TTC Flaming Purple vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch to the Durock Koala tactile switch, it's important to note their distinct characteristics. The Flaming Purple stands out for its resonant and bassier sound signature, offering a poppy undertone that adds excitement to typing. With a light actuation force of 47g, it provides a feathery and effortless typing experience, appealing to both enthusiasts and daily typists. On the other hand, the Koala offers a balanced tactile feedback with a pronounced but not overwhelming bump, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke feel. Both switches have their unique qualities and advantages, but ultimately the choice depends on individual preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Purple and the Durock Koala both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this common housing material, the Flaming Purple and Koala differ when it comes to their bottom housings. The Flaming Purple utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. In contrast, the Koala also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound.
While the top housings of the TTC Flaming Purple and Durock Koala are both made of polycarbonate, creating a similar sound profile, their bottom housings offer a point of differentiation. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder sound. This split in housing materials allows for a unique typing experience with each switch, as the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing plays a role in the sound when releasing a key, showcasing the importance of both materials in creating a well-rounded typing experience.
Overall, the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and Durock Koala play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches utilize polycarbonate top housings for a sharper and crisper sound, the nylon bottom housings of the Flaming Purple and Koala create a different tactile feel when typing. The split in housing materials highlights how different plastics can impact the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the sound and feel of bottoming out keys, while the top housing affects the sound upon key release.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, it is evident that the Flaming Purple is lighter in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force. The Flaming Purple has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, while the Koala has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it heavier in comparison. The difference in weight between the two switches can significantly impact the typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Flaming Purple for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel may favor the Koala for a stronger push sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, it is clear that the Koala has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.6 mm of the Flaming Purple. The Flaming Purple falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a good choice for those who prefer a quicker, more responsive feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Koala's longer travel distance provides a more substantial typing experience, which may be favored by those who enjoy a deeper keypress. Both switches offer unique benefits, with the Flaming Purple catering to those who prioritize speed and the Koala appealing to users who prefer a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and 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 Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile with a touch of resonance, providing a unique auditory experience with a poppy undertone. On the other hand, the Durock Koala tactile switch presents a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, with a bit of resonance without being overly loud. Both switches offer different sound characteristics, catering to varying preferences in terms of typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the TTC Flaming Purple switch is described as feathery and easy-to-press, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with little exertion required. In comparison, the Durock Koala switch is highlighted as polished and accented, providing a refined and sleek typing feel with a medium level of tactility. The Koala switch also features a stepped design, giving a two-stage tactile feedback that is not too overwhelming. Both switches offer distinct tactile sensations, catering to those who prefer either a light and smooth typing experience or a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Overall, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Flaming Purple switch provides a bassy and feathery typing experience with a touch of poppy undertones, while the Koala switch offers a polished and accented tactile feedback with a stepped design. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between these two switches to customize your typing experience. Both switches provide different but equally enjoyable typing experiences, allowing you to achieve similar results in terms of performance and satisfaction.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a resonant sound profile with a touch of bass, the Flaming Purple may be the ideal choice for you. Its feathery feel and effortless typing make it suitable for enthusiasts and everyday typists alike. On the other hand, if you lean towards a medium-heavy bottom out force and a tactile bump that is pronounced but not overwhelming, the Koala could be the switch for you. Its stepped tactility and moderate sound profile offer a balanced typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should align with your preference for sound, feel, and typing style.
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