TTC Flaming Purple vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When navigating the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Purple and the Keygeek Keylin offer distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts and everyday typists alike. The TTC Flaming Purple stands out with its resonant auditory character, delivering a unique sound signature that leans towards the bassier end of the spectrum. With a gentle bottom-out force of just 47g, this switch provides a feathery touch that enhances typing efficiency and comfort. In contrast, the Keygeek Keylin, crafted using new molds, promises a premium typing experience distinguished by its exceptional smoothness and rich acoustics. While the Flaming Purple captivates with its playful auditory flair, the Keylin prioritizes a silky-smooth experience that many users find irresistible. Ultimately, the choice between these two linear switches hinges on personal preference, whether one values the engaging sound profile of the Flaming Purple or the buttery feel of the Keylin. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the Keygeek Keylin, it becomes clear that there are notable differences in their top housings. The Flaming Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer composition, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. The translucency of polycarbonate is also beneficial for RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts looking to enhance their keyboard aesthetics. In contrast, the Keygeek Keylin utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast in materials influences not only the auditory experience but also the visual appeal of the switches, particularly for those who prioritize a vibrant lighting display.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, with both the Flaming Purple and Keygeek Keylin utilizing nylon. This consistency allows for a harmonious depth in sound, as nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Since bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the use of nylon in both switches should elicit a comparable tactile experience upon bottoming out. Consequently, regardless of the different sound profiles imparted by their respective top housings, users can expect a similarly rich and muffled experience from each switch when pressed down.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials in the top housings of the TTC Flaming Purple and the Keygeek Keylin highlight how physical composition can guide switch performance and user experience. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Flaming Purple aims for a brighter sound signature ideal for responsiveness and sharpness, the nylon top of the Keylin serves to create a rounder and warmer sound. However, the shared nylon bottom in both switches ensures a consistent tactile response, bridging their differences and allowing a unique blend of sound profiles that cater to varying preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch both feature a relatively light actuation force, with the Flaming Purple requiring 42 grams to actuate and the Keylin needing slightly less at 38 grams. This difference makes the Keylin the lighter option, which may appeal to those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for long work hours or gaming sessions. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Flaming Purple hits 47 grams, while the Keylin slightly exceeds it at 48 grams. Despite their lightweight nature, the Keylin's actuation force is notably lesser, offering a softer touch, while the Flaming Purple provides a slightly firmer feeling at actuation but bottoms out with a slightly lower force. Overall, these switches cater to different preferences, with the Keylin being best suited for users who favor lighter feedback during typing, while the Flaming Purple offers a balanced feel throughout the keystroke.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Flaming Purple and the Keygeek Keylin linear switches have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that when you press down on a key for either switch, you'll experience an identical distance from the top to the bottom. As a result, users can expect similar tactile feedback and keypress responsiveness with both switches. This uniformity ensures that whether you choose the Flaming Purple or the Keylin, the travel experience will be consistent.
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 Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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
The auditory experience of the TTC Flaming Purple switch is characterized by its resonant, bass-heavy sound profile, which delivers a rich and engaging acoustic performance. It leans towards a lower pitch, providing users with a deeper tone that adds a unique flair to each keystroke. This clean and immersive sound can contribute to a satisfying typing atmosphere, especially when paired with compatible keyboards and keycaps. In contrast, the sound qualities of the Keygeek Keylin switches remain unspecified. Therefore, without additional information, one cannot make a definite comparison regarding their auditory characteristics.
When considering the feel of each switch, the TTC Flaming Purple stands out with its light actuation force of 47g, making it incredibly easy to press. This feathery quality significantly reduces finger fatigue, enhancing comfort for long typing sessions, be it for work or gaming. The silky texture of the Flaming Purple further elevates the typing experience by enabling smooth key presses and releases. Unfortunately, the Keylin switches lack descriptive details about their tactile characteristics, leaving a gap in understanding how they might compare in terms of feel.
Overall, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch showcases distinctive qualities in both sound and feel, making it an appealing option for typists who appreciate a rich auditory experience along with a lightweight action. However, since the Keygeek Keylin switches have not been analyzed in terms of specific sound or tactile properties, it's challenging to draw direct comparisons. For users considering either switch, the Flaming Purple may provide a more defined experience, whereas the Keylin's performance remains unknown.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple and the Keygeek Keylin linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a light actuation force with a feathery feel and enjoy a rich, bassy sound profile, the Flaming Purple is an excellent choice. It's especially suited for those who spend long hours typing, gaming, or working, as its effortless keystroke will minimize finger fatigue. The unique resonance and poppy undertone it provides also add a delightful auditory experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that promises smoothness and premium acoustics, the Keylin would be the better option for you. This switch might particularly appeal to users who value a refined and consistent typing experience without any specific auditory flair. Ultimately, you should choose the Flaming Purple for a light, engaging, and fun typing experience and the Keylin for a smoother, understated, and premium feel.