TTC Flaming Purple vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Luciola both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The TTC Flaming Purple stands out with its bassy and resonant sound profile, making every keystroke engaging and enjoyable. Its feathery nature and easy-to-press bottom-out of just 47g make it ideal for swift and effortless typing, appealing to enthusiasts and daily typists alike. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola catches the eye with its glow-in-the-dark feature and offers a snappy and clacky typing feel with a high-pitched sound profile. The smooth and bouncy typing experience, along with the polished feel, makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a different tactile experience. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the TTC Flaming Purple and Gateron Luciola switches have distinct characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Flaming Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Luciola uses a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, providing a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both materials offer a sharp sound, the Flaming Purple's polycarbonate may have a slightly different tone compared to the Luciola's INK blend.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Flaming Purple utilizes nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that enhances the typing experience. Similarly, the Luciola features a proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, offering a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that complements the top housing. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique combination of housing materials.
While the Flaming Purple and Gateron Luciola switches may differ in their housing materials, they both aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate and nylon in the Flaming Purple creates a sharp and clear sound, while the INK blend in the Luciola offers a clacky and high-pitched tone. Whether it be the sharper sound of the Flaming Purple or the clacky sound of the Luciola, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in creating a unique typing feel and sound.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 47 grams compared to the Gateron Luciola linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Flaming Purple make it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Luciola provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying typing experience due to their identical travel distances. Whether you choose the Flaming Purple or the Luciola, you can expect a similar feel in terms of key travel. This makes them both great options for those who prefer a standard travel distance in their mechanical keyboard switches.
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 Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 linear switch is characterized by a slightly bassier undertone, providing a poppy and engaging auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a clacky and chirpy sound profile, reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken. Each switch's unique sound profile adds a distinct flair to the typing experience, catering to different preferences. The Flaming Purple's resonant nature contrasts with the Luciola's clacky and marbly sound, offering users the opportunity to choose between a deeper, more resonant sound or a sharper, crisper sound.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is described as feathery, easy-to-press, and silky, offering a light and effortless typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch provides a snappy, buttery, and polished typing feel, characterized by its responsiveness and smooth keystrokes. While both switches offer smooth typing experiences, the Flaming Purple emphasizes lightness and ease of pressing, whereas the Luciola focuses on responsiveness and fluidity.
Overall, the TTC Flaming Purple and Gateron Luciola linear switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Flaming Purple provides a bassier and feathery typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a lighter touch and a deeper sound profile. In contrast, the Luciola offers a clacky and snappy typing feel, catering to users who enjoy a more responsive and lively typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer quality options for enthusiasts and typists looking for a unique and engaging typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the TTC Flaming Purple and Gateron Luciola switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, you should consider your preferences for bottom-out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force of 47 grams and enjoy a resonant, bassier sound profile with feathery, easy-to-press typing feel, then the TTC Flaming Purple switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams and like switches that glow in the dark, with a smooth and bouncy typing feel accompanied by a clacky, chirpy, or marbly sound profile, then the Gateron Luciola switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on which characteristics align best with your typing preferences and usage.
Mentioned in this article
