TTC Flaming Purple vs. TTC Light Cloud V2
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the TTC Light Cloud V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple and the TTC Light Cloud V2 mechanical keyboard switches, both linear in design, some key differences become apparent. The Flaming Purple is renowned for its resonant and slightly bassier sound signature, providing a poppy undertone with its feathery touch and easy-to-press keys at just 47g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Light Cloud V2 offers a silent typing experience with a mild and muted feel, perfect for those who prefer a delicate and nuanced keystroke. While both switches share characteristics like being easy to press and feathery, they cater to different preferences based on sound and typing sensation. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the TTC Light Cloud V2 offer distinct sound profiles due to their different properties. The Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffness which leads to a clear and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Light Cloud V2's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both materials offer unique characteristics, they cater to different preferences in sound quality for mechanical keyboard users.
Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound absorption properties. This results in a consistent sound experience when pressing down on the keys, showcasing the benefits of using nylon in the bottom housing of mechanical switches. Despite differences in the top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that users will enjoy a similar sound experience regardless of which switch they choose.
In conclusion, the choice between the TTC Flaming Purple and the TTC Light Cloud V2 ultimately boils down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound, the Light Cloud V2's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound experience. Both switches' nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent sound profile, demonstrating the impact of housing materials on the overall sound of mechanical keyboards. Whether you prefer a crisper or a duller sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different tastes in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch. The Flaming Purple requires 42 grams of force to actuate and 47 grams to bottom out, while the Light Cloud V2 requires 45 grams to actuate and 58 grams to bottom out. This means the Flaming Purple offers a lighter typing experience overall. Some users may prefer this for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the heavier feel of the Light Cloud V2 for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches provide different levels of tactile feedback, so users should consider their preference for actuation and bottom out force when choosing between the two options. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Light Cloud V2, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their key presses may prefer the Flaming Purple. Overall, the difference of 0.1 mm in travel distance between the two switches may not be significant for most users, and both switches are likely to provide similar results in terms of key feel and performance.
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 Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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 experience with a slight poppy undertone, providing an engaging auditory flair to each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch is described as muted and neutral, delivering a quieter and softer sound compared to other switches. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles catering to different preferences, with the Flaming Purple leaning towards a deeper and richer tone while the Light Cloud V2 offers a more subdued and refined auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is characterized as feathery, easy-to-press, and silky, offering an exceptionally light and smooth typing experience with minimal finger exertion required. In contrast, the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch is described as mild, easy-to-press, and feathery, providing a gentle and approachable typing feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches prioritize comfort and ease of use, with the Flaming Purple emphasizing a lighter touch and silky smoothness, while the Light Cloud V2 focuses on a mild and gentle typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Flaming Purple stands out for its bassier and resonant sound profile, coupled with a feathery and silky typing feel for effortless typing. On the other hand, the Light Cloud V2 excels in providing a muted and neutral sound experience, paired with a mild and easy-to-press typing feel for a refined typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer impressive qualities that can enhance your typing experience, whether you prefer a more engaging auditory experience or a quieter, softer typing feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch or the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom-out force and a slightly bassier sound profile, the Flaming Purple may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a slightly higher bottom-out force and a more muted sound profile, the Light Cloud V2 could be the ideal choice. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so it's essential to consider factors such as sound, feel, and actuation force when making your decision. Ultimately, the best switch for you will be the one that enhances your typing experience and suits your individual preferences.