TTC Flaming Purple vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Ink Box Pink mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches with unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Flaming Purple is praised for its resonant and bassy sound profile, making each keystroke engaging and satisfying for users seeking a tactile auditory experience. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink boasts a smoother and lighter typing feel with a higher-pitched clack, ideal for those who prefer a polished and clacky typing experience. While the Flaming Purple offers an easy-to-press and feathery touch at 47g, the Ink Box Pink provides a silky smoothness that sets it apart. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Ink Box Pink, it is evident that both switches prioritize creating a unique sound profile for users. The Flaming Purple utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, crisper sound profile that is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink boasts a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a high-pitched, clacky sound that is satisfying to many users. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the choice between polycarbonate and the INK blend comes down to personal preference in terms of sound characteristics.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the differences between the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Ink Box Pink become more apparent. The Flaming Purple features a nylon bottom housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend bottom housing also delivers a relatively high-pitched sound profile, complementing the top housing material to create an overall clacky typing experience. While both bottom housing materials impact the sound and feel of the switches, the nylon in the Flaming Purple offers a duller and rounder sound compared to the clacky sound produced by the INK blend in the Ink Box Pink.
Overall, the combination of top and bottom housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile and typing experience of mechanical switches like the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Ink Box Pink. While both switches prioritize creating a unique sound profile for users, the choice between polycarbonate and the INK blend for the top housing, as well as nylon and the INK blend for the bottom housing, offers users the opportunity to customize their typing experience to their liking. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a clacky, high-pitched sound, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, it is evident that the Flaming Purple is the lighter option, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink is the heavier option, with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The Flaming Purple provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink offers a more substantial push feel, catering to those who prefer a heavier typing experience. Both switches have their advantages, with the lighter force of the Flaming Purple allowing for longer typing sessions, while the heavier force of the Ink Box Pink provides a more solid and satisfying typing experience. Depending on personal preference, users can choose the switch that best suits their typing style and needs.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of how far the key travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. Users can expect consistent results in terms of the tactile feedback and actuation point when using either of these switches. Whether you choose the Flaming Purple or the Ink Box Pink, you can be assured that the travel distance will be identical, resulting in a familiar typing 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 Gateron Ink Box Pink has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Pink for $7.65.
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 unique bassy and resonant profile that adds a poppy undertone to each keystroke, providing an engaging auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch produces a higher-pitched clack that is sharp and crisp, offering a different auditory sensation. Both switches have their distinctive sound characteristics, with the Flaming Purple leaning towards a bassier sound, while the Ink Box Pink presents a brighter and more percussive tone.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is described as feathery and easy-to-press, offering a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue and provides a comfortable typing experience. It is smooth and silky, enhancing the overall typing feel. Similarly, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is also described as silky and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a comfortable and responsive typing feel, making them suitable for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch differ in sound and feel characteristics. The Flaming Purple excels in providing a bassier and resonant sound profile with a feathery typing feel, while the Ink Box Pink offers a higher-pitched clack sound with a silky and polished typing experience. Choosing between these switches would depend on personal preference for sound and typing feel, as both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience with their distinct qualities, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of performance and comfort.
Conclusion
In conclusion, to sum up, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, consider your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you value a light and feathery typing experience with a slightly bassier and resonant sound profile, the TTC Flaming Purple may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and polished typing feel with a higher-pitched and clacky sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what characteristics are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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