TTC Flaming Purple vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Flaming Purple and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Flaming Purple stands out for its resonant and bassier sound signature, giving each keystroke a poppy undertone that adds an engaging flair to typing. With a feathery touch and easy-to-press bottom-out force of just 47g, it appeals to enthusiasts and daily typists looking for a swift and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a deep and thocky sound profile that immerses users in a satisfying typing experience. With a bouncy feel thanks to its lengthened single-stage spring and a standard spring weight that is enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users, the Tourmaline Blue provides a buttery and mild typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your preference for sound profile and typing feel. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Flaming Purple and the Tourmaline Blue, both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it an ideal material for switches intended for RGB lighting. However, the Flaming Purple differs from the Tourmaline Blue in its use of nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound profile as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate.
While both switches share the benefits of using polycarbonate for their top housing, the difference in bottom housing materials between the Flaming Purple (nylon) and the Tourmaline Blue (polycarbonate) highlights how material choices can impact the overall sound profile of a switch. The Tourmaline Blue's consistent use of polycarbonate throughout its housing will create a more consistent sound and feel when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the Flaming Purple's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing will split the qualities of each material, affecting the key press and release sound differently.
Ultimately, the choice between the Flaming Purple and the Tourmaline Blue will come down to personal preference in sound profile and feel. The stiffer polycarbonate used in both switches' top housing will create a sharper and crisper sound, while the softer nylon in the Flaming Purple's bottom housing will provide a deeper and fuller sound profile. Whether you prefer a more resonant sound or a rounder sound when typing, the housing materials of these switches play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces differ significantly. The Flaming Purple has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Flaming Purple switch would offer a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Tourmaline Blue switch provides a more substantial keystroke feel. Both switches offer a distinct typing experience based on their respective forces, catering to different preferences among users. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that the Flaming Purple has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Tourmaline Blue has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Flaming Purple offers a quicker response time due to its shorter distance, making it a popular choice among gamers seeking faster reactions. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue provides a more substantial depth when pressing down on a key, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference - whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or prefer a more tactile and satisfying key press.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 Flaming Purple linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched profile with a touch of a poppy undertone, providing an engaging auditory experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue linear switch presents a deep and thocky sound profile, creating a satisfying typing atmosphere. While the Flaming Purple leans towards a richer and resonant sound, the Tourmaline Blue maintains a neutral and moderate sound profile suitable for various users. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Flaming Purple switch is described as feathery, easy-to-press, and silky, offering a light and effortless keystroke experience with minimal finger strain. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue switch is characterized as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild, providing a smooth and gentle typing sensation that is approachable to most users. Both switches aim to enhance typing comfort and reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, making them suitable for a wide range of typing preferences.
In conclusion, the TTC Flaming Purple and Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities tailored to different preferences. The Flaming Purple excels in its bassy and resonant sound profile, coupled with a feathery and silky typing feel. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue delivers a deep and thocky sound experience with a buttery and mild typing feel. Both switches provide unique characteristics that can elevate your typing experience based on your personal preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a richer sound profile or a smoother typing sensation.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches, consider your preference for bottom-out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force of 47 grams and enjoy a bassier and resonant sound profile with a feathery and easy-to-press typing feel, then the Flaming Purple may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams and appreciate a deep and thocky sound profile with a buttery and mild typing feel, then the Tourmaline Blue may be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing habits to ensure a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
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