TTC Flaming Purple vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Flaming Purple and the TTC Silent Brown. The Flaming Purple is a linear switch that stands out for its resonant character and slightly bassier sound signature, giving it a unique auditory flair with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Silent Brown is a tactile switch that offers a comfortable typing experience with a satisfying rounded tactile bump and a muted sound profile. The Flaming Purple is known for being easy to press and feathery, while the Silent Brown is described as buttery and polished. Both switches have their own distinct qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the TTC Silent Brown, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile for both switches. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for better transmission of RGB lighting, making these switches visually appealing for those looking to customize their keyboards with colorful lighting effects. However, where the two switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The Flaming Purple utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. In contrast, the Silent Brown also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar deep and full sound profile to the Flaming Purple.
While both switches have contrasting bottom housing materials, the impact of these materials is distinctly felt when typing on the switches. The softer nylon bottom housing of both the Flaming Purple and the Silent Brown contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience when pressing the keys. This difference in housing material at the bottom of the switches results in a unique typing experience for each switch, with the bottom-out sound and feel being heavily influenced by the properties of the nylon material. On the other hand, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches affects the sound when releasing a key, providing a sharper and crisper sound profile upon key release.
In conclusion, while the TTC Flaming Purple and the TTC Silent Brown share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, their differing choice of nylon for the bottom housing leads to distinct typing experiences. Both switches offer a unique sound profile, with the Flaming Purple's deeper and fuller sound contrasting with the Silent Brown's crisper sound. Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in each switch results in a tactile and auditory experience that caters to different preferences in keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Flaming Purple is the lighter of the two. The Flaming Purple has an actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Silent Brown, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. Additionally, the Flaming Purple has a bottom out force of 47 grams, while the Silent Brown has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a heavier switch overall. Lighter switches like the Flaming Purple are preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, while the heavier Silent Brown may be favored by those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. In summary, while the actuation force of the Flaming Purple is lighter compared to the Silent Brown, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is slightly shorter than the 3.8 mm travel distance of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by individuals looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The Flaming Purple switch would provide a slightly quicker keystroke due to its shorter travel distance, while the Silent Brown switch may offer a bit more depth and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience desired.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 boasts a bassy and low-pitched profile that adds a poppy undertone to each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. If you prefer a deeper and richer sound with a touch of bass, the Flaming Purple may be the way to go, whereas if you value a quieter typing experience, the Silent Brown would be a better choice.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Flaming Purple switch is described as feathery, easy-to-press, and silky, providing a light and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown switch offers a buttery, mild, and polished feel, delivering a smooth and gentle keystroke experience. If you enjoy a light actuation force and smooth typing feel, the Flaming Purple would be more suitable, whereas if you prefer a gentle and refined typing sensation, the Silent Brown may be the optimal option.
Overall, both the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Flaming Purple excels in providing a bassy sound profile and a feathery typing experience, while the Silent Brown stands out for its muted sound and buttery feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you enjoy one of these qualities in particular, you can expect similar results when choosing either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, consider your preferences in terms of sound and feel. If you enjoy a deeper, bassier sound profile and a feathery, easy-to-press typing experience, the Flaming Purple may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, muted sound and a buttery, polished typing feel, the Silent Brown could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, weigh these factors against your personal typing style and desired typing experience to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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