TTC Flaming Purple vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the TTC Flaming Purple and the Outemu Brown. The Flaming Purple is a linear switch known for its resonant character, providing a poppy undertone and a feathery nature with a bottom-out of just 47g, making it effortless to type on. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown is a tactile switch, although not much information is provided about its specific characteristics. Generally, tactile switches like the Outemu Brown provide feedback when typing, making them a popular choice for those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke feel. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
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 Flaming Purple and the Outemu Brown both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the differences in the bottom housing material highlight contrasting sound profiles. The Flaming Purple's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, while the Brown's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches have a similar polycarbonate top housing, the Flaming Purple and the Outemu Brown differ in their nylon bottom housing. The Flaming Purple's nylon housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the Brown's nylon housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing materials impact the sound profile when pressing down and letting go of a key. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound release when releasing a key.
In terms of housing materials, the Flaming Purple and Outemu Brown share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, creating a sharp, high-pitched sound. However, the contrast arises in their nylon bottom housing, with the Flaming Purple offering a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Brown's more absorptive and round sound. The combination of different housing materials in each switch highlights how the top and bottom housing influence the overall sound profile when typing.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Outemu Brown tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams. Additionally, the Flaming Purple switch also has a lighter bottom out force of 47 grams, while the Brown switch has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. These differences indicate that the Flaming Purple switch would provide a lighter typing experience, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue might be a concern. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch would offer a more substantial and tactile typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Flaming Purple has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Brown switch, making it ideal for those seeking a faster response time, especially gamers. On the other hand, the Brown switch's slightly longer travel distance may provide a deeper and more substantial feel when typing. Both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances, with the Flaming Purple being slightly shorter and the Brown being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for responsiveness and depth when typing.
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 Brown 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
The Flaming Purple linear switch from TTC is known for its bassier sound profile, adding a poppy undertone to each keystroke. This resonant switch provides an engaging auditory experience with a feathery feel that requires just 47g of force for effortless typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch's sound profile is unknown, making it difficult to compare directly in this aspect.
Moving on to the feel, the Flaming Purple switch is described as feathery and easy-to-press, offering a light and comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. The silky smoothness of this switch enhances the overall typing feel, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts and daily typists. Unfortunately, information about the tactile feel of the Outemu Brown switch is unavailable, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in this category.
In conclusion, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch stands out for its distinct sound signature and feathery feel, making it a compelling option for those seeking a unique typing experience. While the Outemu Brown switch may offer similar results in terms of sound and feel, without specific information, it is challenging to make a direct comparison between the two switches. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience with a touch of bassy undertones and resonant sound, the Flaming Purple with its 47g bottom-out force is a great choice for enthusiasts and daily typists alike. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with no specific sound profile or tactile feel descriptor provided, the Outemu Brown may be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, selecting the right switch comes down to personal preference and ensuring that you choose the one that best suits your typing needs and preferences.
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