TTC Flaming Purple vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Lunar Probe mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two exceptional linear options. The Flaming Purple stands out for its resonant character, slightly bassier sound, and feathery feel with a 47g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Lunar Probe boasts Gateron's dual rail mechanism for stable keypresses, smooth linear sensation, and pre-lubed design. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Lunar Probe, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Flaming Purple and the Lunar Probe offer similar sound characteristics and aesthetic appeal with their polycarbonate top housings.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Flaming Purple features a nylon bottom housing, while the Gateron Lunar Probe also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. Both switches benefit from the qualities of nylon in their bottom housings, offering a unique typing experience characterized by a deeper sound profile and softer feel.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in the Flaming Purple and Gateron Lunar Probe switches results in a balanced sound profile and typing experience. While the top housings contribute to the sharpness and clarity of the sound produced, the bottom housings play a key role in creating a deeper and fuller sound. These differences in housing materials provide users with a variety of options to customize their typing experience based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, both switches are relatively light in terms of force required. The TTC Flaming Purple has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, while the Gateron Lunar Probe has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches fall on the lighter side of the force spectrum, making them ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions where a lighter touch is preferred. The slight difference in force between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, so both switches would likely provide a similar typing experience in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to other factors such as sound, feel, or additional features.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch both have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. The similarities between the two switches end here as they belong to different brands with their unique characteristics, but in terms of travel distance, both provide similar results.
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 Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
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 that adds a poppy undertone to key presses, creating an engaging auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch is known for its smooth and subtle sound signature due to the pre-lubed linear sensation it provides. While the Flaming Purple leans towards a deeper and resonant sound, the Lunar Probe focuses on delivering a consistent and stable typing experience without emphasizing a particular frequency range. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Flaming Purple switch stands out for its feathery and easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal exertion from the fingers to actuate. This light actuation force not only makes typing effortless but also reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch features Gateron's dual rail mechanism for stable key presses, but specific descriptors regarding its tactile feel are not provided. The Flaming Purple's silky and feathery feel enhances the typing experience, ensuring a smooth typing feel with minimal resistance.
In conclusion, the TTC Flaming Purple and Gateron Lunar Probe linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Flaming Purple excels in providing a bassy and resonant sound along with a feathery and easy-to-press typing feel, making it an enticing choice for those seeking a tactile and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch prioritizes stability and smoothness in key presses, catering to users who value consistency and a subtle typing sensation. While both switches offer variations in sound and feel, choosing between the two will ultimately depend on personal preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when making the decision between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you are looking for a switch with a bassy and resonant sound profile that offers a feathery and easy-to-press typing experience, the Flaming Purple may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation that guarantees stable keypresses, the Lunar Probe could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what characteristics align best with your typing style and preferences.
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