TTC Flaming Purple vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Purple and the SP-Star RedBlue both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Flaming Purple is lauded for its resonant and bassy sound signature, providing a tactile and engaging typing experience with its feathery touch and easy-to-press feel at just 47g. On the other hand, the RedBlue linear switches boast a medium-light typing experience with a relatively low-pitched sound profile, offering a more neutral and polished feel. While both switches have their own strengths and are suitable for enthusiasts and daily typists, further exploration is necessary to determine the best switch for individual 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
47g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the SP-Star RedBlue, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for switches designed to incorporate RGB lighting. However, the Flaming Purple stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the RedBlue's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that contrasts with the clear and resonant sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the RedBlue.
Despite both switches featuring polycarbonate top housings, the difference in their bottom housing materials sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The split in housing materials means that the characteristics of each material are felt differently when using the switches. Pressing down on the switch will demonstrate the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the release of a key will showcase the impact of the top housing on the sound. This division in housing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience that showcases the unique qualities of each material used in the construction of the switches.
Overall, the TTC Flaming Purple and SP-Star RedBlue offer distinct sound profiles due to their different housing materials. While the polycarbonate top housing produces similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sounds for both switches, the choice of nylon for the Flaming Purple's bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound compared to the RedBlue's polycarbonate bottom housing. These differences in housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience, providing users with a variety of sound profiles to choose from based on their preferences. Whether one prefers a sharper and more resonant sound or a deeper and fuller tone, these switches offer unique options that cater to a range of preferences.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Flaming Purple is also lighter at 47 grams, while the RedBlue has a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it slightly heavier. This means that the Flaming Purple will provide a smoother and lighter typing experience overall, while the RedBlue will offer a slightly more substantial push feel. Both switches are suitable for those who prefer lighter actuation forces, but if a more substantial typing experience is desired, the SP-Star RedBlue might be the better choice.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is slightly shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those seeking a faster response time when typing or gaming. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Flaming Purple for its quicker actuation, while those looking for a more substantial feel may opt for the RedBlue with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for the feel and responsiveness of the keys.
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 RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue 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
Overall, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch stands out for its bassy and resonant sound profile, adding a poppy undertone to keystrokes, while the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch offers a low-pitched and thocky sound, creating a more mellow typing experience. In terms of feel, the Flaming Purple is known for its feathery and easy-to-press nature, providing a comfortable typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. On the other hand, the RedBlue switch offers a mild and polished feel, ensuring a gentle typing experience with smooth key travel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would ultimately depend on whether you prefer a deeper, resonant sound with a feathery feel or a mellow, thocky sound with a polished typing experience. Ultimately, the Flaming Purple and RedBlue switches will provide distinct but equally satisfying results based on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering between the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, you should choose the Flaming Purple if you prefer a light and feathery typing experience with a slightly bassier and resonant sound profile. This switch is ideal for swift and effortless typing, making it great for enthusiasts and daily typists. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience with a low-pitched and polished sound profile, the RedBlue switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing feel and sound characteristics.
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