TTC Flaming Purple vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Silent Ink Black both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The TTC Flaming Purple is known for its resonant and bassier sound profile, providing a poppy undertone that enhances the typing experience. With a light bottom-out force of 47g, this switch ensures swift and effortless typing, appealing to enthusiasts and daily typists alike. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is designed for quieter environments, offering a cushiony bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. While the Silent Ink Black switch is categorized as silky, muted, and polished, the Flaming Purple switch stands out for its feathery and low-pitched qualities. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Purple utilizes a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, creating a unique blend of sharp, high-pitched sound profile from the top housing and a deeper, fuller sound profile from the bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Flaming Purple results in a crisp and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting, while the nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, which produces a pointed and high-pitched yet satisfying sound profile described as clacky. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their different housing materials, with the Flaming Purple providing a sharper sound and the Silent Ink Black offering a unique clacky sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the Flaming Purple's clear polycarbonate top housing allows for the use of RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black's opaque INK blend top housing may not offer the same level of customization with RGB lighting but still provides a unique and satisfying sound experience. While the Flaming Purple's top housing contributes to the sound when pressing down on a key, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black's top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key, offering a distinct clacky sound that is characteristic of the switch.
Overall, both the TTC Flaming Purple and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer unique sound profiles due to their different housing materials. The Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp and clear sound, while the nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the overall sound profile. In comparison, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing produce a pointed and clacky sound that is distinctive and satisfying. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound like the Flaming Purple or a clacky, high-pitched sound like the Silent Ink Black, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is clear that the Flaming Purple is the lighter of the two. The Flaming Purple has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, making it a more lightweight option. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is the heavier option, with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. The difference in weight between the two switches means that users will have to consider their preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel when choosing between them. Ultimately, the Flaming Purple is better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Silent Ink Black is more suitable for users who prefer a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Silent Ink Black has a longer travel distance compared to the Flaming Purple. The traditional travel distance ranges from 3.0 mm to 4.0 mm, with shorter distances becoming more popular, especially among gamers for faster response times. However, some may find shorter distances too abrupt, preferring the deeper feel of switches with longer travel distances. Ultimately, the choice between the Flaming Purple and Silent Ink Black switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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
Overall, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is characterized by a bassier and resonant sound profile, offering a unique auditory experience with a touch of poppy undertones. It provides a feathery and easy-to-press feel, making typing effortless and comfortable, ideal for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offers a muted sound profile, perfect for quieter environments, and a silky and polished feel, ensuring smooth key presses with minimal resistance. While both switches provide a smooth typing experience, the Flaming Purple excels in offering a more engaging sound signature and lighter actuation force, while the Silent Ink Black stands out for its quiet operation and cushioned bottom-out feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, but rest assured that both switches will deliver exceptional performance and durability in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you prioritize a lighter actuation force and a poppy auditory experience, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. Its feathery nature and bassier sound profile make it a great option for enthusiasts and daily typists looking for a unique typing experience. On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch would be more suited to your needs. Its muted sound profile and silky smooth feel offer a comfortable and refined typing experience, perfect for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your preferences for typing feel and sound, so consider your priorities carefully before making your choice.
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