TTC Flaming Purple vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Flaming Purple and the Durock Piano mechanical keyboard switches, both linear in design, you have quite the decision to make. The TTC Flaming Purple stands out for its resonant character, offering a slightly bassier sound signature that adds a poppy undertone to each key press. With a light actuation 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 Durock Piano boasts a proprietary material blend that provides a smooth, frictionless typing experience, accompanied by a deep and creamy sound. While both switches share a bassy sound profile, the Durock Piano offers a gliding push feel that some may find more pleasant. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Flaming Purple and Durock Piano both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Flaming Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind, as its translucency allows light to shine through. On the other hand, the Durock Piano boasts a proprietary POM blend top housing, which offers a satisfying and deep sound profile. While the exact details of this blend are not disclosed, users can expect a unique auditory experience from this material.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Flaming Purple utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Durock Piano features a proprietary POM blend bottom housing, contributing to its uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Just like with the top housing material, the specific composition of this blend is not revealed, but it is clear that it enhances the overall sound experience of the switch.
While both the Flaming Purple and the Durock Piano offer different top and bottom housing materials, the impact of each material on sound and feel is noticeable. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. These distinctions in housing materials allow for a nuanced and tailored typing experience, catering to the preferences of keyboard enthusiasts looking for a specific sound profile. Ultimately, whether you choose the Flaming Purple or the Durock Piano, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with unique sound characteristics.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Durock Piano linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Flaming Purple also has a lighter bottom out force of 47 grams. In contrast, the Durock Piano has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Flaming Purple make it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Durock Piano provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and the desired level of resistance in a keyboard switch.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Piano linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Durock Piano has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the TTC Flaming Purple. A 3.6 mm travel distance is considered on the shorter end, providing quicker response times which can be preferred by gamers. On the other hand, a 4 mm travel distance offers a bit more depth to the press, which some users might find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and how it affects the typing or gaming 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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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
When comparing the sound qualities of the TTC Flaming Purple and Durock Piano linear switches, both switches are described as having a bassy sound profile. The Flaming Purple switch is noted for its slightly bassier sound with a touch of poppy undertone, adding an engaging auditory flair to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Piano switch offers a deep, creamy sound signature that provides a pleasant typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a rich and immersive sound, catering to different preferences within the bass spectrum.
In terms of feel, the Flaming Purple switch is described as feathery and easy-to-press, making it a comfortable choice for prolonged typing sessions. Its light actuation force of 47g ensures swift and effortless typing, appealing to enthusiasts and daily typists alike. The Durock Piano switch, on the other hand, is characterized as frictionless and silky, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. The glide push feel of the Piano switch further enhances the typing sensation, providing a unique tactile experience compared to the Flaming Purple switch.
In conclusion, while both the TTC Flaming Purple and Durock Piano linear switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics, they cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Flaming Purple switch provides a bassier sound profile and a feathery typing experience, ideal for those seeking a light and engaging typing feel. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch offers a creamy sound signature and a frictionless, silky typing experience, appealing to individuals looking for a smooth and effortless keystroke. Ultimately, whether you choose the Flaming Purple or Piano switch, you can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to your specific sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing feel with a slightly bassier and resonant sound profile, the TTC Flaming Purple switch with its feathery nature and 47g bottom out force would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother and frictionless typing experience with a creamy sound signature, the Durock Piano switch with its proprietary material blend and 63.5g bottom out force may be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value lightness and engaging sound or smoothness and fluidity in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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