TTC Flaming Purple vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Sunset Gleam, both of which boast smooth linear characteristics while offering distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The TTC Flaming Purple is celebrated for its resonant, bass-heavy sound signature, delivering a unique auditory flair thanks to its poppy undertone. With a bottom-out force of only 47g, it offers a feather-light touch that enables swift typing, making it ideal for daily typists seeking both comfort and engagement. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, known as the Duck Duck switch, stands out with its perfect blend of materials that produce a polished and satisfying clack, coupled with an excellent factory lube that enhances its overall performance. This combination leads to a bouncy feel while still providing a silky-smooth experience. While both switches cater to those who prefer linear options, each presents its own strengths, appealing to different preferences in sound and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style.

By the numbers

TTC Flaming Purple Linear

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$8.30

$4.30 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Sunset Gleam both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in similar auditory characteristics. This choice of material leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making these switches appealing for users who appreciate a clear and resonant auditory experience. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity of sound, particularly beneficial for those who incorporate RGB lighting, as the translucent nature of this plastic allows for vibrant illumination effects. Therefore, users of both switches can expect a comparable sound experience when pressing keys, thanks to the polycarbonate's sound properties and visual enhancement capabilities.

When examining the bottom housing, both the Flaming Purple and Sunset Gleam feature nylon, a classic material known for its unique acoustic attributes. The use of nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile as this softer plastic absorbs more sound waves than harder alternatives. This absorption results in a duller and rounder sound, reinforcing the tactile experience of typing or gaming on these switches. Both switches will thus offer a softly muted auditory experience at the bottom-out position, allowing for a satisfying feel that is less jarring than those switches incorporating harder plastic compounds.

Combined, the housing designs of the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Sunset Gleam create a harmonious blend of auditory qualities. The polycarbonate top enables a vibrant, crisp sound upon key release, while the nylon bottom provides a muffled and rounded effect during the key press itself. This duality in material selection allows for a nuanced experience that highlights both the high and low frequencies produced by the switches. Given that both switches leverage the same materials in their respective housings, users can expect a consistently enjoyable typing experience characterized by a vibrant top-end sound complemented by a warm, full-bodied bottom-end, regardless of their choice between the two.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, both switches exhibit similar actuation forces, with the Flaming Purple requiring 42 grams and the Sunset Gleam also at 42 grams. This suggests that users of both switches will experience an equally light touch for triggering keystrokes, making them suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Flaming Purple having a bottom out force of 47 grams and the Sunset Gleam at 48 grams. Although both are classified as light switches, the Sunset Gleam is marginally heavier at the bottom out stage, which may provide a slightly more substantial feel for those who prefer a stronger push when fully depressing the key. Overall, users seeking a lighter actuation for ease of use will find similar experiences in both switches, while the Sunset Gleam's heavier bottom out could appeal to those desiring a more pronounced typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, the Flaming Purple measures 3.6 mm, while the Sunset Gleam offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference of just 0.1 mm places the Flaming Purple as the longer option, providing a bit more depth when pressing the keys. For gamers seeking quicker response times, the HMX Sunset Gleam, with its shorter travel distance, might be the more appealing choice, as shorter distances generally facilitate faster actuation. However, for those who appreciate a deeper keystroke and a more substantial feeling during typing or gaming, the TTC Flaming Purple could be preferable. Ultimately, while both switches fall within the realm of modern preferences for shorter distances, their subtle differences cater to varying user preferences regarding responsiveness and feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch presents a distinct auditory experience characterized by its bassy and low-pitched tones. This results in a deeper, richer sound profile that can be described as having a poppy undertone, which may appeal to those seeking an engaging auditory flair with every keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam switch boasts a resonant sound signature that is higher-pitched and offers a clean, sharp auditory experience. This distinction means that while Flaming Purple provides a more subdued, bass-heavy sound, the Sunset Gleam goes for an articulate and bright sound. Ultimately, your keyboard setup—including the choice of board and keycaps—will play a crucial role in determining how each switch sounds during use, although these inherent characteristics will influence the overall experience.

Regarding feel, the Flaming Purple switch is lauded for its feathery touch, requiring just 47g of actuation force. This design makes it exceptionally light and easy to press, greatly reducing finger fatigue and allowing for swift, effortless typing—a trait desirable for long sessions of gaming or work. Additionally, the smoothness associated with this switch enhances its usability. Meanwhile, the HMX Sunset Gleam is noted for its polished feel, complemented by the sleek, smooth finish that comes from HMX's factory lube. The bouncy feedback adds a lively character to the typing experience, offering both a spring-like response and an effortless, silky key travel. Both switches emphasize smoothness, but while the Flaming Purple emphasizes lightweight operation, the Sunset Gleam prioritizes a balanced, engaging typing experience with a bit of rebound.

In conclusion, both the TTC Flaming Purple and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches offer compelling auditory and tactile experiences, albeit with differing sound profiles and feelings. The Flaming Purple excels in its low-pitched bassy allure, making it enjoyable for users who favor a richer sound, while the Sunset Gleam caters to those preferring a sharper, resonant auditory experience. When it comes to feel, both are exceptionally smooth, but the Flaming Purple offers a lighter actuation, whereas the Sunset Gleam combines smoothness with a bouncy feedback. Ultimately, your preference between these switches will hinge on whether you prioritize sound texture or tactile sensation while typing. An appropriate board and keycap selection will further enhance your enjoyment of either option.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches hinges on your personal preference for both tactile feedback and auditory experience. If you seek a switch that is exceptionally light and effortless, ideal for long typing sessions or intense gaming marathons, the Flaming Purple’s feathery actuation and bassy sound profile will serve you well. Its engaging auditory flair adds an enjoyable element to each keystroke, making it particularly suited for those who appreciate a deeper sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a polished, smooth typing experience with a subtle yet satisfying auditory feedback, the Sunset Gleam is your go-to option. With its bouncy responsiveness and clean, resonant sound, it appeals to typists who appreciate a more lively feel and smooth transitions between key presses. In essence, consider how you want your typing experience to feel and sound, and let that guide your decision between these two excellent switches.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Flaming Purple Linear

$8.30

$4.30 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more