TTC Flaming Purple vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Purple and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, it's important to note their unique characteristics. The Flaming Purple stands out for its resonant and bassier sound profile, making each keystroke engaging and poppy. With a feathery bottom-out force of 47g, typing on this switch is effortless and swift, appealing to both enthusiasts and everyday typists. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a buttery smooth typing experience thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design by KTT. While both switches share a low-pitched sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon leans towards a more neutral and mild typing feel compared to the Flaming Purple. 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
53g
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
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Purple and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. Both switches will exhibit similar sound profiles and aesthetic qualities due to their shared polycarbonate top housing material.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Flaming Purple and Sea Salt Lemon utilize nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Both switches will offer a similar typing experience and sound profile due to their shared nylon bottom housing material.
When comparing the two switches, the qualities of the housing materials will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Flaming Purple and Sea Salt Lemon will provide a unique typing experience with a combination of sharp, high-pitched sounds from the polycarbonate top housing and deep, full sounds from the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Flaming Purple requires 47 grams to bottom out, while the Sea Salt Lemon is heavier at 53 grams. The Flaming Purple provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless keystroke. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a slightly heavier typing experience, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Sea Salt Lemon has a longer travel distance compared to the Flaming Purple. The difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the typing or gaming experience. The shorter travel distance of the Flaming Purple may appeal to those looking for faster response times, especially gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Sea Salt Lemon may provide a more substantial feeling when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired 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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch stands out for its slightly bassy and resonant tone, adding a poppy undertone to each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of purposes. The Flaming Purple may provide a deeper and richer sound experience compared to the more mellow and approachable sound of the Sea Salt Lemon. However, it's important to note that the actual sound produced by these switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is renowned for its feathery and easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal exertion and reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the silky smooth typing experience it offers further enhances the overall feel of the switch. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience without any pronounced characteristics. While the Flaming Purple offers a more effortless and responsive typing feel, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a comfortable and approachable typing experience suitable for a wider range of users.
In conclusion, the TTC Flaming Purple and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Flaming Purple excels in its bassy and feathery attributes, providing a rich sound profile and easy actuation for an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a more neutral and mild sound and feel, making it a versatile choice for various typing needs. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience, so ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and typing requirements. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, consider the differences in bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 47 grams and enjoy a slightly bassier and resonant sound profile, the Flaming Purple may be the right choice for you. Its feathery feel and effortless typing make it a popular option for enthusiasts and daily typists alike. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams and appreciate a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon might be more to your liking. Its mild feel and neutral sound profile make it a versatile option suitable for various typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing experience with each switch.
Mentioned in this article
