TTC Flaming Purple vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple and the Cherry MX Black mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Flaming Purple stands out for its resonant character and bassier sound signature, providing an engaging auditory experience with its poppy undertones. With a bottom-out force of just 47g, it offers a feathery and easy-to-press typing experience, making it a great choice for enthusiasts and daily typists. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black, known for its classic textured smoothness and deep sound profile, offers a stiff typing experience with its low-pitched tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and typing style; 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
60g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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
The housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the Cherry MX Black differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profile. The Flaming Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. In contrast, the MX Black has a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Both materials offer unique characteristics that impact the overall typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Flaming Purple and the MX Black utilize nylon material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to that of the nylon top housing. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This consistency in housing material between the two switches ensures a level of uniformity in sound profile when typing on either switch, although variations in other components may still affect the overall feel and acoustics.
The distinct qualities of the top and bottom housing materials of the Flaming Purple and the MX Black play a significant role in determining the sound and feel of each switch. The split between the bottom and top housing materials means that pressing down on the switch will emphasize the characteristics of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Understanding the properties of each housing material is essential for discerning typists seeking to optimize their typing experience based on sound preferences and tactile feedback.
Weight
The comparison between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch reveals notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Flaming Purple switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the MX Black switch requires a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing feel. The lighter actuation force of the Flaming Purple switch may appeal to users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, while the heavier feel of the MX Black switch is more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push sensation while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Black has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the TTC Flaming Purple. The TTC Flaming Purple would provide a slightly shorter keystroke, potentially leading to faster response times which is preferred by gamers. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black would offer a slightly deeper keystroke which some may find more satisfying. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Cherry MX Black being on the slightly longer end of the spectrum. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference for keystroke 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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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 comparing the sound of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is clear that the Flaming Purple switch offers a more unique and engaging auditory experience with its slightly bassier tone and poppy undertone. On the other hand, the MX Black switch provides a classic deep sound profile that many users are familiar with. Depending on personal preference, some users may enjoy the resonant and bass-heavy sound of the Flaming Purple, while others may prefer the low-pitched sound of the MX Black.
In terms of feel, the Flaming Purple switch stands out for its feathery and easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal exertion and providing a smooth typing experience. This light actuation force reduces finger fatigue, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Conversely, the MX Black switch is described as textured and stiff, offering a different typing experience that may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and actuation force.
Overall, both the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Flaming Purple switch provides a resonant and bass-heavy sound profile with a feathery typing feel, the MX Black switch offers a classic deep sound with a textured and stiff typing experience. Choosing between these switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, consider choosing the Flaming Purple if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a poppy undertone and a resonant sound profile. The feathery nature of the Flaming Purple, with a bottom-out force of 47 grams, makes typing swift and effortless, making it a great choice for enthusiasts and daily typists. On the other hand, opt for the Cherry MX Black switch if you prefer a heavier key press with a classic textured smoothness and a deep sound profile. The MX Black's bottom-out force of 80 grams provides a more tactile typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a bit more resistance and feedback while typing. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for key feel and sound characteristics.
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