TTC Flaming Purple vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the TTC Yunhai 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 TTC Yunhai are both enticing linear options that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The TTC Flaming Purple stands out with its distinctive resonant character, featuring a neutral sound profile that leans slightly towards the bass, delivering an engaging auditory experience with each stroke. Its relatively low actuation force of 47g allows for quick, effortless typing, making it an appealing choice for daily typists and enthusiasts seeking both performance and a hint of auditory excitement. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai offers an equally feathery experience, characterized by a deep, rounded sound profile and a notably light actuation force that promotes a gentle touch. This switch attracts typists who appreciate a smooth and delicate feel without the need for auditory embellishments. Both switches provide unique benefits, catering to different needs and preferences; 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
42g
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the TTC Yunhai exhibit distinct differences, particularly in their top housings. The Flaming Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This high-pitched quality, combined with the translucency of polycarbonate, enhances the effectiveness of RGB lighting, allowing it to shine through more vividly. In contrast, the Yunhai utilizes a nylon top housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb sound, resulting in a rounded quality that contrasts with the crispness of polycarbonate. While both materials serve to define the sound character of their respective switches, the Flaming Purple’s choice allows for a brighter auditory experience particularly suited for RGB setups, whereas the Yunhai leans into a more subdued and rounded sound.
When examining the bottom housings, both the TTC Flaming Purple and the TTC Yunhai use nylon, which positions them similarly in terms of sound profile. This shared material lends a deeper and fuller auditory experience to both switches, as nylon's sound-absorbing characteristics lead to a duller sound that emphasizes low frequencies. Since the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out feel and sound, both switches will deliver a consistent, plush tactile response during key presses. Therefore, while the top housings present contrasting acoustic characteristics, the nylon bottom housing in both models creates a unified experience of deeper sound, resulting in a blend of attributes when the switches are actively engaged.
The interplay between the top and bottom housing materials in the TTC Flaming Purple and the TTC Yunhai showcases how varying designs can produce unique auditory experiences. The Flaming Purple’s polycarbonate top allows for distinct high-frequency sounds when releasing a key, while the Yunhai’s nylon top emphasizes a more muted and softer experience. Nevertheless, the nylon bottom in both switches ensures that the low-end performance remains consistent, facilitating a cohesive sound during use. Consequently, while the top materials present unique auditory signatures, the use of nylon in the bottom housing fortifies a common tactile experience, highlighting how different housing materials can coexist to create a diverse sensory experience in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
Both the TTC Flaming Purple and the TTC Yunhai linear switches have the same actuation force of 42 grams, making them equally responsive and suitable for prolonged typing sessions. However, the bottom out force differs between the two, with the Flaming Purple at 47 grams and the Yunhai at 50 grams. While both switches are considered light, the Yunhai requires slightly more force to bottom out, resulting in a firmer feel when pressed all the way down. Therefore, if you prefer a lighter typing experience that allows for extended use without fatigue, the Flaming Purple might be the better option. Conversely, if you enjoy a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing experience, the Yunhai provides that added weight with its higher bottom out force.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple and the TTC Yunhai linear switches both feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will experience the same amount of resistance and feedback when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. This similarity in travel distance ensures that both switches provide a consistent tactile experience, making them well-suited for users who prefer a uniform feel in their keyboard switches. As a result, switching between the two won’t affect the keystroke depth, allowing users to achieve similar results in their typing or gaming performance.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 it comes to sound, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch boasts a distinctively bassy and low-pitched profile, creating a deep and resonant auditory experience during key presses. This slightly poppy undertone adds an engaging character that enhances the overall soundscape of typing. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch does not have a described sound profile available, which leaves its audible characteristics somewhat of a mystery. Nonetheless, users should consider that sound can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard construction and the choice of keycaps, so one's experience may differ regardless of the inherent qualities of the switch.
Focusing on the feel, both the Flaming Purple and Yunhai switches share a remarkably feathery quality, allowing for light actuation forces that contribute to a comfortable and effortless typing experience. The Flaming Purple is further characterized by its easy-to-press mechanism and silky smoothness, which enhances the overall typing sensation. This combination means extended use is less straining on the fingers, making these switches suitable for long typing sessions or gaming. Meanwhile, while the Yunhai is also described as feathery, its overall tactile feedback remains less defined, as further information on its specific characteristics is not provided.
In summary, both the TTC Flaming Purple and Yunhai linear switches cater to typists seeking a lightweight and comfortable experience. The Flaming Purple's unique bassy sound coupled with its smooth feel sets it apart as an engaging option, while the Yunhai offers a gentle typing experience, though its sound profile remains unknown. Ultimately, both switches aim to minimize fatigue and enhance typing enjoyment, making them appealing choices for both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Purple and the TTC Yunhai linear switches, consider the specific typing experience you are seeking. If you prefer a switch that not only provides a light and effortless feel with its 47g actuation force but also offers an engaging auditory experience with its bassy and rounded sound profile, the Flaming Purple might be your ideal choice. This makes it particularly well-suited for enthusiasts who enjoy a bit of auditory flair in their keystrokes, as well as for typists engaged in prolonged sessions where a lighter key feel can help alleviate fatigue. On the other hand, if you are looking for a noticeably light switch that emphasizes a gentle and smooth feel without the added complexity of sound characteristics, the Yunhai is perfect for you. It maintains a very similar light actuation force at 50g but may appeal more to those who value an uncomplicated and pristine typing experience. In essence, your decision should hinge on whether you value responsiveness and sound in your typing experience with the Flaming Purple, or if you prioritize a straightforward, silky feel with the Yunhai.
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