TTC Flaming Purple vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple, a linear switch, to the Outemu Red Panda, a tactile switch, it is evident that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Flaming Purple is praised for its resonant character, easy-to-press feathery feel, and low-pitched, bassier sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a smooth and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Red Panda stands out for its light-medium tactility, thocky bottom-out sound, and clackier top-out sound, offering a satisfying typing feel with a mild tactile feedback. While the Flaming Purple leans towards a more effortless and silky typing experience, the Red Panda provides a mix of tactility and sound feedback for a different typing 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
50g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the TTC Flaming Purple and the Outemu Red Panda switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for RGB lighting effects. However, despite both switches having the same material for their top housing, subtle differences may still exist in the sound profiles due to variations in design and construction.
While the Flaming Purple and Red Panda switches both use nylon for their bottom housing, the specific qualities produced by this material differ slightly. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other plastics. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material may lead to a variance in the overall typing experience between the two switches, with the Red Panda potentially offering a slightly softer and more muted sound compared to the Flaming Purple.
The impact of the housing material on the overall sound and feel of a switch is crucial to consider, as both the top and bottom housings play distinct roles in the typing experience. While the bottom housing predominantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when a key is released. Understanding how different housing materials interact with key presses can help users choose a switch that aligns with their preferences for sound and typing feel. Therefore, despite both the TTC Flaming Purple and Outemu Red Panda switches utilizing similar housing materials, the nuanced differences in design and construction may lead to varying sound profiles and typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, we can see a clear difference in the weight of the two switches. The Flaming Purple has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Red Panda has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. While the actuation force of the Flaming Purple is lighter than that of the Red Panda, the bottom out force of the Red Panda is heavier, offering a different typing experience for users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, the Flaming Purple has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Red Panda's 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. The Flaming Purple may provide a slightly deeper feel due to its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying key press. However, the Red Panda's slightly shorter travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a quicker and more immediate key press. Overall, both switches offer relatively similar travel distances that cater to different preferences for key feel and response time.
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 Panda comes in at $3.40 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 offers a bassy and low-pitched profile with a resonant quality that adds an engaging flair to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch delivers a thocky sound with a raindrop-like bottom-out and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the Flaming Purple leans towards a deeper and richer tone, while the Red Panda provides a satisfying thocky sound that may appeal to different preferences. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Flaming Purple switch is described as feathery, easy-to-press, and silky, offering a light touch and minimal resistance for a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switch is characterized as mild, providing a gentle typing feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone suitable for most users. While the Flaming Purple focuses on a light and effortless typing experience, the Red Panda aims for a comfortable and approachable feel with subtle tactility. Both switches offer distinct tactile sensations that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their individual needs.
Taking into account the information provided, it's apparent that the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offer contrasting qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Flaming Purple excels in delivering a bassy and resonant sound with a feathery and silky feel, making it a great choice for those who prefer a light and swift typing experience. On the other hand, the Red Panda provides a thocky sound and a mild typing feel that is comfortable and approachable for a wide range of users. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, ensuring that users can achieve their desired typing sensation with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch or the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience with a touch of auditory flair, the Flaming Purple with its feathery feel and resonant sound profile may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a mild tactile feedback and a satisfying thocky sound, the Red Panda offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a smooth and light typing feel or a gentle tactile feedback while typing.
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