TTC Flaming Purple vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Melodic offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is lauded for its resonant and bassy sound profile, providing a poppy undertone that adds an engaging flair to typing. With its feathery feel and easy-to-press actuation at just 47g, it offers swift and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch stands out for its buttery smoothness and invigorating tactile feedback, thanks to advanced features like factory lubing and dual-railed stems. While the Flaming Purple excels in a low-pitched and silky typing experience, the Melodic shines with its crunchy and resonant clicky sound. 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
60g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Melodic utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for a beautiful RGB lighting effect, adding a visually pleasing element to the switches. With similar top housings, users can expect a consistent sound experience when typing on both the Flaming Purple and the Melodic.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Flaming Purple incorporates nylon, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. Similarly, the Gateron Melodic features a nylon bottom housing, offering the same benefits of a deeper and fuller sound experience. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, enhancing the overall typing experience for users of both the Flaming Purple and the Melodic.
When comparing the housing materials of the Flaming Purple and the Gateron Melodic, it is evident that both switches prioritize sound quality and user experience. The differences in housing materials, such as polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, contribute to unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the top housing influences the sound when key is released, the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, allowing users to experience a well-rounded typing experience from both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Flaming Purple and the Melodic may come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic appeal.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it is clear that the Flaming Purple is the lighter option of the two. The Flaming Purple has an actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke compared to the Melodic, which has an unknown actuation force. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Flaming Purple is 47 grams, indicating a relatively light and gentle typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic has a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial and pronounced typing feel. Both switches offer different weight options that cater to individual preferences, with the Flaming Purple being ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch and the Melodic being suitable for users who prefer a heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Melodic switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Flaming Purple switch. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying feel for some users. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, but the Melodic switch offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Flaming Purple switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for key feel 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 Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 is characterized by a bassy and low-pitched profile, offering a resonant and engaging auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch also delivers a resonant sound profile but with a crunchy texture, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Flaming Purple offering a deeper and richer tone while the Melodic provides a sharper and crispier sound.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is praised for its feathery and easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate keys and offering a smooth typing experience. This light actuation force makes it ideal for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is described as buttery and invigorating, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel. Both switches offer distinct typing sensations, with the Flaming Purple emphasizing lightness and ease of typing, while the Melodic focuses on a responsive and immersive typing experience.
Overall, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch showcase unique sound and feel qualities that appeal to different preferences. While the Flaming Purple leans towards a bassier sound with a feathery feel for effortless typing, the Melodic offers a resonant and crunchy sound with a buttery and invigorating typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound profile and typing feel, both switches provide excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts and typists looking for a customized typing experience. Selecting either switch will result in a fulfilling and enjoyable typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Conclusion
Therefore, when considering which switch to choose, you should opt for the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch if you prefer a lighter actuation force, a bassier and resonant sound profile, and a feathery and easy-to-press typing experience. The Gateron Melodic clicky switch, on the other hand, would be more suitable for those who prefer a medium actuation force, a resonant and slightly crunchy sound profile, and a buttery and invigorating typing sensation. Consider your preferences in terms of sound, feel, and actuation force to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, your choice between the TTC Flaming Purple and Gateron Melodic switches will depend on what attributes you prioritize for your typing experience.
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