TTC Flaming Purple vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple and the Durock Lupine mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, we see distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Flaming Purple is lauded for its resonant and bassier sound profile, offering a touch of poppy undertone with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Lupine stands out for its two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution on press and a powerful upward movement on rebound, coupled with a classic clacky sound profile. While the Flaming Purple excels in being feathery and easy-to-press, the Lupine offers a polished typing 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
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
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
Overall, both the TTC Flaming Purple and the Durock Lupine use polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for providing clarity and resonance to the sound of the switch, making it ideal for users who prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and lighting effects from both the Flaming Purple and the Lupine due to their shared top housing material.
On the other hand, the Flaming Purple utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Lupine's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound, giving users a different typing experience. This variation in bottom housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of the switch, particularly during bottom-out actions. While the top housing influences the sound upon key release, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
In conclusion, while both the Flaming Purple and the Lupine share polycarbonate top housings, their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound characteristics. The Flaming Purple offers a deeper and fuller sound experience with its nylon bottom housing, while the Lupine maintains a sharper and crisper sound profile throughout. The combination of different housing materials in each switch provides users with unique typing experiences, catering to individual preferences in sound quality and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, it is clear that they offer different levels of resistance. The Flaming Purple has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, while the Lupine has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. The Flaming Purple provides a more gentle typing experience with its lighter forces, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. On the other hand, the Lupine offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, perfect for those who prefer a stronger push feel when typing. In situations where actuation force is crucial, both switches provide similar results as they both have an unknown actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch both offer relatively short travel distances, with the Flaming Purple measuring at 3.6 mm and the Lupine at 3.7 mm. While the difference in travel distance is minimal, the Lupine has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Flaming Purple. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial key press may find the Lupine to be slightly more accommodating due to its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches may come down to personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine 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 stands out for its bassy and resonant qualities, offering a deep and engaging auditory experience with a touch of poppy undertones. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch provides a more neutral and high-pitched sound profile, characterized by a classic clacky sound. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the Lupine switch may appeal to those who prefer a sharper and crisper sound, whereas the Flaming Purple switch caters to individuals seeking a richer and more immersive typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Flaming Purple switch is known for its feathery and easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force and providing a smooth typing experience. This makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions and appealing to those looking for a light and effortless typing feel. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, striking a balance between gentle resistance and smooth key travel. This makes it approachable to most users and ideal for those seeking a refined typing feel.
Overall, while the TTC Flaming Purple and Durock Lupine linear switches offer different sound and feel profiles, they both provide unique and enjoyable typing experiences. The Flaming Purple excels in its bassy and feathery qualities, catering to users looking for a rich and light typing feel, while the Lupine offers a more neutral and polished experience, suitable for a wider range of preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch or the Durock Lupine linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for bottom-out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and enjoy a bassier sound profile with a feathery typing feel, then the Flaming Purple may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom-out force and a more neutral sound profile with a mild and polished typing feel, then the Lupine could be the switch that suits your preferences best. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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