TTC Flaming Purple vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Flaming Purple and the Durock Medium Tactile are both impressive mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique features that cater to different preferences. The Flaming Purple is a linear switch that is characterized by its resonant and bassy sound signature, making typing a delight for those who enjoy a poppy undertone with each keystroke. With its feather-light actuation force of 47g, this switch provides a smooth and effortless typing experience, perfect for both enthusiasts and daily typists. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile is a tactile switch that offers a balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, providing a different typing experience altogether. While the Flaming Purple is easy to press and low-pitched, the Medium Tactile offers a more pronounced and polished tactile feedback. 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
65g
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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the Durock Medium Tactile share some similarities in terms of their polycarbonate top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for being a relatively stiff plastic, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics and aesthetic benefits from the polycarbonate top housings of both switches.
One key point of contrast between the Flaming Purple and the Medium Tactile lies in their nylon bottom housings. The Flaming Purple features a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in similar sound characteristics when typing on the switch. Therefore, while both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile.
Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in the Flaming Purple and the Medium Tactile offers a unique typing experience for users. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings allow for a balance between impact on bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing influences the sound profile when typing on the switch, while the polycarbonate top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This combination of materials provides a dynamic typing experience that caters to both sound enthusiasts and those looking for a satisfying tactile feedback.
Weight
The actuation force of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is 42 grams, whereas the actuation force of the Durock Medium Tactile switch is unknown. The bottom out force of the Flaming Purple is 47 grams, while the bottom out force of the Medium Tactile is 65 grams, making it heavier. The Flaming Purple has a lighter overall force compared to the Medium Tactile, which is more medium-heavy. This means that the Flaming Purple would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, while the Medium Tactile would be ideal for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Despite the differences in force, both switches offer a unique typing experience that can be tailored to individual preferences.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Flaming Purple switch offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers who value speed. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch offers a deeper keypress feel with its longer travel distance, which may be more appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and response time.
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 Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is known for its bassy and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and richer experience during key presses. It has a resonant quality that adds an engaging auditory flair to every keystroke. In terms of feel, the Flaming Purple is feathery and easy-to-press, providing a light and effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch features a jelly-like sound signature, but specific descriptors are unknown. It is described as accented, stepped, mild, and polished in terms of feel, offering a balanced tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, and a smooth and refined typing experience due to factory lubing.
Overall, if you enjoy a switch with a bassier sound profile and a lightweight, feathery feel, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a jelly-like sound and a medium tactile feel that is not too intense but still noticeable, the Durock Medium Tactile switch may be more suited to your preferences. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that you can achieve a satisfying typing experience based on your individual tastes.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a lighter touch and a swift, feathery typing experience with a bassier sound profile, the Flaming Purple may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile feel with a balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Medium Tactile switch could be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the specific qualities that appeal to you the most.
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