TTC Flaming Purple vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, enthusiasts are presented with two distinct options for their mechanical keyboard needs. The Flaming Purple stands out for its resonant character, offering a bassier undertone and an easy-to-press feel that makes typing a swift and effortless experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx boasts a refined sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump, providing a luxurious typing experience that is both acoustically pleasing and tactile. While the Flaming Purple leans towards a more neutral sound with poppy undertones, the U4Tx combines a deep, resonant bottom-out with a whisper-quiet top-out for a unique typing sensation. 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
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gazzew U4Tx, we can see that both switches use unique proprietary plastic blends for their top housing. While the Flaming Purple utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile, the U4Tx's boba plastic blend delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. Both materials offer distinct sound profiles, with polycarbonate creating a higher-pitched sound and the boba plastic blend providing a deeper tone.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Flaming Purple uses nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the U4Tx utilizes its proprietary Gazzew blend for a similar rich and deep sound. Both nylon and the Gazzew blend are softer plastics that absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that regardless of the specific housing material being used, both switches offer a more muted and satisfying typing experience thanks to the softer plastic bottom housing.
Overall, while the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the Gazzew U4Tx may differ in their top housing, their bottom housing materials provide similar deep and rich sound profiles. Whether it's the clear and resonant sound of polycarbonate in the Flaming Purple or the boba plastic blend in the U4Tx, both switches offer a unique typing experience that is enhanced by their choice of housing materials. Ultimately, both switches are designed to provide satisfying sound profiles that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is evident that the Flaming Purple is the lighter option with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams. In contrast, the U4Tx is the heavier switch with a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, although the actuation force is unknown. The lighter actuation force of the Flaming Purple makes it a more suitable option for those who prefer a smoother typing experience and may help reduce finger fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the U4Tx provides a more substantial and tactile typing experience, ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced feedback when pressing the keys. Despite their differences in force requirements, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple and the Gazzew U4Tx both have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distances, it is evident that both switches will provide a consistent typing experience in terms of how far the key travels when pressed down. Users can expect similar results in terms of tactile feedback and typing feel with either switch. This similarity in travel distance makes them suitable options for those looking for a specific typing feel without having to worry about significant differences in key travel. Overall, both the TTC Flaming Purple and Gazzew U4Tx switches offer a comfortable typing experience with their identical travel distance, providing a reliable option for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
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 Gazzew U4Tx comes in at $6.50 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, both the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch share a bassy characteristic, providing a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. The Flaming Purple veers slightly towards the bassier end of the spectrum, resulting in a poppy undertone that adds an engaging flair to the auditory experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx offers a refined sound profile with a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out sound, providing a luxurious and acoustically pleasing typing experience. While both switches offer a bassy sound, the Flaming Purple has a more resonant character compared to the cleaner sound profile of the U4Tx.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is described as feathery, easy-to-press, and silky, offering a light actuation force that makes typing swift and effortless. This characteristic makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions and reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch is highlighted for its sharp tactile bump, providing a high feedback intensity with a strong and crisp tactile feel for each keypress. The U4Tx offers a distinctive and satisfying tactile experience that enhances typing feedback. While the Flaming Purple focuses on a smooth and light typing experience, the U4Tx prioritizes a sharp and tactile response for typists seeking a more pronounced feedback during typing.
Overall, both switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch excels in providing a resonant and feathery typing experience with a bassier sound profile, while the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch delivers a refined sound profile with a sharp tactile bump for enhanced typing feedback. Depending on whether you prefer a lighter and smoother typing experience (Flaming Purple) or a more pronounced tactile feedback (U4Tx), you can achieve satisfying results with either switch choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when making a decision between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a bassier and resonant sound profile with a feathery and easy-to-press typing experience, the Flaming Purple may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a cleaner and more refined sound profile with a sharp and intense tactile bump, the U4Tx could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
