TTC Flaming Purple vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple, a linear switch, and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry, a tactile switch, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Flaming Purple is known for its resonant and bassier sound signature, providing a poppy undertone with an easy-to-press feel due to its low bottom-out force of 47g. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry offers a sharp tactile bump, perfect for individuals who enjoy a crisp typing experience with a lower-than-average sound frequency. While the Flaming Purple is described as 'bassy', 'feathery', and 'low-pitched', the Blueberry switch is characterized as 'snappy', 'buttery', and 'textured'. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences, but let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your mechanical keyboard.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry, it is clear that both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their respective materials. The Flaming Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Blueberry utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles highlights the impact that different housing materials can have on the overall typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Flaming Purple incorporates a nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic nature. On the other hand, the Blueberry also utilizes a POM bottom housing, contributing to the overall pleasing and unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum. Despite the differences in material, both switches offer a distinct typing experience based on the qualities of their bottom housings.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Flaming Purple and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. While both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, they each provide a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Flaming Purple or the deeper and more muted sound of POM in the Blueberry, both switches showcase the impact that housing materials have on the overall performance and sound profile of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, the Flaming Purple is lighter in both aspects. The Flaming Purple has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, while the NovelKeys Blueberry has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. The Flaming Purple provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless keystroke. In contrast, the NovelKeys Blueberry offers a heavier feel, which appeals to individuals seeking a more substantial typing sensation. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Flaming Purple being better suited for extended typing sessions and gaming, while the NovelKeys Blueberry provides a more pronounced tactile feedback for a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on the user's personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter compared to the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Flaming Purple offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, catering to gamers or anyone looking for a faster typing experience. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry provides a bit more depth in the key press, which some may find more comfortable and less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Blueberry for $6.25.
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 bassier and slightly resonant tone, adding a poppy undertone to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch provides a lower-than-average sound frequency with a deeper but not overly thocky sound profile. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Flaming Purple leaning towards a bassier sound and the Blueberry switch providing a sharper typing feel.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is known for its feathery nature, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a light typing experience, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch is described as snappy, buttery, and invigorating, providing a responsive and lively typing sensation with moderate to firm actuation force. The Blueberry switch also offers a textured feel, which may appeal to users looking for a bit of friction in their typing experience.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Flaming Purple switch provides a bassier and resonant sound profile, coupled with a feathery typing experience, while the Blueberry switch offers a lower sound frequency, sharp tactile bump, and a snappy, invigorating feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, either of these switches can provide a satisfying typing experience. It's important to consider factors such as keycaps and keyboard setup to optimize the sound profile of these switches. Ultimately, experimenting with both switches can help determine which one aligns better with your typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch or the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a light and feathery feel with a slightly poppy auditory flair, the Flaming Purple with its 47g bottom out force might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a sharp tactile bump and a snappier typing experience with an 80g bottom out force, the Blueberry switches could be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so carefully consider what aspects are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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