TTC Iron vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the TTC Iron and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Iron linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch offer unique features catering to different preferences. The TTC Iron is praised for its clacky sound signature, making each keystroke a satisfying auditory experience. With a light actuation and smooth travel, this switch is ideal for users seeking precision and pleasure in typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch is known for its tactile feedback, providing a more pronounced bump with each press. While the Iron is easy-to-press and mild, the Purple offers a more distinct typing feel. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different user 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
41g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Iron and the Outemu Purple switches offer unique sound profiles due to their different compositions. The Iron's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, which provides a pleasing auditory experience for users. On the other hand, the Purple's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a more distinct sound while typing. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows for RGB lighting effects, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the switch.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Iron's POM bottom housing mirrors its top housing by contributing to a similarly deep and muted sound profile. In contrast, the Purple's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound, which may appeal to users looking for a more subdued typing experience compared to the sharper tones produced by polycarbonate.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Iron and Outemu Purple switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. While the POM top and bottom housings of the Iron provide consistency in their deep and muted sound, the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings of the Purple offer a contrast in sound characteristics. Users who prioritize a clear and resonant typing sound may lean towards the Purple, while those seeking a softer and fuller sound may find the Iron more appealing. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Iron linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it is evident that the Iron switch has a lighter actuation force of 41 grams compared to the Purple switch's actuation force of 50 grams, making the Iron switch the lighter option. In terms of bottom out force, the Iron switch requires 50 grams to fully press down, while the bottom out force of the Purple switch is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may enjoy the TTC Iron switch for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Outemu Purple switch with its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
The TTC Iron linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Iron has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Purple has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Purple switch offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Iron switch. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Iron switch, while those who enjoy a deeper key press may lean towards the Purple switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
The Outemu Purple comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Iron linear switch stands out with its distinctive clacky sound, adding a crisp and percussive auditory element to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch's sound quality is unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard body and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the TTC Iron switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, offering a light actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. This switch is perfect for those looking for a smooth and fatigue-free typing experience. Conversely, the Outemu Purple tactile switch's feel is unspecified, making it challenging to provide a direct comparison. The lack of information on its tactile feel makes it challenging to determine how it would stack up against the TTC Iron switch in terms of typing comfort and responsiveness.
In conclusion, while the TTC Iron linear switch boasts a clacky sound profile and an easy-to-press feel that caters to enthusiasts and daily users seeking precision and pleasure in typing, the information available on the Outemu Purple tactile switch is limited. Without a clear description of its sound and feel qualities, it is challenging to make a direct comparison between the two switches. Ultimately, selecting between the TTC Iron and Outemu Purple switches may depend on personal preferences and typing style, with the noted qualities providing a starting point for decision-making.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Iron linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you are looking for a switch that offers a light actuation force, buttery smooth travel, and a pronounced clacky sound for a satisfying typing experience, then the TTC Iron linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a tactile bump for feedback but with an unknown bottom out force, the Outemu Purple tactile switch might be a good fit. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
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