TTC Flaming Purple vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Flaming Purple and the KTT Phalaenopsis. The Flaming Purple, a linear switch, is known for its resonant and slightly bassier sound signature, making every keystroke engaging and satisfying. With its feathery nature and low bottom-out force of just 47g, typing on the Flaming Purple is swift and effortless, appealing to both enthusiasts and daily typists alike. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis, a tactile switch, offers a light actuation force of 37g and a tactile bump of 50g, providing a satisfying typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. While both switches are categorized as 'Bassy,' the Phalaenopsis also offers a 'Stepped' and 'Thocky' 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
37g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches show some similarities and differences. Both switches use polycarbonate for the top housing, creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is useful for RGB lighting. However, the Flaming Purple uses a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound.
While the top housings of both switches are made of polycarbonate, their bottom housings differ, leading to variations in sound and feel. The Flaming Purple's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound, while the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and clearer sound. When typing on these switches, the qualities of each housing material will be felt differently - the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This difference in bottom housing material can result in distinct typing experiences between the two switches.
In summary, the choice of housing materials in the TTC Flaming Purple and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches plays a significant role in determining their sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharp and crisp sound, the difference in bottom housing material - nylon for the Flaming Purple and polycarbonate for the Phalaenopsis - leads to variations in sound and feel when typing. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience can help users make informed decisions when selecting switches for their keyboards.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. Both switches have a relatively light bottom out force, with the Flaming Purple at 47 grams and the Phalaenopsis at 50 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Phalaenopsis switch may make it more suitable for longer typing sessions, while the slight increase in bottom out force might provide a more substantial typing experience compared to the Flaming Purple switch. Overall, users looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the KTT Phalaenopsis switch, while those who prefer a slightly heavier feel may opt for the TTC Flaming Purple switch.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch's distance of 4 mm. The difference may seem minor, but it can impact typing and gaming experiences. The shorter travel distance of the Flaming Purple may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Phalaenopsis may provide a more satisfying typing feel for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for individual users.
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 KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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, both the TTC Flaming Purple and KTT Phalaenopsis switches offer a bassy sound profile, with the Flaming Purple leaning slightly towards a low-pitched and resonant tone, while the Phalaenopsis provides a thocky and bassy sound. The Flaming Purple's resonant character adds a unique poppy undertone to each keystroke, enhancing the auditory experience, while the Phalaenopsis ensures a satisfying and discernible tactile bump sound. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Flaming Purple is praised for its feathery and easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal exertion to activate. This light actuation force of just 47g results in swift and effortless typing, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis offers a stepped tactile feel, where users can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel stages during keystrokes. The 50g tactile force of the Phalaenopsis ensures a delightful typing experience with minimal finger strain.
Overall, both the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch provide unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Flaming Purple offers a resonant and feathery typing experience with a touch of poppy undertone, the Phalaenopsis provides a thocky sound and a stepped tactile feel for a satisfying keystroke. Depending on personal preference and typing style, users can choose between the two switches to achieve a delightful and engaging typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a switch with a slightly bassier sound profile and a feathery, easy-to-press feel, then the Flaming Purple may be the ideal choice for you. Its 47g bottom-out force provides swift and effortless typing, perfect for daily typists and enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you prioritize a discernible tactile bump with a 50g bottom-out force and a stepped feel, the Phalaenopsis switch is worth considering. Its translucent design, light actuation force, and satisfying typing experience make it a great option for minimizing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
