TTC Flaming Purple vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Smoothie both stand out for different reasons. The TTC Flaming Purple is celebrated for its resonant character and slightly bassier sound, providing an engaging auditory experience with every keystroke. Its feathery nature and low bottom-out force make typing swift and effortless, appealing to both enthusiasts and daily typists. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie is known for its all-POM construction that offers a thocky sound signature, exceptional smoothness, and a lightweight touch. While the Flaming Purple is characterized by its bassy and easy-to-press qualities, the Smoothie is praised for its buttery and creamy feel. 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
40g
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
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Smoothie both offer unique sound profiles due to their different housing materials. The Flaming Purple utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound compared to the Smoothie's POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While the Flaming Purple's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Smoothie's POM bottom housing complements its top housing by also creating a deep and pleasing sound experience.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Flaming Purple and the Smoothie, both switches excel in providing a unique and satisfying typing experience. The Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top housing allows for a clear and resonant sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Smoothie's POM top housing offers a deeper sound that is more muted, providing a different typing experience for users looking for a quieter option. Similarly, both switches' bottom housings contribute to the overall sound profile, with the Flaming Purple's nylon bottom housing creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the Smoothie's POM bottom housing.
While the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Smoothie differ in their choice of housing materials, they both aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience for users. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings of each switch allow for a well-rounded sound profile, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer the sharper and more resonant sound of polycarbonate in the Flaming Purple or the deeper and more muted sound of POM in the Smoothie, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that the Flaming Purple is the lighter of the two with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams. In contrast, the Smoothie has an actuation force of 40 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. Both switches offer a relatively light actuation force, which may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. However, the heavier bottom out force of the Flaming Purple provides a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Smoothie linear switches is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a consistent and reliable typing experience with their identical travel distances, allowing users to achieve similar results in terms of keypress feel and feedback. In conclusion, the TTC Flaming Purple and Gateron Smoothie linear switches offer the same travel distance, making them equally suitable choices for keyboard enthusiasts looking for a smooth and precise typing 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 Gateron 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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 offers a bassier and resonant sound profile, providing a poppy undertone that adds an engaging flair to typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is known for its thocky and subdued sound, delivering a deep and satisfying tone with a dampened touch. While both switches offer a low-pitched sound, the Flaming Purple leans towards a more resonant and bass-heavy experience compared to the Smoothie. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your preference for sound characteristics, with the Flaming Purple offering a more resonant and engaging tone, while the Smoothie provides a deep and thocky sound.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is described as feathery, easy-to-press, and silky, offering an exceptionally light touch with minimal exertion required for typing. This makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions and reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is characterized as buttery, creamy, and silky, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Both switches excel in offering a smooth typing experience, with the Flaming Purple emphasizing lightness and ease of pressing, while the Smoothie focuses on a buttery and creamy feel. Choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a lighter typing experience with the Flaming Purple or a smoother, buttery feel with the Smoothie.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flaming Purple and Gateron Smoothie linear switches offer unique and appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Flaming Purple stands out for its bassier and resonant sound profile, along with a feathery and easy-to-press feel, making it a great choice for users seeking an engaging auditory experience and light typing touch. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie excels in providing a thocky and subdued sound, combined with a buttery and creamy feel that enhances the smoothness of typing. Ultimately, deciding between these switches will come down to personal preference for sound and feel characteristics, as both switches offer high-quality performance in their respective domains.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a switch with a slightly bassier sound profile and a feathery, easy-to-press feel, then the Flaming Purple may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a thocky sound signature and a buttery, creamy typing experience, the Gateron Smoothie could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the audio and tactile preferences that best suit your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
