TTC Flaming Purple vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple and the KTT Semi Mute mechanical keyboard switches, we find two linear switches with distinct characteristics. The Flaming Purple offers a bassier sound signature with a touch of poppy undertone, making each keystroke engaging and resonant. On the other hand, the Semi Mute provides a completely silent operation, perfect for those who prefer a noise-free environment, with its advanced dampening technology offering a buttery and muted typing experience. While the Flaming Purple appeals to enthusiasts and daily typists with its feathery and easy-to-press nature, the Semi Mute caters to individuals who value a comfortable and gratifying typing feel without any disturbance. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the KTT Semi Mute both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through for a visually appealing effect. However, the Flaming Purple features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Semi Mute's polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper sound profile.
In terms of sound characteristics, the Flaming Purple's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound when typing, while the Semi Mute's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances the sharpness and clarity of the sound produced. The difference in bottom housing material leads to variations in the sound profile of the switches when pressed. Despite both switches having polycarbonate top housings, the differing bottom housings result in distinct sound experiences for users. This showcases how the choice of housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a keyboard switch.
Overall, while the top housings of the TTC Flaming Purple and KTT Semi Mute both utilize polycarbonate, the differing bottom housings result in unique sound profiles for each switch. The Flaming Purple's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Semi Mute's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. Understanding how different housing materials affect sound production can help keyboard enthusiasts choose switches that align with their preferred typing experience, whether they prioritize a deeper resonance or a sharper tone.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, it is clear that the Flaming Purple is lighter in both categories. The Flaming Purple has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, while the Semi Mute has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. The Flaming Purple provides a lighter typing experience overall. The actuation force of the Flaming Purple is slightly lower, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, while the bottom out force is also lower, indicating a softer landing when the key is fully depressed. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute offers a slightly heavier typing experience with a higher bottom out force, providing a more substantial push feel for those looking for a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference, with lighter switches being preferred for longer typing sessions and heavier switches offering a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Semi Mute linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making the Semi Mute the longer of the two. The Flaming Purple falls in the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, the Semi Mute with its slightly longer travel distance may provide a more substantial and tactile feel when typing. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distances, catering to individual preferences for responsiveness or depth in keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is known for its bassier sound profile, with a touch of a poppy undertone that adds a unique auditory flair to each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is designed for a noise-free environment, offering completely silent operation with advanced dampening technology. The Flaming Purple provides a feathery typing experience with a bottom-out force of 47g, making it swift and effortless to type on. In contrast, the Semi Mute switch is described as buttery and mild, providing a smooth and gentle typing sensation.
When comparing the sound qualities, the Flaming Purple switch offers a resonant and bassier tone, while the Semi Mute switch provides a muted and neutral sound profile. In terms of feel, the Flaming Purple switch is feathery and easy-to-press, offering a comfortable typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch is described as buttery and mild, providing a smooth and gentle typing sensation that is approachable to most users.
Overall, the TTC Flaming Purple and KTT Semi Mute switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a bassier sound and a feathery typing experience, the Flaming Purple switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a completely silent operation and a smooth, gentle typing feel, the Semi Mute switch is a suitable option. Ultimately, both switches provide quality performance tailored to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, consider the factors of bottom-out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prioritize a light actuation force and enjoy a slightly bassier sound signature with a poppy undertone, the Flaming Purple may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a noise-free environment and seek a switch that offers a comfortable and gratifying typing experience with advanced dampening technology, the Semi Mute switch may better suit your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific qualities that align with your typing style and environment.
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