TTC Flaming Purple vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Swift both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Flaming Purple is hailed for its resonant and slightly bassy sound signature, providing a touch of poppy undertone that adds an engaging auditory flair to typing. With a feathery nature and an easy-to-press bottom-out of just 47g, it is a popular choice for both enthusiasts and daily typists. On the other hand, the HMX Swift stands out for its deeper sound profile, thanks to its full nylon housings, and a silky smoothness that complements its delicate 42g actuation force. While the Flaming Purple is characterized by its 'bassy' and 'resonant' features, the Swift is known for being 'clacky' and 'creamy'. 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Swift, we see that both switches feature a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the material that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that both switches may offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, where the switches differ is in their top housing material. The Flaming Purple utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Swift features a nylon top housing, which also elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, but with a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder sound. This contrast in top housing material highlights the different sound profiles that each switch will produce.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Flaming Purple and the HMX Swift will come down to personal preference in sound and feel. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing for a similar typing experience in terms of depth and fullness, the contrasting polycarbonate and nylon top housings offer distinct sound profiles - sharp and clear for the Flaming Purple, and deep and round for the Swift. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with RGB lighting capabilities or a fuller sound with a softer feel, each switch offers a unique typing experience based on its housing materials.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch are very similar. Both switches have an actuation force of 42 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Flaming Purple has a slightly lighter force of 47 grams compared to the Swift's 50 grams. This means that the Flaming Purple switch will provide a slightly lighter typing experience overall. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Flaming Purple may be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Swift switch offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Purple linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9mm. The Flaming Purple is the shorter option, providing a slightly quicker response time compared to the Swift. Gamers may lean towards the Flaming Purple for its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster input during intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Swift offers a slightly longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of desired response time and key press depth.
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 HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $3.45.
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 is characterized by a bassier and resonant profile, offering a touch of poppy undertone with a neutral foundation. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch stands out for its deeper sound profile due to full nylon housings, providing a silky smoothness to the auditory experience. While the Flaming Purple leans towards a bassier sound, the Swift delivers a clacky and sharp tone. Depending on personal preference, users may find the Flaming Purple more engaging with its unique sound signature, while the Swift may appeal to those seeking a smoother and deeper sound.
In terms of feel, both the Flaming Purple and Swift switches offer a light and effortless typing experience. The Flaming Purple is described as feathery and easy-to-press, requiring minimal force for activation, reducing finger fatigue, and enhancing overall typing comfort. Similarly, the Swift switch is also easy-to-press and feathery, providing a low-impact typing feel that is responsive and comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Swift switch is described as bouncy and creamy, offering a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery typing experience. Users can expect a smooth and effortless typing experience with both switches, making them suitable for enthusiasts and daily typists alike.
In conclusion, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Flaming Purple emphasizes a bassier and resonant sound with a feathery typing feel, the Swift showcases a deeper sound profile and a silky smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel preferences, with both switches delivering a satisfying typing experience. Whether opting for the Flaming Purple or the Swift, users can expect similar results in terms of light actuation force and effortless typing, tailored to their unique preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch or the HMX Swift linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in sound and feel. If you enjoy a bassier and resonant sound profile with a feathery and easy-to-press typing experience, the Flaming Purple would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and clacky sound with an easy-to-press and silky typing feel, the HMX Swift could be the ideal switch for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so make sure to consider your typing style and sound preferences when making your decision.
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