TTC Flaming Purple vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience. On one hand, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch stands out for its resonant character and bassier sound signature, providing a unique auditory flair with each keystroke. With a feathery feel and easy-to-press bottom-out at just 47g, this switch is well-suited for enthusiasts and everyday typists alike. In contrast, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a gentle tactility that is a refreshing departure from sharper tactile switches on the market. Its angelic feel and jelly-like sound make typing a polished and subdued experience. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that cater to different 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
52g
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 Light Tactile both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, both switches benefit aesthetically from the translucency of polycarbonate, especially when RGB lighting is involved. However, while the top housings are similar, the bottom housings differ, with the Flaming Purple using nylon and the Light Tactile also opting for nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
The differences in the bottom housings of the TTC Flaming Purple and the Durock Light Tactile impact the overall sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. As both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile that is duller and rounder compared to switches with harder bottom housing materials. On the other hand, the top housing material, which is polycarbonate for both switches, greatly affects the sound produced when a key is released. The stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a sharper and crisper sound profile, creating a clear and resonant sound when keys are released.
In conclusion, while the TTC Flaming Purple and the Durock Light Tactile share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, their nylon bottom housings provide unique qualities that differentiate the switches. Both switches offer a clear and resonant sound due to the stiffness of polycarbonate in the top housing, but the Flaming Purple's deeper and fuller sound profile from the nylon bottom housing may appeal to those seeking a softer typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as well as aesthetic considerations.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Flaming Purple is lighter in both categories. The Flaming Purple requires an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, while the Light Tactile has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. This makes the Flaming Purple more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. However, the Light Tactile offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, making it ideal for those who enjoy a stronger push feel while typing. Both switches offer different advantages depending on personal preference, with the Flaming Purple being lighter and the Light Tactile being medium-heavy.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it a slightly shorter option compared to the Durock Light Tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Flaming Purple switch may be favored by gamers looking for faster response times due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on personal preference, with the Flaming Purple providing a more responsive feel and the Light Tactile offering a deeper keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing or gaming preferences.
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 Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 deep and resonant sound profile with a touch of bass, providing a poppy undertone to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch delivers a gentle and neutral sound, offering an angelic tactility accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature. Both switches provide unique auditory experiences, with the Flaming Purple leaning towards a richer, bassier sound and the Light Tactile offering a smoother, more moderate sound suitable for various environments.
Moving on to feel, the Flaming Purple switch is characterized by its feathery and easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force during key presses and reducing finger fatigue. This switch offers a silky typing experience, enhancing smoothness and minimizing resistance for effortless typing sessions. In contrast, the Light Tactile switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle feel suitable for most users. With a smooth and refined finish, this switch ensures a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Despite their differences, both switches prioritize comfort and ease of use during typing sessions.
In conclusion, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Flaming Purple excels in providing a deeper, resonant sound profile and a feathery typing experience, the Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound and a mild, polished feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and tactility, users can choose between these switches to tailor their typing experience to their liking. Ultimately, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience with their unique qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience with a light touch and a slightly bassier sound profile, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactile feedback with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a more neutral sound profile, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch might be the better option for you. Consider your typing preferences and priorities in terms of sound and feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience based on your personal preferences and needs.
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