TTC Flaming Purple vs. Cherry MX Orange

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the TTC Flaming Purple and the Cherry MX Orange, both of which are linear switches that cater to different typing preferences. The TTC Flaming Purple is celebrated for its unique, resonant sound signature that leans slightly towards the bass, offering a poppy undertone that adds an engaging auditory experience to each keystroke. With a light actuation force of just 47g, this switch provides a feathery and effortless typing experience, making it an appealing choice for enthusiasts and daily typists alike who prioritize comfort and speed. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange, a revival of the original MX Orange switches, brings its own advantages. Known for their reliability and durability, these switches are designed to meet high demand with improvements from the MX2A generation, appealing to users who appreciate robust performance and a traditional typing feel. While the Flaming Purple stands out for its auditory engagement and ease of pressing, the MX Orange focuses on enhancing overall durability and consistency. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Flaming Purple Linear

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$8.30

$4.30 per 10

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the Cherry MX Orange switches, notable differences arise primarily from the composition of their top housings. The Flaming Purple switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer characteristics. This design accentuates the crispness and clarity of the acoustic feedback when typing. Conversely, the Cherry MX Orange switch features a nylon top housing, which lends itself to a deeper and fuller sound profile because of nylon's softer composition that absorbs sound. As a result, the Flaming Purple offers a brighter auditory experience, while the MX Orange delivers a more muted, rounded tone. This divergence in sound between the two switches affects the overall typing experience.

In contrast, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which means that the sound and feel produced during bottoming out are similar for both types. Since nylon is traditionally associated with a deeper sound, the impact felt when pressing the key down is more pronounced in terms of fullness with both switches. The similarities in bottom housing for the TTC Flaming Purple and the Cherry MX Orange produce comparable tactile feedback and lower-frequency sound, creating a coherent bottom-out experience across both switches. Therefore, even though the top housings differ significantly, the commonality in the bottom housings ensures that users can expect a consistent feel and acoustic result when pressing the keys.

Ultimately, the contrasting materials in the top housings lead to distinctive audible qualities, while the shared nylon bottom housing creates harmony in the tactile feedback and sound impact. If a user prefers a sharp and clear auditory feedback, the TTC Flaming Purple would likely be more appealing. Conversely, those who favor a deeper and fuller sound would find the Cherry MX Orange more pleasurable. However, regardless of the choice made between these two switches, the consistent characteristics of the nylon bottom will bridge the auditory gap created by the differing top housing materials, resulting in a multifaceted yet unified typing experience.

Weight

The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation forces. The Flaming Purple requires a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer prolonged typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the MX Orange has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. However, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Orange is unavailable, which means we can't directly compare it to the Flaming Purple's bottom out force of 47 grams. This disparity suggests that while the Flaming Purple offers a lighter overall experience—including both actuation and bottom out pressures—those who favor a heavier switch may gravitate toward the MX Orange. Overall, if a lighter typing experience is preferred, the TTC Flaming Purple is the way to go.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, the Flaming Purple offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Orange has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference reflects a trend in switch design, where shorter travel distances like that of the Flaming Purple are favored by gamers for their quicker response times. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange, with its more traditional and deeper 4 mm travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback while typing. Therefore, if responsiveness is your primary concern, the Flaming Purple might be the better choice; however, if you value a more pronounced feel, the MX Orange would likely satisfy that preference. Overall, the Flaming Purple's shorter travel distance offers a more rapid activation, while the Cherry MX Orange provides a sense of depth that some users might find more comfortable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Flaming Purple and Cherry MX Orange linear switches, the Flaming Purple distinctly stands out with its deeper, richer tonal qualities. It embodies a sound signature that is bassy and low-pitched, providing an engaging auditory experience with each keystroke. The switch's resonant nature introduces a slight poppy undertone, contributing to its unique character. Unfortunately, the sound profile of the MX Orange is not documented, leaving a gap in direct comparison. However, it is essential to note that the overall auditory experience can vary greatly depending on the keyboard build and keycap materials used.

Turning to the tactile experience, the Flaming Purple switch is characterized by its feathery and silky feel, making it exceptionally comfortable for extended typing sessions. The switch’s low actuation force of just 47g allows for effortless typing, significantly reducing finger fatigue. With features like easy-to-press mechanics, users can expect a smooth and responsive feedback, enhancing the typing experience. Again, the tactile attributes of the Cherry MX Orange switch are not specified, which means a direct comparison is not possible here. Yet, one can expect that both switches may offer comfortable experiences, assuming the MX Orange shares similar modern enhancements that foster easy actuation and smoothness.

In conclusion, while the TTC Flaming Purple presents a compelling auditory and tactile experience through its bassy sound and feathery feel, the Cherry MX Orange lacks sufficient documented qualities for a thorough comparison. The Flaming Purple’s engaging sound signature and effortless typing mechanics make it an enticing switch choice for typing and gaming enthusiasts alike. Without specific information on the MX Orange, it's challenging to ascertain how they may line up in performance. However, if the MX Orange upholds Cherry's standard reputation, users might still achieve a favorable typing experience, albeit with potentially different sound characteristics.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch largely depends on your preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a lighter keystroke with a unique auditory experience, the Flaming Purple is your go-to option. Its inviting sound signature, characterized by a deeper, bassier tone, complements its feathery feel, which allows for swift and effortless typing—ideal for long sessions, whether you’re gaming or tackling work projects. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more traditional linear switch without specific sound or tactile characteristics but want the reliability and legacy that comes with Cherry switches, you might lean toward the MX Orange. While the specifics of its feel and sound are less defined, its historical performance in the mechanical keyboard world and commitment to quality make it a solid choice, especially if your typing style leans towards a more classic experience. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you prioritize a lighter, more engaging typing experience with the Flaming Purple or the historic reliability of the MX Orange.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Flaming Purple Linear

$8.30

$4.30 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more