TTC Flaming Purple vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Purple and KTT Pine linear switches stand out as compelling options. The Flaming Purple from TTC is distinguished by its resonant character, offering a slightly bassier sound signature that adds a poppy undertone to each keystroke. With a light bottom-out force of 47g, this switch provides a feathery typing experience that is effortless and swift, making it appealing to both enthusiasts and everyday typists. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switches are known for their medium-heavy feel, buttery smoothness, and effortless typing experience. The factory-lubed finish of the Pine switches reduces friction for a smooth key travel. While both switches share some similarities such as a bassy sound profile, they differ in terms of key feel and actuation force. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the KTT Pine, it is evident that they both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the switches. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The Flaming Purple features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. On the other hand, the Pine utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, leading to a sharper and more resonant sound profile.
While both switches share the same top housing material of polycarbonate, their bottom housing materials provide distinct tactile and auditory experiences. The Flaming Purple's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile that adds depth to typing. In contrast, the Pine's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a clearer and crisper sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience with a sharper sound feedback. These differing bottom housing materials showcase how subtle changes in material composition can impact the overall user experience of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Flaming Purple and the KTT Pine ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. The Flaming Purple offers a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon bottom housing, while the Pine provides a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate bottom housing. Both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in the top housing for a clear and resonant sound profile, making them suitable options for those seeking a tactile and auditory typing experience. Whether one prefers a softer and rounder sound or a sharper and more defined sound, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it is evident that the Flaming Purple is lighter in both categories. The Flaming Purple has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, while the Pine has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that the Flaming Purple requires less force to register a keystroke and reach the bottom of the key press compared to the Pine switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer durations, the Flaming Purple may be the more suitable option. Conversely, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push may find the Pine switch to be better suited for their preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Pine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Flaming Purple has a shorter travel distance compared to the Pine switch. The difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Those who prefer a faster response time may lean towards the Flaming Purple, while those who enjoy a deeper press may prefer the Pine. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific feel that each individual user is looking for in a keyboard switch.
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 Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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 Pine linear switches offer a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. The Flaming Purple adds a resonant touch to its sound, providing a more engaging auditory experience with a poppy undertone. On the other hand, the Pine switch focuses on a smooth and buttery sound, thanks to its factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction for a seamless key travel. While both offer different sound characteristics, the choice between the two would ultimately depend on personal preference and the overall sound profile desired for the typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Flaming Purple switch is highlighted for its feathery and easy-to-press nature, offering a light actuation force of just 47g for swift and effortless typing sessions. In contrast, the KTT Pine switch is described as buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and uniform typing sensation that enhances the overall typing experience. Both switches aim to reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, but they achieve this through different mechanisms - the light actuation force of the Flaming Purple and the lubricated smoothness of the Pine. Depending on whether one prefers a lighter or smoother keystroke, the decision between the two switches can be tailored to individual preferences.
In conclusion, the TTC Flaming Purple and KTT Pine linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Flaming Purple excels in providing a resonant and bassier sound profile with a feathery and easy-to-press typing experience, while the Pine focuses on a smooth, buttery sound and feel for effortless typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on whether one prefers a more engaging auditory experience with a poppy undertone or a smoother and uniform typing sensation. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer quality characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience overall.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, consider the differences in bottom out force, sound signature, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and enjoy a slightly bassier and resonant sound profile, the Feathery Flaming Purple may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth, buttery typing experience, the Buttery Pine switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of typing feel, sound, and actuation force. Consider these factors carefully to select the switch that best suits your typing needs.
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