TTC Flaming Purple vs. Gateron Ink Yellow

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Ink Yellow both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Flaming Purple stands out with its resonant character, producing a slightly bassier sound that adds a poppy undertone to each keystroke. With a feathery bottom-out of just 47g, it provides swift and effortless typing for enthusiasts and daily typists. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow offers a shorter travel distance, appealing to those seeking a typing experience between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. It boasts a smooth and clacky feel, providing a polished and mild typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Flaming Purple Linear

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$8.30

$4.30 per 10

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Ink Yellow, one key difference lies in the top housings. The Flaming Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharp, high-pitched sound profile that is clear and resonant. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a slightly higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both materials offer a clear sound, the Flaming Purple's polycarbonate provides a sharper tone compared to the Ink Yellow's more rounded profile.

Another point of contrast between the two switches can be found in their bottom housings. The Flaming Purple incorporates a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. Conversely, the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend bottom housing also produces a pointed, high-pitched sound, creating a satisfaction thin and clacky sound when typing. Despite both bottom housings contributing to the overall sound profile, the Flaming Purple's nylon offers a deeper tone, while the Ink Yellow's blend provides a more pointed and sharp sound.

While the top and bottom housings of these switches differ in material, they both play a crucial role in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, with the Flaming Purple's nylon creating a fuller sound and the Ink Yellow delivering a pointed, clacky sound. In contrast, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, with the Flaming Purple's polycarbonate offering a sharp, clear sound and the Ink Yellow's blend providing a slightly higher-pitched profile. Despite these differences, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in creating unique and satisfying typing experiences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Flaming Purple is lighter in both aspects. The Flaming Purple has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a more medium to heavy option. For those who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Gateron Ink Yellow would be the better choice. However, for users who prefer a lighter typing experience that allows for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions, the TTC Flaming Purple would be the optimal choice. Both switches offer different levels of force, catering to individual preferences and typing styles.

Travel distance

The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which is preferred by gamers for faster response times. The Flaming Purple offers slightly more depth with its 3.6 mm travel distance, providing a more satisfying press for those who prefer a bit more resistance. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow's 3.5 mm travel distance may feel slightly quicker and more responsive to some users. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, so choosing between the two would come down to personal preference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch offers a bassy and resonant typing experience, with a touch of poppy undertones that add an engaging flair to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch provides a more neutral and clacky sound profile, showcasing a balance between actuation force requirement and sound sharpness. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, catering to different preferences. Depending on your choice of board and keycaps, you can achieve various sound profiles with either switch.

Moving on to the feel of these switches, the TTC Flaming Purple is lauded for its feathery and easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal effort for swift and effortless typing. This switch offers a silky smooth typing experience that reduces finger fatigue and enhances comfort during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch provides a milder and polished typing experience, catering to those who prefer a gentler typing feel without sacrificing responsiveness. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, appealing to different typing preferences.

Overall, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch each bring their own set of subjective qualities to the table. The Flaming Purple excels in its resonant and bassy sound profile, paired with a feathery and easy-to-press feel, making it an enticing choice for those who prioritize auditory and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow offers a more balanced sound profile with a neutral and clacky sound, accompanied by a milder and polished typing experience that appeals to users seeking a smoother typing feel. Whether you choose the Flaming Purple or the Ink Yellow, you can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to your personal preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a lighter touch and a slightly bassier sound profile, the Flaming Purple with its 47g bottom out force and resonant character may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smoother, clackier typing experience reminiscent of a laptop keyboard, the Gateron Ink Yellow may suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of sound and feel you desire in a keyboard switch. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, so it's important to weigh the pros and cons before making your final selection.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Flaming Purple Linear

$8.30

$4.30 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more