TTC Flaming Purple vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Purple and the Outemu Red both offer a linear typing experience, but with distinct characteristics. The TTC Flaming Purple is praised for its resonant and bassier sound profile, making each keystroke a satisfying auditory experience. With a bottom-out force of just 47g, it provides a feathery and easy-to-press typing feel, appealing to both enthusiasts and daily typists. On the other hand, the Outemu Red does not have any specific standout features mentioned but offers a traditional linear switch experience. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 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
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the Outemu Red, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent material for switches with RGB lighting. Due to its translucency, polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal of the switches as well. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics and aesthetic benefits from both the Flaming Purple and the Outemu Red switches.
However, the main point of differentiation between the two switches lies in their bottom housing materials. The Flaming Purple features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. In contrast, the Outemu Red also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing users with a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. This similarity in bottom housing material may lead to comparable tactile feedback and acoustic characteristics between the two switches.
When considering the impact of the different housing materials on the overall typing experience, it becomes apparent that the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch. With the Flaming Purple and the Outemu Red both utilizing nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a consistent level of typing comfort and sound resonance. On the other hand, the top housing material has more influence on the sound when releasing a key, which in the case of both switches is polycarbonate. In conclusion, while there may be subtle differences in sound profile between the Flaming Purple and the Outemu Red due to their top and bottom housing materials, overall typing performance and user experience are likely to be quite similar.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it is evident that the Flaming Purple is lighter in both aspects. The Flaming Purple requires an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, making it a lighter option overall. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch has a higher actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a heavier option in comparison. For those who prefer a lighter and more effortless typing experience, the Flaming Purple would be the ideal choice, suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Red switch provides a more substantial and tactile typing experience due to its heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it is evident that the Flaming Purple has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Flaming Purple would be preferred by those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers, due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Outemu Red might be more appealing to individuals who prefer a deeper key press sensation, as its longer travel distance provides more depth. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Flaming Purple being better suited for speed and the Outemu Red providing a more deliberate key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of 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 Outemu Red 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 with a slightly bassier undertone, adding a poppy flair to each keystroke. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Red linear switch is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, it's worth noting that the sound produced by any switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Flaming Purple switch is praised for its feathery nature, requiring just 47g of force to bottom out, making typing swift and effortless. This light actuation force reduces finger fatigue, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Outemu Red switch's feel is unknown, so it's uncertain how it would compare to the ease of typing on the Flaming Purple switch. All in all, the Flaming Purple switch offers a smooth and low-impact typing experience, perfect for those looking for a comfortable and responsive switch.
In conclusion, while the subjective qualities of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch have been described in detail, the information available about the Outemu Red linear switch is limited. Based on the known qualities of the Flaming Purple switch, it offers a unique sound signature and a light-feeling typing experience, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts and daily typists. If the sound profile and feel of the Outemu Red are similar to those of the Flaming Purple, users can expect to have a comparable typing experience with both switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch or the Outemu Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a lighter actuation force and a unique, bassy sound profile, the Flaming Purple may be the ideal choice for you. Its feathery feel and resonant auditory experience make it a compelling option for those seeking a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher actuation force and a more traditional linear switch sound, the Outemu Red switch could be a better fit. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique characteristics, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you when making your decision.
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