TTC Flaming Purple vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Quinn each offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Flaming Purple, a linear switch, stands out for its bassy and resonant sound profile, coupled with its feather-light actuation force of 47g, making it effortless to type on. On the other hand, the Quinn, a tactile switch, combines a crisp tactile bump with a deep, resonant sound, providing users with a satisfying and immersive typing experience. While the Flaming Purple leans towards a smoother and easier-to-press feel, the Quinn offers a more tactile and pronounced keystroke feedback. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Quinn, it is evident that both switches use nylon for their bottom housing. This means that both switches will provide a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. The bottom housing's absorption of sound will contribute to a duller and rounder sound when typing on either switch. Therefore, in terms of the bottom housing material, users can expect similar results from both the Flaming Purple and the Quinn.
On the other hand, the top housing materials of the two switches differ, with the Flaming Purple featuring a polycarbonate top housing while the Gateron Quinn utilizes a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Flaming Purple creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness and resonant properties. In contrast, the Quinn's nylon top housing will create a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound to produce a rounder tone. This contrast in top housing materials will result in distinct auditory experiences for users of each switch.
Considering the impact of housing materials on the overall sound and feel of a switch, it is essential to note that the qualities of the bottom and top housings will be distinctly felt during use. The bottom housing contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Flaming Purple and Gateron Quinn may share a similar bottom housing material, the differences in their top housing materials will lead to unique typing experiences for users of each switch.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a lighter actuation and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Quinn tactile switch. The Flaming Purple requires 42 grams of force to actuate and 47 grams to bottom out, while the Quinn needs 59 grams to actuate and 67 grams to bottom out. The lighter force of the Flaming Purple makes it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, such as for work or gaming. On the other hand, the heavier force of the Quinn provides a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push sensation. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within a relatively short travel distance range compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Quinn for faster response times, while others may find the slightly longer travel distance of the Flaming Purple to provide a more satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of desired key feel and responsiveness.
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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 the Gateron Quinn switches share similar characteristics with a bassy and resonant sound profile. The Flaming Purple leans slightly towards a bassier end of the spectrum, adding a poppy undertone to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Quinn offers a deep, resonant sound with a crisp and clean tactile bump. Both switches provide an immersive auditory experience, enhancing the typing sessions with their unique sound signatures.
Moving on to the feel, the Flaming Purple switch is known for its feathery nature, requiring minimal exertion to press each key. This lightweight actuation force reduces finger fatigue and makes typing effortless and comfortable. Meanwhile, the Quinn switch offers a snappy and polished feel, with a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience. The Quinn switch also provides a bounce-back sensation, giving keys a lively feel and enhancing the overall responsiveness of the switch.
Overall, while the Flaming Purple and Quinn switches offer slightly different auditory and tactile experiences, they both excel in providing a unique and engaging typing experience. Whether you prefer a bassier sound profile and feather-light keystrokes with the Flaming Purple, or a deep, resonant sound and snappy keypresses with the Quinn, both switches are sure to impress with their subjective qualities. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, you can expect to get similar results in terms of overall satisfaction and typing enjoyment from either of these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch or the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a feathery, easy-to-press feel with a touch of bassy undertones in the sound profile, the Flaming Purple may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile bump with a crisp and snappy sound profile, along with options like a polished or buttery typing experience, the Quinn switch could be the perfect fit for your typing needs. Each switch offers a unique typing experience with its own set of characteristics, so consider what qualities are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences for the optimal typing experience.
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