TTC Flaming Purple vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Smoothie Silver mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches known for their unique characteristics. The Flaming Purple stands out for its resonant and slightly bassy sound profile, offering an engaging auditory experience with its feathery touch and easy-to-press keys. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver is praised for its lightning-fast actuation, thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and feather-light touch. While both switches offer their own set of advantages, such as the Flaming Purple's emphasis on sound and light keystrokes and the Smoothie Silver's focus on speed and smoothness, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
In terms of housing materials, the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gateron Smoothie Silver have different approaches. The Flaming Purple utilizes a combination of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while nylon produces a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver features a POM top housing and a POM bottom housing, both contributing to a unique and pleasing sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. Overall, the Flaming Purple offers a blend of sharpness and depth in its sound profile, while the Smoothie Silver provides a consistent and unique deep sound experience.
When it comes to sound characteristics, the Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top housing brings a clear and resonant sound profile, ideal for those looking for a sharper audio experience. The nylon bottom housing complements this by adding a deeper and fuller sound, creating a well-rounded sound profile overall. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver's POM top and bottom housing offer a consistent and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and more muted. While both switches aim to provide a unique auditory experience, the Flaming Purple leans towards a mix of sharpness and depth, while the Smoothie Silver focuses on a consistent and deep sound profile.
In terms of aesthetics and functionality, the housing materials of the Flaming Purple and the Smoothie Silver play a crucial role. The Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top housing not only contributes to a sharp and clear sound but also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, catering to those who prefer a consistent audio experience. Both switches provide a unique combination of housing materials that balance sound quality, aesthetics, and functionality to suit different preferences and needs in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, one notable difference is in their actuation force. The Flaming Purple has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the Smoothie Silver requires a slightly heavier 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Flaming Purple is 47 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the Smoothie Silver is unavailable. This means that the Smoothie Silver's bottom out force could potentially be lighter than the Flaming Purple, making it a preferred choice for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Flaming Purple may appeal to those who prefer a bit more resistance while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the Smoothie Silver for its slightly shorter travel distance, as it can result in faster response times during gameplay. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Flaming Purple with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming 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 Silver 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 Silver 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 unique bassy and resonant sound profile, providing a deeper and richer sound experience during key presses. This adds an engaging auditory flair to each keystroke, appealing to those who enjoy a touch of a poppy undertone in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch boasts a thocky sound quality, known for its unparalleled smoothness and feather-light touch. While the sound of a switch is influenced by various factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, users can expect a distinct auditory experience from these two switches.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is described as feathery and easy-to-press, offering a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue and enhances the typing experience. The silky smoothness of this switch further adds to the overall comfort during extended typing sessions. In contrast, information on the feel of the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is not available. However, given its characteristics of short travel distance for fast actuation and feather-light touch, users can expect a responsive and comfortable typing experience similar to that of the Flaming Purple.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Flaming Purple stands out for its bassy and resonant sound profile, along with its feathery and easy-to-press feel, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver is known for its thocky sound and fast actuation, suggesting a smooth and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, whether choosing the Flaming Purple or the Smoothie Silver, users can expect a satisfying typing experience tailored to their preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a bassier and resonant sound profile with a light and feathery typing experience, the Flaming Purple may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch without a specific bottom out force requirement, the Smoothie Silver could be the perfect match. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your personal typing style and sound preferences.
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