TTC Flaming Purple vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Purple and Akko Rosewood both offer unique sensory experiences that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers. The TTC Flaming Purple is renowned for its resonant character, featuring a sound profile that leans slightly toward the bassy, offering a poppy undertone that engages users with each keystroke. Its lightweight actuation force of just 47g allows for swift typing, ideal for those who prioritize speed and ease of use. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood boasts a rich and satisfying thocky sound that appeals to tactile enthusiasts, enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant for a smoother feel right out of the box. Both switches exemplify linear qualities, but the Flaming Purple's feathery feedback and low-pitched signature differ significantly from the deep acoustics of the Rosewood. Choosing between the two largely depends on whether one values a lighter touch and an engaging audio experience or a deeper thock with a treated texture. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
40g
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
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
Nylon
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the Akko Rosewood switches present an interesting contrast that significantly affects the acoustic profile and tactile experience of each switch. The Flaming Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and more resonant sound due to its stiffer plastic composition. This property enhances the clarity of the sound, making it ideal for users who enjoy a higher-pitched auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the effective diffusion of RGB lighting, making these switches particularly visually striking when illuminated. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood utilizes a nylon top housing, which lends itself to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound waves, producing a more rounded sound that caters to those who prefer a cushioned auditory feedback when typing.
Both the TTC Flaming Purple and the Akko Rosewood share a common material for their bottom housing: nylon. This uniformity means that the bottom-out experience for both switches will manifest similarly in terms of sound profile. The nylon bottom housing contributes a duller, deeper sound due to its ability to muffle and absorb sound, which results in a more tactile feel when bottoming out. This characteristic is paramount in delivering a consistent auditory cue regardless of the differences in the top housings. Users may find that while the upper sound dynamics of each switch vary, the foundational sound signature provided by the nylon bottom remains constant.
In essence, while the TTC Flaming Purple and Akko Rosewood switches employ differing materials for their top housings—polycarbonate for the former and nylon for the latter—their bottom housings create a shared auditory experience. This duality demonstrates how the interaction of materials can influence the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches. While the Flaming Purple aims for clarity and brightness with its polycarbonate top, the Rosewood offers warmth and depth through its nylon top. Ultimately, the combination of these materials results in unique switch characteristics that appeal to diverse typing preferences, allowing enthusiasts to select based on their desired auditory and tactile experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, we find that both switches are relatively light, though they have some differences in their force specifications. The Flaming Purple has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, while the Rosewood features a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams, but a heavier bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that if you're looking for a marginally lighter touch for longer typing sessions or extensive gaming, the Rosewood may be preferable for actuation, while the Flaming Purple provides a softer bottom out. Ultimately, the Flaming Purple is the heavier of the two when considering bottom out force, offering a more substantial feel at that stage, whereas the Rosewood is lighter in terms of actuation force, catering to those who enjoy a delicate push when initiating keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, we see a notable difference. The Flaming Purple has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Rosewood features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This places the Flaming Purple in a category that may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as its shorter travel distance allows for faster actuation. On the other hand, the Rosewood's 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional feel, which some users may prefer for a deeper, more substantial typing experience. In essence, if you favor responsiveness and speed, the TTC Flaming Purple is the better choice; if you desire a more pronounced key press, the Akko Rosewood is ideal.
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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 it comes to sound, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a bassy and low-pitched profile, creating a rich auditory experience that's engaging with each keystroke. Its resonant nature adds a certain depth and sharpness that can captivate users who enjoy more distinct acoustic feedback. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch is known for its deep, satisfying thock sound, enhanced by a layer of factory lubricant that contributes to a more muted and resonant overall sound. While the Flaming Purple offers a slightly more dynamic sound, the Rosewood's thocky tone provides a smooth and mellow auditory experience. Depending on the choice of keyboard and keycap material, these differences can manifest distinctly, but both switches provide a unique auditory character that will appeal to various preferences.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flaming Purple stands out with its feathery, easy-to-press characteristics, requiring just 47g of force for actuation. This makes it exceptionally comfortable for long typing sessions, as users can enjoy a silky smooth experience with minimal finger fatigue. The switch's design encourages quick and effortless typing, making it particularly suitable for both gaming and typing tasks. However, the Akko Rosewood switch does not have specific descriptions available regarding its feel. Thus, any comparison on tactile feedback or actuation force for the Rosewood is unknown, leaving the Flaming Purple's user-friendly experience unmatched in available descriptions.
In conclusion, while the TTC Flaming Purple and Akko Rosewood linear switches both have their respective sound qualities, the Flaming Purple's bassy and resonant signature contrasts with the Rosewood's deep thock without distinct details on tactile feel. The Flaming Purple excels in its effortless actuation and feathery touch, making it a preferable option for users who prioritize comfort during prolonged use. Without additional specifics on the Rosewood, it's challenging to draw parallels in terms of feel, although both switches promise an engaging and satisfying typing experience, albeit in different auditory dimensions.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Flaming Purple and the Akko Rosewood switches largely depends on your typing preferences and the sound profile you desire from your mechanical keyboard. If you favor a lighter touch with minimal effort during long typing sessions, the Flaming Purple switches are an excellent choice, offering a feathery and silky feel combined with an engaging bassy sound that adds a unique auditory experience to your keystrokes. This makes them particularly suited for those who type extensively or engage in gaming, where quick response times are essential. On the other hand, if you appreciate a deeper, more satisfying thock when you press the keys, the Akko Rosewood switches may be your ideal match. Their slightly higher bottom-out force of 50 grams provides a bit more resistance, which can enhance tactile feedback, making each key press feel more substantial and fulfilling. In summary, consider the TTC Flaming Purple if you prioritize a lightweight and smooth typing experience with a poppy sound; however, if you prefer a richer auditory feedback with a touch more effort in your keystrokes, the Akko Rosewood is the way to go.
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