TTC Flaming Purple vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX SU both offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The TTC Flaming Purple is celebrated for its unique resonant quality, featuring a sound signature that leans slightly towards the bassier side, accompanied by an engaging poppy undertone that adds an auditory flair to each keystroke. With a light bottom-out force of just 47g, this switch is ideal for those who appreciate a smooth, effortless typing experience, making it a favorite among both enthusiasts and everyday users. In contrast, the HMX SU provides a more subdued yet deep auditory experience, thanks to its full PA12 housing and T5 stem, which together create a subtle sound profile ideal for a more focused typing environment. While the Flaming Purple is perfect for those who seek a lively and dynamic experience, the HMX SU appeals to users who prefer a quieter yet satisfying keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the TTC Flaming Purple and HMX SU switches demonstrate a distinct contrast, particularly in their choice of top housing materials. The Flaming Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucent properties, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality is beneficial for users who prioritize clarity in auditory feedback, particularly in RGB setups where the visual experience is enhanced by the transparent nature of the polycarbonate. On the other hand, the HMX SU utilizes a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer characteristics that inherently absorb more sound. Consequently, the Flaming Purple may cater better to those who enjoy a bright and lively sound, while the HMX SU is better suited for users preferring a more subdued acoustic experience.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, as they both employ nylon material. Here, the nylon’s acoustic properties play a crucial role; the softer plastic allows for a rounded sound, contributing to a deeper auditory experience regardless of the top housing composition. Since both the Flaming Purple and HMX SU utilize nylon for their bottom housings, they produce similar sound profiles when typing. The impact of the bottom housing not only influences the feeling and bottom-out sound of the keypress but also provides a consistent auditory experience akin to both switch types when engaged. This commonality showcases how the choice of bottom housing can unify both switches’ acoustic characteristics, resulting in a harmonious typing experience despite the differences in their top housing materials.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both switches influences their overall sound and tactile feedback distinctly. While the TTC Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top emphasizes brightness and clarity, the HMX SU’s nylon top softens the auditory response into a more rounded and full sound. However, since they both share nylon as their bottom housing, they manage to converge on a similar depth in sound. Therefore, users interested in both switches will experience some degree of acoustic similarity when typing, benefiting from the deep sound signature provided by the nylon bottom while also being able to enjoy the diverse character imparted by the different top housing materials. This interplay of materials helps to define the unique characteristics of each switch while also reflecting the broader trends in mechanical keyboard design.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing sessions. The Flaming Purple has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, while the HMX SU features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference indicates that the Flaming Purple is the lighter option, catering to users who prefer a gentler touch for less fatigue during long periods of use. In contrast, the HMX SU, being heavier, might appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel that provides greater tactile feedback. Although both switches deliver a similar performance range, the Flaming Purple’s lighter actuation force could lead to a quicker response time, while the HMX SU may offer a stronger and more deliberate typing experience, making the choice largely dependent on personal preference.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down a key equipped with either switch, users will experience the same feel in terms of key travel, ensuring a consistent typing experience across both options. Since both switches share this identical travel distance, they are likely to deliver similar performance characteristics in terms of actuation and bottoming out, making them comparable in terms of travel feel while typing or gaming.
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 HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 switch showcases a resonant character with a sound profile that is notably bassy and low-pitched. This results in a deeper, richer auditory experience, imparting a poppy undertone that adds an engaging flair to each keystroke, making it pleasing for both typing and gaming scenarios. On the other hand, while the sound characteristics of the HMX SU are not extensively detailed, it is suggested that it possesses a relatively deep sound profile, albeit the exact nuances of its auditory qualities remain unspecified. Given that sound can be influenced significantly by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, it's possible that users may experience similar depth with both switches, but the Flaming Purple's distinctive bassy notes may provide a more pronounced auditory engagement during use.
When considering feel, the TTC Flaming Purple excels with its feathery nature, requiring a bottom-out force of just 47g, making it exceptionally easy to press. This light actuation force not only minimizes finger fatigue but also fosters a smooth and responsive typing experience, perfect for long hours of use. Users can expect an effortless and gentle resistance that enhances overall comfort. In contrast, the tactile qualities of the HMX SU remain undisclosed, leaving an unknown aspect of its actuation characteristics and overall feel. Consequently, while typing enthusiasts may gravitate towards the Flaming Purple for its established attributes, the feel of the SU switches remains to be evaluated.
In conclusion, while the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch presents a well-defined auditory and tactile experience highlighted by its resonant, bassy sound and effortlessly smooth actuation, the HMX SU linear switch lacks detailed information on its acoustic and tactile properties. This makes it difficult to provide a comparative analysis in the latter area. Enthusiasts seeking a rich auditory engagement and a lightweight typing feel may find the Flaming Purple to be a compelling choice, whereas the SU's undefined qualities leave room for curiosity and exploration, with the potential for different experiences across both switch types.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX SU linear switches, your choice should align with your preferences for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you value an ultra-light typing experience and enjoy a slightly bassy auditory flourish, the Flaming Purple is an excellent option. Its 47-gram bottom-out force, combined with its feathery feel, ensures a smooth and responsive typing experience ideal for long hours of work, gaming, or casual typing. The engaging sound signature adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your keystrokes, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a more enriched auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you seek a slightly firmer switch with a subtle and deep sound profile, the HMX SU with its 50-gram bottom-out force may be more suited to your preferences. While the difference in bottom-out force is minimal, the full PA12 housing provides a distinct auditory character that some users may prefer. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a lighter, more vibrant typing experience or a deeper and more subtle sound profile, as both switches can deliver exceptional performance tailored to your needs.
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