TTC Flaming Purple vs. Kailh BCP
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Kailh BCP switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Flaming Purple and Kailh BCP linear switches both offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The TTC Flaming Purple stands out for its resonant auditory profile, characterized by a low-pitched, bassy sound that adds a satisfying pop to every keystroke. With a lightweight actuation force of just 47g, it delivers a feathery feel that makes typing smooth and effortless, appealing to both gamers and typists who prioritize comfort and swift response times. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP switches reimagine the beloved Black Cherry Pie design, focusing on a creamy, elastic sensation that creates a delightful bounce with each press. Their distinctive clacky sound adds a unique charm, making them a preferred choice for users seeking a more dynamic auditory feedback. While both options have their merits, your choice might ultimately depend on whether you prefer the resonance and ease of the Flaming Purple or the bouncy and playful experience offered by the BCP. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the Kailh BCP switches, a distinct difference emerges in the composition of their top housings. The Flaming Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This quality is particularly beneficial for users who appreciate a crisp auditory feedback while typing, especially in setups involving RGB lighting, where the material's clarity enhances visual aesthetics. In contrast, the Kailh BCP employs a nylon top housing, which is softer and thereby absorbs sound more effectively. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that creates a more muted, rounded auditory experience. The varying properties of these materials directly affect the overall sound and feel of each switch, diverging in how users interact with them.
Both the TTC Flaming Purple and Kailh BCP switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which creates an interesting homogeneity in this area. The nylon material in both instances contributes to a dulled sound signature, offering a rounded auditory response as it absorbs vibrations more than stiffer plastics. This similarity in bottom housing represents a common ground where typing experiences converge, ensuring that both switches deliver a full-bodied sound regardless of the contrasting materials used in the top housing. Consequently, while users may face varied auditory experiences during the key press and release, the bottoming out of either switch will produce comparably rich sound profiles thanks to the nylon composition.
In summary, while the TTC Flaming Purple and Kailh BCP switches diverge in their top housing materials—polycarbonate for the Flaming Purple and nylon for the BCP—their shared nylon bottom housing creates a similarity in bottom-out sound and tactile feedback. The polycarbonate top provides a crisper sound signature during release, whereas the nylon top dampens auditory feedback, resulting in a more muted experience. Thus, users can expect different yet complementary auditory characteristics based on the different top housing materials, while enjoying a consistently rounded and rich sound from the nylon bottom across both switches. This blend of materials ultimately influences the overall typing sound and feel, catering to varied preferences in user experience.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch differ notably in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Flaming Purple has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer typing experience that allows for prolonged usage without fatigue. In contrast, the Kailh BCP switch features a heavier actuation force of 52 grams along with a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing or gaming. The difference in actuation forces indicates that the Flaming Purple will feel more responsive and effortless, ideal for longer typing sessions, whereas the BCP’s heavier forces offer a more tactile and engaging feedback. Consequently, users seeking a lighter and more comfortable typing experience should gravitate towards the TTC Flaming Purple, while those who favor a stronger push feel may prefer the Kailh BCP.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, the Flaming Purple features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the BCP has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Therefore, the BCP is the more responsive option, providing a faster actuation for gamers who favor quick key presses. However, the Flaming Purple, with its greater depth, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, as its longer travel distance can create a more satisfying tactile experience. In summary, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Flaming Purple offers a longer distance, making it the choice for those seeking a deeper keystroke, in contrast to the Kailh BCP, which caters to those prioritizing speedy responsiveness.
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 Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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 switch presents a distinctive auditory experience characterized by its resonant and bassy qualities. The deeper, richer sound profile provides a unique auditory flair with each keystroke, resulting in engaging responses that may enhance the typing experience. The low-pitched tones add a mellow aspect that can be pleasing in both quiet and busy environments. In contrast, the Kailh BCP switches do not have a detailed sound profile provided, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. However, knowing that they are a reimagining of the Black Cherry Pies, it’s reasonable to believe they may share a poppy and clacky sound, which is often attributed to a more pronounced keystroke, yet exact attributes remain unspecified.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flaming Purple excels with its feathery and silky characteristics, making it exceptionally easy to press. The switch requires only a light actuation force of 47g, promoting a typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during long sessions. Its easy-to-press nature ensures comfortable use for various activities, from gaming to daily typing tasks. On the other hand, the feel of the Kailh BCP switches is not described, leaving an open question regarding their tactile experience compared to the Flaming Purple. The absence of specifics on the BCP means that while they may provide a satisfactory feel, it is uncertain how they will compare to the lightweight and smooth experience of the Flaming Purple.
In summary, the TTC Flaming Purple switch stands out with its resonant, bassy sound profile and effortlessly smooth typing feel, appealing to both enthusiasts and casual users alike. While the Kailh BCP switches appear to offer a unique twist on the classic design, their auditory and tactile qualities remain less defined. Consequently, if sound and feel are crucial to your typing preference, the Flaming Purple may provide a more certain experience. Nonetheless, without full details on the Kailh BCP's sound and feel, it’s essential to consider personal experimentation with both to determine which aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch boils down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a lighter actuation force for quicker keystrokes and less finger fatigue, the Flaming Purple, with its 47-gram bottom-out force, is an excellent option—ideal for rapid typists, gamers, or anyone who engages in prolonged typing sessions. Its resonant and bassy sound profile also adds an engaging auditory experience, making it a delight for those who appreciate a richer sound while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams, the Kailh BCP is your go-to switch. It offers a creamy, bouncy typing experience that many users find satisfying, especially for precise typing and deliberate keystrokes. The BCP also embodies a poppy sound profile that some may find more pleasing. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you favor a lighter, more effortless feel with interesting sound dynamics (Flaming Purple), or a sturdier, more tactile experience complemented by a distinctive auditory feedback (BCP).
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