TTC Flaming Purple vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Oil King stand out as exceptional linear options. The Flaming Purple from TTC is renowned for its resonant character, offering a touch of a poppy undertone that adds an engaging auditory flair to each keystroke. With a bottom-out force of just 47g, this switch provides swift and effortless typing, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts and daily typists. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King boasts buttery smoothness and a sound profile akin to snapping a dark chocolate bar. With categories like 'Creamy' and 'Buttery' in its characterization, this switch offers a unique typing experience. Each switch has its own distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Oil King differ in both their top and bottom housings. The Flaming Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Oil King's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Flaming Purple. However, both switches incorporate nylon in their bottom housing, which contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches. Overall, the top housing material plays a significant role in determining the overall sound profile of a switch.
The Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top housing, with its clear translucency, is ideal for RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch. On the other hand, the Oil King's nylon top housing may lack the visual appeal of polycarbonate but excels in producing a deeper and fuller sound. The proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Oil King adds a unique element to the switch, characterized by a relatively high-pitched and clacky sound profile. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Flaming Purple contributes to a softer and duller sound, emphasizing a different auditory experience for users.
The bottom housing material of a switch has a significant impact on the overall sound and feel of typing. Since the qualities of the bottom housing material are felt when pressing down on a key, the nylon bottom housing of both the Flaming Purple and Oil King influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material determines the sound when releasing a key. The differences in housing materials between these two switches contribute to distinct sound profiles, offering users a choice between a sharper, higher-pitched sound (Flaming Purple) or a deeper, fuller sound (Oil King).
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is evident that 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, which makes it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Oil King offers a heavier typing experience with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The Flaming Purple would be more suitable for users looking for a lighter touch, such as for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Oil King would be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. Both switches provide distinct tactile experiences, with the Flaming Purple being lighter and the Oil King being medium-heavy in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. So, for those seeking a lighter typing experience, the Flaming Purple would be the better choice, while those who prefer a heavier feel would find the Oil King more suitable.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Oil King has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Flaming Purple. This means that the Oil King will require a slightly deeper press before actuating compared to the Flaming Purple. However, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Oil King leaning towards the deeper end. Gamers who value faster response times may prefer the Flaming Purple due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a deeper key press may opt for the Oil King. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and typing style.
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 Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 switch is praised for its bassy and resonant qualities, offering a deeper and richer sound profile with a touch of poppy undertones during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King switch is known for its low-pitched and bass-heavy sound, akin to the snap of a dark chocolate bar. Both switches provide a satisfying auditory experience, but the Flaming Purple may appeal more to those who prefer a slightly bassier tone, while the Oil King offers a mellower sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Flaming Purple switch is lauded for its feathery and easy-to-press nature, providing a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue and makes typing effortless and comfortable. The Gateron Oil King switch, on the other hand, is described as creamy, silky, and buttery, offering a smooth and luxurious typing experience that feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. Both switches excel in providing a pleasurable typing feel, with the Flaming Purple being more feather-light and effortless, while the Oil King focuses on a silky and buttery sensation.
Overall, both the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Flaming Purple leans towards a bassier and feathery typing experience, the Oil King offers a darker and creamy smoothness that appeals to tactile enthusiasts. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference, with the Flaming Purple providing a lively auditory flair and light typing feel, while the Oil King delivers a luxurious and silky typing experience. If you enjoy the sound and feel of one switch, you can expect similar results with the other, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch or the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is important to factor in your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a slightly bassier sound profile with a touch of poppy undertones, the TTC Flaming Purple may be the ideal choice for you. This switch also offers a feathery and easy-to-press typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, the Gateron Oil King might be more to your liking. With a creamy and silky typing feel, these switches provide a smooth and buttery typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will boil down to your personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
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