinctive sound experience, while the Ice might deliver a cleaner or more subdued auditory response.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flaming Purple excels with its feathery and silky characteristics. This switch is designed for comfort, requiring minimal force to actuate—only 47g at bottom-out—which significantly reduces finger fatigue, making it a pleasure for both extended typing and gaming sessions. Its smoothness contributes to an effortless typing experience, as users can transition fluidly across keys with little resistance. On the other hand, the feel of the TTC Ice switch remains an unknown quantity, which makes it challenging to evaluate its comparative smoothness or responsiveness. However, the Flaming Purple’s light actuation and silky feel clearly position it as a top choice for those prioritizing comfort in their typing experience.
In summary, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch presents a uniquely engaging auditory and tactile experience characterized by its warm, resonant sound and lightweight, smooth feel. While the TTC Ice linear switch is noted for its transparent design and a satisfying sound during key presses, further details on its sound and feel are lacking. Thus, for newcomers, the Flaming Purple stands out as an excellent choice for those seeking both an enjoyable sound profile and an exceptionally comfortable typing experience, whereas the Ice may appeal to those preferring a more understated option but without a clear idea of its qualities. Overall, these descriptions suggest a strong preference for the Flaming Purple if sound and tactile feedback are high priorities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple and the TTC Ice linear switches, your choice should hinge on your specific needs and preferences. If you prefer a lighter touch with a unique auditory experience, the Flaming Purple is your go-to switch. Its 47g bottom-out force makes it particularly well-suited for prolonged typing sessions, whether at work or in gaming, reducing finger fatigue with its feathery and easy-to-press feel. Additionally, its resonant and slightly bassy sound signature can add a rich auditory dimension to your typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of flair in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you seek a more robust typing experience with a firmer actuation and a premium feel, the TTC Ice switch stands out with its 60g bottom-out force. This weight can provide a more satisfying tactile feedback, making it appealing for gaming and intensive typing tasks alike, all while maintaining a smooth and responsive action. In summary, choose the Flaming Purple for a lightweight, immersive experience, or the Ice for a sturdier and more controlled feel.
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