TTC Flaming Purple vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the TTC Flaming Purple and the Cherry MX Red, both of which are linear switches. The Flaming Purple from TTC is renowned for its resonant character and bassier sound profile, providing a touch of poppy undertones to enhance the auditory experience of typing. With a feather-light actuation force of just 47g, it offers effortless and swift typing, making it appealing to both enthusiasts and daily typists. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red is a classic choice known for its slightly heftier feel and deep sound profile, delivering a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. While the Flaming Purple is characterized as 'bassy', 'feathery', and 'resonant', the MX Red is noted for being 'thocky' and 'textured'. Each switch has its 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
N/A
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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the Cherry MX Red, one key difference is in their top housings. The Flaming Purple utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the MX Red features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While both top housings offer different sound experiences, they both exhibit the qualities of being classic switch housing materials.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Flaming Purple and the MX Red use nylon for this component. This allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing due to nylon's softness and sound absorption qualities. The bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, influencing the overall typing experience. Despite the differences in the top housing materials, the similar use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches highlights their shared characteristic of producing a duller and rounder sound profile.
Overall, the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the Cherry MX Red play a significant role in the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While the Flaming Purple utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing, the MX Red features nylon for both top and bottom housings. This results in contrasting sound profiles between the switches, with the Flaming Purple offering a sharper and crisper sound compared to the MX Red's deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, both switches deliver a satisfactory typing experience thanks to the unique qualities of their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it is clear that the Cherry MX Red switch is slightly heavier in terms of actuation force, with 45 grams compared to the Flaming Purple's 42 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Flaming Purple is higher at 47 grams, while for the Cherry MX Red, the force required for bottom out is unknown. Both switches offer a relatively light actuation force, suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. The Flaming Purple provides a slightly heavier bottom out force, giving users a more substantial typing experience if that is their preference. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Cherry MX Red linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the Flaming Purple switch may feel slightly more responsive due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch offers a bit more depth, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is characterized by a slightly bassier sound profile, giving each keystroke a poppy undertone that adds an engaging auditory flair. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red linear switch is known for its deeper and more robust sound profile, offering a satisfying auditory depth with a thocky sound. When it comes to feel, the Flaming Purple switch is described as feathery and easy-to-press, requiring minimal force for activation and providing a smooth typing experience. In contrast, the MX Red switch is noted for its textured feel, which may offer a different tactile experience to users. Overall, while both switches offer a smooth and efficient typing experience, the Flaming Purple excels in providing a lighter touch and bassier sound, while the MX Red offers a slightly heavier feel and deeper sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound and feel in their mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, consider the specific qualities of each switch. If you value a light, feathery feel with a slightly bassier sound profile, then the TTC Flaming Purple may be the ideal choice for you. Its low 47g bottom-out force and resonant, poppy undertone make it great for swift and effortless typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel and a deeper, thocky sound profile, the Cherry MX Red might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the smooth, light typing experience of the Flaming Purple or the robust, textured feel of the MX Red. Consider your preferences in terms of typing feel and sound profile to select the switch that best suits your needs.
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