TTC Flaming Purple vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple and the Cherry MX Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes apparent that they both excel in different ways. The TTC Flaming Purple, a linear switch, is celebrated for its resonant character and bassier sound profile, providing an engaging auditory experience with every keystroke. With a bottom-out of just 47g, it offers swift and effortless typing, appealing to both enthusiasts and daily typists. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red, also a linear switch, maintains the classic MX Red characteristics but operates silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments while still providing a satisfying typing experience. Each switch has its own unique qualities and benefits, catering to different preferences and needs. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
The housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches have significant differences that affect the sound and feel of typing. The Flaming Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. These differences in top housing materials contribute to unique typing experiences for users of each switch.
Additionally, the bottom housing materials of the Flaming Purple and Cherry MX Silent Red switches further differentiate their typing experiences. Both switches use nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. However, the split in housing materials means that the qualities of the bottom housing material are felt when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Understanding the impact of both top and bottom housing materials is crucial in determining the overall typing experience provided by each switch.
While the Flaming Purple and Cherry MX Silent Red switches have different housing materials, they both aim to provide a high-quality typing experience. The choice between polycarbonate and nylon for top housing and nylon for bottom housing ultimately comes down to personal preference. Users seeking a sharper and crisper sound profile may prefer the Flaming Purple with its polycarbonate top housing, while those looking for a deeper and fuller sound profile may lean towards the Cherry MX Silent Red with its nylon housing. Regardless of the housing materials used, both switches offer a unique typing experience that can be tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch with an actuation force of 45 grams. Additionally, the Flaming Purple has a lighter bottom out force of 47 grams, while the bottom out force for the MX Silent Red is unknown. The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly quicker typing experience with the Flaming Purple switch, while the Cherry MX Silent Red switch may provide a more substantial typing feel due to its slightly higher actuation force. Both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, but the Flaming Purple may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch, while the Cherry MX Silent Red may be favored by those who like a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, the Flaming Purple has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the MX Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular for their faster response times, particularly favored by gamers. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal and may not be noticeable to the average user in terms of feel and performance. Therefore, in practical terms, both switches would provide similar results in terms of key press feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference rather than a significant difference in travel distance.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 known for its bassy and low-pitched sound profile, adding an engaging auditory flair to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch offers a muted and thocky sound, significantly quieter than its non-silent counterpart. The Flaming Purple provides a resonant and poppy undertone, while the MX Silent Red ensures a quieter typing experience, ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the user's preference for sound profile, with the Flaming Purple offering a more vibrant experience and the MX Silent Red catering to those who prefer a quieter typing sound.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is described as feathery, easy-to-press, and silky, providing a light and effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as textured, potentially offering a different tactile feel compared to the Flaming Purple. While the specifics of the feel of the MX Silent Red are not fully outlined, the switch is likely to maintain the smooth and responsive typing experience characteristic of Cherry MX switches. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on the user's preference for the type of tactile feedback and actuation force they desire in their keyboard.
Considering the information provided, it is evident that the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities. The Flaming Purple excels in providing a bassy and engaging sound profile coupled with a feathery and easy-to-press typing experience. In contrast, the MX Silent Red focuses on maintaining a muted, thocky sound and potentially a textured feel to cater to those seeking a quieter typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, users can make an informed choice between these two switches to enhance their overall typing satisfaction.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a linear switch that offers a unique auditory experience with a touch of bassy undertones and an effortless typing feel, the TTC Flaming Purple would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you need a linear switch that maintains the classic characteristics of the MX Red but operates silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments, the Cherry MX Silent Red would be more suitable for your needs. Consider your preferences for sound profile and typing feel when deciding between these two switches to ensure a satisfying typing experience tailored to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and appeal, so choosing between them would depend on your individual preferences and requirements.
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