TTC Flaming Purple vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Purple and the SP-Star Yanyu both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Flaming Purple stands out for its resonant character, producing a slightly bassier sound profile that adds a touch of poppy undertones to each keystroke. With its feathery feel and a light actuation force of just 47g, this switch provides an effortless typing experience that appeals to both enthusiasts and regular users. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch is renowned for its delicate feel, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. With a crisp sound profile and a blend of materials that give it a polished and subtle touch, the Yanyu switch offers a more neutral and thocky typing experience. 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
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Purple and SP-Star Yanyu both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Flaming Purple utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Yanyu features a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its top housing, resulting in a brighter sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches offer a clear housing that allows for the use of RGB lighting, enhancing their overall aesthetic appeal.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Flaming Purple employs nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Yanyu utilizes the same unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its bottom housing, resulting in a sound profile that is both pleasant and bright. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when a key is released.
Overall, the choice between the Flaming Purple and Yanyu housing materials ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the Flaming Purple creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the unique blend of materials in the Yanyu offers a pleasant and bright sound. Both switches offer a balance of qualities between their top and bottom housings, resulting in a well-rounded typing experience with each press of a key. Whether you prefer a sharper sound or a brighter tone, both switches provide a unique and satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch. The Flaming Purple requires 42 grams of force to actuate and 47 grams to bottom out, while the Yanyu's actuation force is unknown and requires 43 grams to bottom out. Both switches can be considered light in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Some users may prefer the lighter feel of the Flaming Purple for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Yanyu for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch. The Flaming Purple switch would provide a slightly quicker response time compared to the Yanyu switch due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness may prefer the Flaming Purple switch, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Yanyu switch. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference for 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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 unique bassy and resonant sound profile, providing a rich auditory experience with a touch of poppy undertones. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is described as having a more neutral and thocky sound, with a crisp and satisfying sound profile. Depending on personal preference, the Flaming Purple's bassier and resonant qualities may appeal to those seeking a more engaging auditory experience, while the Yanyu's neutral and thocky sound may be preferred by those looking for a more subdued typing sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Flaming Purple is known for its feathery and easy-to-press nature, providing a comfortable typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. The SP-Star Yanyu, on the other hand, offers a mild and subtle typing experience with a polished and refined feel, suitable for extended typing sessions and shared spaces. Both switches aim to provide a smooth and low-impact typing feel, with the Flaming Purple excelling in light actuation force and the Yanyu offering a gentle resistance.
Overall, if you prefer a switch with a bassier and resonant sound profile, as well as a feathery and easy-to-press feel, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. However, if you lean towards a more neutral and thocky sound with a mild and subtle typing experience, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch may be better suited for your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the chosen switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, consider your preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you enjoy a light and feathery typing experience with a slightly bassier sound signature, the Flaming Purple with its 47g bottom-out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more delicate typing feel with a crisp sound profile and a bottom-out force of 43g, the Yanyu switches may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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