TTC Flaming Purple vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Flaming Purple and the Outemu Blue are two distinctly different mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences for users. The Flaming Purple is renowned for its linear design, featuring a resonant character with a slightly bassier sound profile. With a bottom-out force of just 47g, it provides a feathery typing experience that is both easy-to-press and swift. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue is a clicky switch that offers a more tactile typing experience, although not much information is available about its specific characteristics. Each switch has its own advantages, with the Flaming Purple offering a smooth and engaging auditory flair, while the Outemu Blue provides tactile feedback for those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke sensation. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the Outemu Blue switches offer similar characteristics due to their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing makes it ideal for switches designed to utilize RGB lighting. However, where the Flaming Purple stands out is with its use of nylon for the bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing, which absorbs less sound and creates a duller sound.
The choice of housing materials for switches can significantly impact the overall typing experience. While both the Flaming Purple and the Outemu Blue switches use polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in similar sharp, high-pitched sound profiles, their differences lie in the bottom housing material. The Flaming Purple's nylon bottom housing adds a deeper and fuller sound to each keystroke, whereas the Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing absorbs less sound, leading to a duller sound. This shows how the combination of different housing materials can influence the overall sound and feel of a switch.
When it comes to the feeling and sound of typing on switches, the housing materials play a crucial role in determining the overall experience. The split between the bottom and top housing materials in a switch, such as the Flaming Purple and Outemu Blue, means that each part contributes unique qualities to the typing experience. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, with the softer nylon of the Flaming Purple creating a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Blue's polycarbonate. Meanwhile, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, with polycarbonate's stiffness in both switches resulting in a sharp and resonant sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, it is clear that the Flaming Purple is lighter in terms of force required. The Flaming Purple has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, making it a lighter option compared to the Blue switch. The Outemu Blue switch, on the other hand, has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, but the bottom out force is not specified. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on the force required, with the Flaming Purple being better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Blue switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, it is clear that the Flaming Purple has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Blue's 4 mm. The Flaming Purple's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the Blue's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, but the slight difference could impact the typing or gaming experience depending on personal preference. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more tactile typing experience.
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 Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 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 linear switch stands out for its bassy and resonant tones, offering a slightly poppy undertone that adds an engaging flair to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue clicky switch does not have specific descriptors available, but typically clicky switches produce a louder, crisp sound with a tactile bump during actuation. When it comes to feel, the Flaming Purple is recognized for its feathery and easy-to-press nature, providing a swift and effortless typing experience with a light actuation force of 47g. This makes it a great choice for enthusiasts and daily typists looking for comfort and precision in their typing. Conversely, details about the feel of the Outemu Blue switch are not mentioned, but clicky switches often offer a tactile bump during keypresses, providing feedback to the user.
In conclusion, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch offers a unique sound profile with a touch of bassiness and resonant character, along with a feathery and comfortable typing feel. If you prefer a switch with a similar sound profile and typing experience, choosing a clicky switch like the Outemu Blue could provide a comparable level of auditory engagement and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Flaming Purple and Outemu Blue switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you value a light and effortless typing experience with a slightly bassier sound profile, the Flaming Purple with its 47g bottom out force and resonant character may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience with a different sound profile, the Outemu Blue switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you as you use your keyboard.
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