TTC Flaming Purple vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch to the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it's evident that both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Flaming Purple is praised for its resonant and bassier sound profile, providing a poppy undertone with a feathery bottom-out feel at just 47g. On the other hand, the Tangerine boasts an incredibly smooth typing experience, thanks to its UHWMPE housings, offering a high-pitched clack with a buttery feel. Both switches cater to enthusiasts and daily typists, but in different ways. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Purple housing materials, with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, offer a unique combination of characteristics. The polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile ideal for users looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder typing sound. Comparatively, the TKC Tangerine's UHWMPE top and bottom housings both contribute to a very bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks while typing.
While both the Flaming Purple and Tangerine switches offer distinct sound profiles, their housing materials play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the Flaming Purple is known for its translucency, making it suitable for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the UHWMPE housing of the Tangerine switch provides a very bright sound signature, delivering resonant key presses that stand out during typing sessions. Although different in material, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the choice between the TTC Flaming Purple and TKC Tangerine switches ultimately comes down to personal preferences in sound profile and typing experience. The Flaming Purple's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials creates a balanced typing sound with clear and resonant characteristics. In contrast, the TKC Tangerine's UHWMPE housings produce a very bright sound signature that offers crisp and resonant clacks while typing. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a brighter, more resonant key press, both switches offer distinctive qualities that cater to a variety of typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it is evident that there is a notable difference in both the actuation force and bottom out force. The Flaming Purple has a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, while the Tangerine's actuation force is unknown and has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. This makes the Flaming Purple a lighter option compared to the Tangerine, which offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. The actuation force of the Flaming Purple allows for a smooth and effortless typing experience, making it ideal for extended use, whether for work or gaming. On the other hand, the Tangerine's heavier bottom out force caters to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the Flaming Purple offering a lighter touch and the Tangerine providing a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, we find that the Flaming Purple has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Tangerine has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Flaming Purple offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Tangerine's longer travel distance may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press experience. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Tangerine being slightly longer than the Flaming Purple. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 per 10 switches.
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 slightly resonant sound profile, adding a poppy undertone to every keystroke. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch provides a higher-pitched clack when typing, which can result in a sharp and crisp sound. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preference and the surrounding setup including the keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel, the Flaming Purple switch is noted for its feathery and easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal exertion from the fingers and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Tangerine switch is described as frictionless, buttery, and polished, offering an incredibly smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. Both switches provide a smooth keystroke experience, but the specific feel can vary based on individual preference for lighter or heavier actuation force.
Overall, while the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch offers a bassier and resonant sound with a feathery feel, the TKC Tangerine linear switch provides a higher-pitched clack and a frictionless, buttery feel. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for sound, typing experience, and the overall keyboard setup to achieve the desired typing feel and sound profile.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch or the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences for sound and feel. If you are looking for a switch with a bassier, resonant sound profile and a feathery, easy-to-press feel, then the Flaming Purple would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound with a frictionless, buttery feel, then the Tangerine switch would be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing experiences, so it is important to consider what aspects are most important to you when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
