TTC Flaming Purple vs. TTC Iron
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the TTC Iron switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Purple and TTC Iron offer unique experiences that cater to different typing preferences despite both being linear switches. The Flaming Purple is characterized by its resonant, bassy sound profile and a notably light bottom-out force of just 47g, which allows for quick and effortless keystrokes, ideal for enthusiasts and everyday typists who appreciate a touch of auditory flair and a feathery feel. In contrast, the TTC Iron boasts a pronounced clacky sound signature that provides an engaging auditory satisfaction with each press, accompanied by a smooth travel that promotes fatigue-free typing sessions, making it an appealing option for those who value precision and a crisp feedback in their typing experience. While both switches excel in offering ease of use and quick actuation, their distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences cater to varying preferences among users. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that perfectly fits your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
41g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the TTC Iron, notable differences emerge that affect both their tactile characteristics and sound profiles. The Flaming Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for creating a sharper, crisper sound due to the material's stiffer properties. This stiffness translates to a clearer, more resonant sound that can enhance the RGB lighting experience, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant light diffusion. In contrast, the Iron utilizes a POM top housing that yields a more muted and deeper sound profile. Thus, while both switches incorporate materials that contribute to distinctive acoustic properties, the Flaming Purple is geared towards a brighter and more pronounced sound, whereas the Iron leans towards a warmer and fuller auditory output.
When examining the bottom housings, the TTC Flaming Purple employs nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its softer texture that absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a deeper and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Iron maintains its POM bottom housing, which, like its top counterpart, produces a pleasingly muted sound that also exhibits depth. Although both switches utilize different materials for their bottom housings, they share the characteristic of delivering a deep sound profile, albeit with the Flaming Purple’s nylon imparting a slightly more rounded and fuller tone compared to the muted depth of the Iron's POM. In this aspect, the sound identity of both switches is influenced by their bottom housing materials, creating a commonality in sound while presenting different auditory nuances.
In terms of overall sound experience, the combination of each housing material plays a pivotal role. With the Flaming Purple, the clear, resonant qualities of the polycarbonate top housing complement the fuller, deeper sound of the nylon bottom, providing an articulate yet rich auditory experience. Similarly, the Iron’s dual POM housing configuration maintains a cohesive, deep sound profile, presenting a more consistent acoustic signature throughout the switch. Ultimately, while the two switches utilize different materials, the respective interplay of their top and bottom housings contributes to the overall sound experience, highlighting the nuanced differences that make each switch unique yet capable of similar acoustic results through a deliberate choice of materials.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the TTC Iron linear switch, both switches demonstrate a relatively light profile, making them suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming. The Flaming Purple switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, while the Iron switch features a slightly lighter actuation force of 41 grams but a higher bottom out force of 50 grams. Therefore, while the Flaming Purple provides a softer landing when bottoming out, the Iron switch requires a bit more force before reaching the same point. Overall, the Flaming Purple is marginally heavier at actuation but lighter at bottoming out, which means those who prefer a slightly easier keystroke might gravitate towards the Iron switch. However, both switches remain in the light category, catering to users who favor comfort over heft in their typing experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the TTC Iron linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Flaming Purple features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Iron has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Flaming Purple is the shorter option, making it more suitable for gamers or users who prefer quicker response times, as shorter travel distances can lead to faster actuation. On the other hand, the Iron's longer travel distance may appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced keypress and a feeling of depth while typing. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for either a more responsive experience or a deeper keyfeel.
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 Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Flaming Purple offers a deeper and bassier profile that gives it a unique resonant quality, creating a rich and engaging auditory experience with each keystroke. Its low-pitched sound adds a satisfying poppy undertone, making it enjoyable for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the TTC Iron switch delivers a clacky sound, characterized by its crisp and percussive tones. This highlights a sharper auditory feedback that many typists find gratifying. While both switches promote a delightful sound experience, the Flaming Purple leans towards a warmer, deeper audio signature, while the Iron provides a brighter, more lively response.
When it comes to feel, the Flaming Purple stands out with its exceptionally light and feathery quality, making it incredibly easy to press with minimal finger effort. This light actuation reduces fatigue, enhancing comfort during extended typing sessions, whether for gaming, work, or leisure. The silky smoothness of its travel further elevates the typing experience, offering gliding precision with each keystroke. Conversely, the Iron switch also boasts an easy-to-press design, but it offers a mild typing experience that keeps it accessible for most users. The gentle resistance during actuation allows for comfortable typing, but without the same silky fluidity found in the Flaming Purple.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flaming Purple and the TTC Iron linear switches cater to enthusiasts and daily users alike, but they offer different auditory and tactile experiences. The Flaming Purple provides a bassier, resonant sound and a smooth, feathery feel, ideal for those who appreciate depth and fluidity in typing. The Iron, with its clacky sound and mild feedback, appeals to those who enjoy crisp auditory feedback while still benefiting from easy actuation. While both switches allow for comfortable and fatigue-free typing, your choice will ultimately hinge on whether you prefer the richer tones and smoothness of the Flaming Purple or the bright, engaging sound and mild tactile response of the Iron.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the TTC Flaming Purple and the TTC Iron linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in typing experience and sound. If you're drawn to a lighter, feathery feel with a bassy sound that resonates with a unique, engaging character, the Flaming Purple may be the ideal choice for you. Its effortless actuation at 47 grams means you'll experience minimal finger fatigue, making it perfect for long typing sessions, whether you're gaming, studying, or working. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth travel combined with a pronounced clacky sound that offers an enjoyable acoustic feedback, the Iron switch would serve you well. Its slight increase in bottom-out force to 50 grams still keeps the typing experience comfortable while delivering a crisp auditory signature that many keyboard enthusiasts cherish. In essence, consider the Flaming Purple if you’re looking for a more nuanced auditory flair and feathery touch, while the Iron would be suitable if you seek a more satisfying tactile feedback with a lively sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
