TTC Flaming Purple vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the TTC Flaming Purple and Cherry Nixie mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note the distinct characteristics that set them apart. The TTC Flaming Purple is renowned for its resonant sound signature, leaning towards a bassier tone that adds a poppy undertone to each keystroke. Its light actuation force of just 47g provides a feathery feel, making typing swift and effortless. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is a classic choice known for its substantial weight and textured typing experience, incorporating modern innovations while maintaining tradition. The Nixie offers a thocky sound profile and a low-pitched tone that many users appreciate. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
63.5g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
While both the TTC Flaming Purple and the Cherry Nixie utilize nylon for their bottom housings, they differ in their top housing materials. The Flaming Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Nixie's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, making it a preferred choice for those who enjoy a softer and more rounded typing sensation.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both switches offer unique sound profiles attributed to their specific plastics. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Flaming Purple provides a sharper sound profile that complements its translucent design, perfect for those who enjoy RGB lighting effects. Meanwhile, the nylon top housing of the Nixie absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound that appeals to users seeking a more muted typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Flaming Purple and the Cherry Nixie may have different housing materials for their top and bottom components, both switches offer distinct typing experiences. Whether you prefer the sharpness of polycarbonate for a more resonant sound profile or the softer, fuller sound of nylon, both switches cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it is evident that they differ significantly in terms of weight. The Flaming Purple 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. On the other hand, the Nixie boasts a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel for users who prefer a stronger push. The Flaming Purple offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Nixie delivers a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry Nixie linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Nixie has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Flaming Purple. The 3.6 mm travel distance of the Flaming Purple is shorter and falls into the category of switches preferred by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Nixie provides a bit more depth for those who may find shorter travel distances too abrupt. Both switches offer a different feel and experience based on their respective travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two.
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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is known for its slightly bassier undertones and resonant character, providing an engaging auditory flair with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is described as having a thocky sound profile, offering a deep and satisfying tone when pressed and released. Both switches feature low-pitched characteristics, but the Flaming Purple leans towards a more resonant and bass-heavy sound, while the Nixie delivers a rich and textured typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Flaming Purple is praised for its feathery nature, requiring little exertion from the fingers and reducing fatigue during extended typing sessions. It offers an easy-to-press sensation and a silky smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall comfort and responsiveness while typing. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is described as having a textured feel, indicating that it may provide a more tactile typing experience with noticeable friction during keypresses.
Overall, while the Flaming Purple and Nixie linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities, both switches are enticing options for keyboard enthusiasts and daily typists alike. The Flaming Purple excels in providing a resonant and bassier sound profile, coupled with a feathery and smooth typing experience for effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, the Nixie delivers a thocky sound and a more textured tactile feel, blending tradition with modern innovation for a satisfying typing experience. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, either switch can enhance the typing experience for users looking to upgrade their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, consider your preference for actuation force and typing experience. If you enjoy a lighter bottom-out force of 47 grams and a feathery, easy-to-press feel with a bassier sound profile, then the Flaming Purple may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom-out force of 80 grams and a textured, thocky typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, then the Cherry Nixie might be more appealing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a lighter touch and engaging auditory feedback or a heavier, more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so explore your options and choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
