TTC Flaming Purple vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the characteristics of various options to find their perfect fit. The TTC Flaming Purple and the Bsun Taichi are two linear switches that cater to different preferences, each offering unique auditory and tactile experiences. The TTC Flaming Purple is celebrated for its resonant and bassy sound signature, which adds a pop of engaging flair to every keystroke, while its lightweight 47g actuation force ensures effortless typing, making it ideal for both everyday use and extended writing sessions. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi stands out with its long-pole stem and extended springs, delivering an enchanting high-pitched sound and unparalleled smoothness, which many users appreciate for a quieter and more stable experience. While both switches present compelling reasons for selection—whether it's the Flaming Purple’s inviting audio character and light feel or the Taichi’s smooth operation and elevated sound quality—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
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Purple and the Bsun Taichi utilize identical materials for their switch housing, both featuring polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches contributes to a sound profile that is distinctly sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the auditory feedback when a key is pressed. Furthermore, due to its translucency, the polycarbonate top allows for effective diffusion of RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal that is consistent across both models.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Flaming Purple and Taichi opt for nylon, a well-regarded material in the mechanical keyboard community. The nylon bottom housing collectively influences the switches' overall sound profile by contributing a deeper, fuller sound. This is a result of nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a sound that is characterized as duller and rounder. Consequently, when typing on either of these switches, users can expect a harmonious blend of sounds: the crispness from the polycarbonate top and the warmth from the nylon bottom.
While both switches share these materials, their impact is felt differently based on their respective housing positions. The unique combination of the stiffer polycarbonate top and softer nylon bottom means that typing dynamics are balanced; the sharpness of the sound when bottoming out will be complemented by the softer, rounded tonal quality upon release. This synthesis ensures that, despite being made from the same materials, users might still experience subtle differences in their typing feedback and auditory satisfaction due to the roles that each housing material plays within the switch design. Thus, the TTC Flaming Purple and Bsun Taichi achieve similar results in terms of sound profile and feel, making them complementary choices for users seeking that specific combination of typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces, contributing to varied typing experiences. The Flaming Purple requires an actuation force of 42 grams and has a bottom out force of 47 grams, marking it as a relatively light switch overall. In contrast, the Taichi features a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams; however, the bottom out force remains unknown, leaving a gap in our understanding of its performance during full keystrokes. This clarity in actuation forces indicates that the Flaming Purple provides slightly more resistance when fully depressed. Users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions may lean towards the Taichi due to its lower actuation force, while those who like a more substantial feel might appreciate the Flaming Purple's additional weight at bottom out. Since the bottom out force is not specified for the Taichi, it's difficult to draw a complete comparison regarding its overall tactile experience against the Flaming Purple.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch is identical at 3.6 mm. This means users pressing down on keys equipped with either switch will experience the same distance before the switch actuates, leading to a similar tactile experience. Since both switches share the same travel distance, gamers and typists can expect consistent performance regardless of which switch they choose, allowing for an equivalent feel when 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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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
When comparing the auditory characteristics of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch to the Bsun Taichi linear switch, the Flaming Purple stands out for its resonant sound profile. It leans toward the bassier side, providing a deeper and richer auditory experience that features a slightly poppy undertone during key presses. This gives each keystroke a unique flair, making it enjoyable for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the Taichi's sound profile is not specified, which leaves a gap in our understanding of how it may compare in terms of auditory engagement. Overall, the Flaming Purple's clean and sharp sound signature offers a distinct advantage for those seeking a more immersive and resonant typing experience, while we can only speculate on the Taichi's sound characteristics.
In terms of tactile feedback and feel, the Flaming Purple excels with its notably feathery, easy-to-press characteristics. This switch requires just 47g of force to bottom out, promoting swift actuation and reducing finger fatigue, making it particularly well-suited for prolonged sessions of typing or gaming. Its silky smoothness further enhances the overall experience, resulting in a comfortable and responsive feel. The Taichi’s feel qualities aren't elaborated on, leaving an unknown in this comparison. However, one could anticipate that, like the Flaming Purple, a well-designed linear switch would also aim for a smooth and comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch offers a unique combination of a resonant sound profile and an exceptionally light, smooth feel, making it an attractive option for typists and gamers alike. While the Bsun Taichi linear switch remains a bit of a mystery in terms of both sound and feel, those seeking a similar experience to the Flaming Purple may find themselves leaning towards it if it delivers on the standard expectations of high-quality linear switches. Therefore, if sound and tactile characteristics remain essential in your keyboard journey, the Flaming Purple clearly stands out, while the Taichi invites further exploration.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately boils down to your preferences for typing feel, sound, and intended use. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience—ideal for long sessions of gaming or productivity—the Flaming Purple, with its 47g bottom-out force and feathery texture, will complement your needs well. Its deep, resonant sound profile adds an element of enjoyment to every keystroke, making it perfect for those who appreciate a bassy auditory experience. On the other hand, if you're seeking unparalleled smoothness and stability while typing, the Taichi switch, known for its high-pitched bottom-out sound and unique engineering features, could be your go-to option, provided you're comfortable with its unspecified bottom-out force. Ultimately, the Flaming Purple is excellent for those who want a lighter touch with a richer sound, while the Taichi is tailored for those who value smoothness and refined auditory feedback. Depending on your specific typing style and sound preferences, you can make an informed choice that enhances your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
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