TTC Flaming Purple vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring different mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Ink Black V2, both linear switches. The TTC Flaming Purple is renowned for its resonant and bassy sound signature, providing a unique auditory experience with a touch of poppy undertone. With a bottom-out weight of just 47g, this switch offers a feathery and easy-to-press feel, making it appealing to enthusiasts and daily typists alike. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, offering a classic feel that has been a favorite within the mechanical keyboard community for some time. While the Flaming Purple leans towards the bassier end of the spectrum, the Ink Black V2 is described as more polished and chirpy in sound. Both switches have their own distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Ink Black V2 offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Flaming Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which offers a pointed and high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both top housings aim to produce a clear and resonant sound, they differ in terms of the specific sound qualities they achieve.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Flaming Purple utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Conversely, the Ink Black V2 utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which provides a pointed and high-pitched sound that complements the top housing's characteristics. Both bottom housings aim to create a sound that is satisfying to the user, with the Flaming Purple offering a duller and rounder sound compared to the thinner and higher-pitched sound of the Ink Black V2.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience. While the Flaming Purple and the Ink Black V2 differ in their specific housing materials, both switches aim to deliver a satisfying sound profile for users. Whether it be the sharper and crisper sound of the polycarbonate top housing in the Flaming Purple or the clacky sound produced by the INK blend top housing in the Ink Black V2, these switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
Comparing the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch to the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, it's clear that the Flaming Purple is the lighter option. The Flaming Purple has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, while the Ink Black V2 has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the Flaming Purple requires less force to trigger a keystroke and less force to bottom out compared to the Ink Black V2. Both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, but the Flaming Purple is better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing feel, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, making it a better choice for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Flaming Purple switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Ink Black V2 switch may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer more depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming 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 Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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 is known for its bassier and slightly resonant nature, which adds a poppy undertone to each keystroke, providing an engaging auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched and bass-heavy sound profile, with a touch of chirpiness that sets it apart. Both switches offer unique sound signatures that can enhance the typing experience, depending on personal preference and setup variables like the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flaming Purple switch stands out for its feathery and easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal effort to actuate and providing a comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. Alternatively, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with smooth and refined key travel. While the Flaming Purple prioritizes lightness and ease of use, the Ink Black V2 focuses on providing a smooth and polished typing feel that caters to a broad audience.
Overall, both the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel that can cater to different preferences and typing styles. Whether you prefer the poppy undertones and feathery feel of the Flaming Purple or the bass-heavy sound profile and polished key travel of the Ink Black V2, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on your individual preferences and needs. Ultimately, trying out both switches on your own keyboard setup will help you determine which one suits your typing style best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch or the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, you should factor in your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a light bottom-out force of 47 grams and enjoy a switch with a slightly bassier sound profile that offers a feathery and easy-to-press typing experience, then the TTC Flaming Purple may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams and value a switch with a low-pitched sound profile that feels more mild and polished in terms of typing experience, then the Gateron Ink Black V2 could be the better option for your needs. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style in order to ensure the best mechanical keyboard switch for your setup.
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