TTC Flaming Purple vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie each offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Flaming Purple stands out with its resonant, bassy sound signature and feathery actuation force of just 47g, making it an attractive option for typists seeking a swift and engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie delivers a satisfyingly thocky sound profile that many enthusiasts appreciate, alongside its exceptional smoothness thanks to the all-POM construction. While the Flaming Purple invites you to enjoy a slightly punchy auditory flair with every keystroke, the Sea Salt Smoothie emphasizes a balance of weight and quality without breaking the bank. Both switches cater to distinct tastes in sound and feel, making them worthy contenders for your typing preferences. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Flaming Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is both crisp and resonant. This characteristic allows for a clear and vibrant auditory experience, making it particularly well-suited for RGB lighting setups due to its translucency. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes a POM top housing, which yields a more muted and deeper sound profile. The softer and less rigid properties of POM absorb sound waves, resulting in a unique auditory experience that stands apart from the sharpness of polycarbonate.
When analyzing the bottom housings of these switches, we see that the TTC Flaming Purple employs nylon, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie relies on POM. Nylon is historically recognized as a classic switch housing material, producing a fuller and deeper sound due to its softer plastic nature, which absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder auditory experience. The POM bottom housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie also produces a pleasingly muted sound profile, yet the impact differs because of the variation in material. While both materials create deeper sound characteristics, the nylon bottom housing of the Flaming Purple leans more towards richness, while the POM provides a more subdued and unique tone.
The interplay between the top and bottom housing materials in both switches results in distinct, yet complementary sound profiles. While the Flaming Purple offers a sharper top-end due to its polycarbonate top housing combined with the deeper, fuller sound from nylon, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM top and bottom will collaborate to produce a more balanced and muted sound experience. Users looking for a dynamic sound response might prefer the Flaming Purple for its distinct sonic clarity, while those seeking a softer, unique sound might gravitate toward the Sea Salt Smoothie. Regardless of preference, both switches provide individual auditory experiences, demonstrating that even with contrasting materials, it is possible to achieve enjoyable outcomes based on the combination of housing types.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force. The Flaming Purple switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it reduces fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has a higher actuation force of 48 grams, which provides a more substantial push feel that some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Regarding the bottom out force, the Flaming Purple has a defined force of 47 grams, while the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown. This means users of the Flaming Purple will have a clear understanding of the resistance they will experience when fully bottoming out, whereas the experience with the Sea Salt Smoothie remains uncertain in that regard. Overall, if users prefer a lighter touch, the TTC Flaming Purple is the better choice, while those seeking a heavier actuation will gravitate toward the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we find that the Flaming Purple has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Flaming Purple the shorter option, catering to those who prefer a more responsive feel for quicker key presses, which is often favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who enjoy a more traditional, deeper keystroke, providing a more substantial feedback during use. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding the balance of speed and depth in keystrokes.
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 Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 profile, the TTC Flaming Purple switch stands out with its resonant, bassy character that offers a deeper, richer auditory experience. This switch generates a sound signature that leans towards low-pitched notes, providing a slight poppy undertone with every keystroke. This engaging auditory flair makes typing feel lively while still remaining predominantly neutral. On the other hand, while the specific sound profile of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie isn't detailed, it is noted for delivering a "thocky" sound. Thocky switches typically convey a fuller, deeper sound during key presses, which suggests that while both switches offer engaging sound experiences, the Flaming Purple's bassy resonance may differ in character from the Sea Salt Smoothie's potentially thocky profile.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flaming Purple excels with its feathery, easy-to-press design, requiring minimal actuation force of just 47g. This lightness translates to a comfortable typing experience that significantly reduces finger fatigue, making it ideal for prolonged use whether for gaming or typing. Its silky texture enhances the smoothness of each keystroke, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable interaction with the keyboard. Unfortunately, the specific feel characteristics of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie aren't provided, leaving a gap in comparison, but it's worth noting that the Flaming Purple’s qualities suggest a uniquely comfortable experience that is specifically designed for responsive and effortless typing.
In conclusion, while the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch offers distinct auditory and tactile qualities with its resonant sound and feathery feel, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie’s details remain unspecified, especially concerning its sound and feel. Enthusiasts can expect a lively and engaging typing experience from the Flaming Purple's bassy undertones and light actuation forces, but the Sea Salt Smoothie's potentially thocky sound may provide a different auditory delight. For users seeking a comfortable typing experience, the Flaming Purple clearly stands out, while more information would be needed to fully assess the experience provided by the Sea Salt Smoothie.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and intended use. If you value a light typing experience with an engaging sound profile, the Flaming Purple is an excellent option. Its 47g bottom-out force makes it perfect for long typing sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue and allows for effortless keystrokes. Additionally, if you enjoy a deeper, bassy sound that adds character to your typing experience, the resonant quality of the Flaming Purple will likely appeal to you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that balances quality and price while offering a thocky auditory experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie could be your best bet. Although its weight is unspecified, it is known for its overall smoothness and a sound profile that many find satisfying. If you're a gamer or typist who prefers a tactile feedback and a slightly heavier switch feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie may serve you better. In summary, consider what qualities matter most to you—be it lightness and sound character with the Flaming Purple or a balanced feel and thocky sound with the Sea Salt Smoothie— to ensure you make the right choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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