HMX 1989 vs. TTC Flame Red
An in-depth look at the HMX 1989 and the TTC Flame Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves debating between a variety of options, including the HMX 1989 and the TTC Flame Red, both linear switches designed to enhance the typing or gaming experience. The HMX 1989, known for its deep and thocky sound profile, stands out in the HMX Film switch series, offering a tactile yet smooth experience that is perfect for users who enjoy a robust feel with their keystrokes. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red captures attention not only with its performance but also with its striking design, featuring a dazzling light diffuser that makes it an ideal choice for RGB setups. While the Flame Red is praised for its weighty smoothness and clacky sound, it is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', appealing to users who seek a balanced typing experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences and aesthetics, making them appealing choices depending on the user’s needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the TTC Flame Red, we observe a significant difference in the top housing material. The HMX 1989 features a polycarbonate top housing, while the TTC Flame Red utilizes a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate's rigidity contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced auditory response when typing. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the TTC Flame Red absorbs more sound due to its softer texture, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that feels more muted. This difference in top housing materials leads to distinct sound experiences when using each switch, with polycarbonate enhancing brightness and clarity while nylon envelops the auditory experience in a warmer, rounder tone.
Despite the contrast in their top housing materials, both switches share an identical bottom housing material: nylon. This commonality means that, regardless of the differing sounds produced by the top housings, both switches will generate similar deeper and fuller sound profiles attributable to the nylon bottom housing. The nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more vibrations, producing a smooth typing experience. When the keys are bottomed out, users will perceive this characteristic sound and feel in both switches, thereby unifying their experiences through the common properties of the nylon bottom housing and contributing to a satisfying tactile feedback across both models.
Ultimately, the characteristics of each switch will be influenced by the interplay between their top and bottom housing materials. The HMX 1989, with its polycarbonate top, will stand out in terms of the sound produced when releasing a key, providing a clearer and crisper tone. Meanwhile, the TTC Flame Red, due to its nylon top, will favor a muffled but rich sound on release. Nonetheless, the nylon bottom housing harmonizes these experiences, ensuring that both switches deliver a robust and satisfying typing experience, albeit through different auditory profiles. Understanding the distinctions and similarities between these housing materials can help users select the switch that best fits their preferences, whether they gravitate toward brightness or fullness in their typing sounds.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, we find some notable similarities and slight differences in their actuation and bottom-out forces. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, which indicates that users will experience similar ease of key presses when triggering a keystroke. However, the bottom-out force varies slightly; the HMX 1989 has a bottom-out force of 53 grams, while the TTC Flame Red has a bottom-out force of 54 grams. This means that while both switches offer a medium-light typing experience, the TTC Flame Red switch requires just a bit more force to bottom out compared to the HMX 1989. As a result, the TTC Flame Red is marginally heavier when it comes to the bottom-out force, making it slightly more substantial for those who prefer a firmer feel. Overall, users looking for lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions might prefer either option, as both actuation forces are the same. However, those who appreciate a stronger push feel might lean towards the TTC Flame Red for its heavier bottom-out force.
Travel distance
The HMX 1989 linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, which means that when pressing down on either key, users will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. This identical travel distance results in a similar tactile experience, allowing for comparable key feel and responsiveness during use. Since both switches share this measurement, users can expect uniform performance regardless of the switch choice. Thus, neither switch is shorter or longer than the other; they deliver equivalent results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX 1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the 1989 for $3.29.
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 HMX 1989 switch is renowned for its deep and thocky profile, excelling at delivering a satisfying auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience, especially for those who appreciate a substantial sound with authority. In contrast, the TTC Flame Red switch is characterized by a neutral sound profile. This neutrality provides a moderate auditory presence, making it versatile enough for use in a variety of environments, from quiet offices to busy gaming setups. Ultimately, while the 1989 switch's thocky resonance is perfect for those who crave a pronounced acoustic experience, the Flame Red's milder sound makes it an excellent choice for a more subdued typing atmosphere.
In terms of feel, the HMX 1989 offers a substantial typing experience, with a weighty sensation that appeals to users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. The switch is designed to evoke a sense of control and stability, perfect for long typing sessions or intense gaming marathons. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red is described as mild and polished; this means it provides a gentler typing experience, making it an approachable option for users of all skill levels. The polished finish contributes to a smooth key travel, reducing friction and enhancing the overall tactile enjoyment, thus attracting those who prefer a sleek and refined feel with minimal resistance.
In conclusion, while the HMX 1989 and TTC Flame Red switches differ notably in sound and feel, they cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The 1989 is ideal for those who seek a deep, resonant sound and a weighty feel, while the Flame Red appeals to users looking for a smoother, milder experience with pronounced visual aesthetics for backlit setups. Whether you prefer the authoritative acoustics of the 1989 or the neutral versatility of the Flame Red, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience tailored to various needs and styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch boils down to your specific preferences in typing feel, sound, and aesthetics. If you're looking for a deeper, thocky typing experience that emphasizes a more pronounced acoustic feedback, the HMX 1989 is your go-to option. It's particularly suited for gamers or typists who appreciate a satisfying sound profile and a smooth tactile response while typing. On the other hand, if you prioritize a visually striking switch that pairs well with RGB lighting, along with a balanced typing experience characterized by mild, refined smoothness, the TTC Flame Red should be your first choice. Its neutral sound profile and polished feel make it a versatile option suitable for both work and play, appealing to a broader range of users. Ultimately, consider how you personally like to type and what you desire from your keyboard, whether it be acoustics, aesthetics, or an optimal balance of both.
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