TTC Flaming Purple vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the TTC Flaming Purple and the Cherry MX Speed Silver, both of which are linear switches. The Flaming Purple stands out for its resonant character, featuring a sound signature that leans towards the bassier end of the spectrum, adding a unique auditory flair to each keystroke. With its feathery feel and low bottom-out force of 47g, it offers swift and effortless typing, appealing to both enthusiasts and daily typists. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver is renowned for its rapid response, thanks to its linear action and low spring resistance that allows for instant triggering, making it ideal for gamers seeking maximum speed. While the Flaming Purple excels in offering a bassier sound and feathery typing experience, the MX Speed Silver prioritizes rapid response for competitive gaming. 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
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver, it is clear that both switches have unique characteristics that contribute to their sound profiles. The Flaming Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While they both offer distinct sounds, the Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top housing is better suited for RGB lighting due to its translucent nature, whereas the MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing is a classic material known for its sound absorption properties.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, both the Flaming Purple and the MX Speed Silver use nylon, further emphasizing the deeper and fuller sound profile associated with this material. The softer nature of nylon allows for a duller and rounder sound, creating a more muted typing experience compared to harder plastics. While the bottom housing material may not have as much of an impact on the overall sound profile as the top housing material, it still plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. Whether it's the Flaming Purple or the MX Speed Silver, the nylon bottom housing material contributes to a more muffled sound when typing on these switches.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Flaming Purple and the Cherry MX Speed Silver ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing feel. While both switches offer unique sound profiles due to their different housing materials, they both deliver a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer the sharper, crisper sound of the Flaming Purple with its polycarbonate top housing or the deeper, fuller sound of the MX Speed Silver with its nylon top housing, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience that caters to different preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is evident that the MX Speed Silver is the lighter option. The Flaming Purple has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, while the MX Speed Silver has an actuation force of 30 grams. Unfortunately, the bottom out force for the MX Speed Silver is unknown. Both switches offer a smoother typing experience due to their linear design, but the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the MX Speed Silver for longer typing sessions, while others may appreciate the heavier feel of the Flaming Purple for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Although both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, the Flaming Purple has a slightly longer distance compared to the MX Speed Silver. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the MX Speed Silver with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Flaming Purple. Overall, both switches offer a compact and efficient travel distance that caters to different preferences.
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 Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch offers a bassy and resonant experience, giving each keystroke a poppy undertone that adds flair to the typing session. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch produces a thocky and low-pitched sound that is deep and satisfying, catering to those who prefer a more impactful auditory feedback. The choice between the two would ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile, with the Flaming Purple leaning towards a richer tone and the Speed Silver delivering a more robust thud-like sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is described as feathery and easy-to-press, offering a light actuation force that minimizes finger fatigue and enhances the typing experience. Conversely, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch is noted for its textured feel, which may provide some users with a unique typing experience due to the noticeable friction when pressed. Depending on whether one prefers a smooth and effortless typing feel or a bit of tactile feedback, the choice between the Flaming Purple and Speed Silver switches would rest on personal preference in terms of typing comfort.
Taking all the available information into consideration, it is evident that the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Flaming Purple offers a more resonant and feathery typing experience, the Speed Silver provides a thocky and textured feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches would depend on whether the user values a richer sound profile and light actuation force (Flaming Purple) or a deeper and more impactful sound with a bit of tactile feedback (Speed Silver). By understanding these subjective qualities, newcomers to mechanical keyboards can make an informed choice based on their preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch or the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and needs. If you are looking for a switch that offers a resonant sound profile with a touch of pop and a feathery, effortless typing experience, the Flaming Purple may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize maximum speed and instant triggering for gaming or competitive scenarios, the MX Speed Silver's rapid response and low spring resistance could be more suitable. Both switches have their unique characteristics and benefits, so it's important to consider how each aligns with your typing style and usage requirements before making a decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on what features you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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