HMX 1989 vs. TTC Flaming Pink
An in-depth look at the HMX 1989 and the TTC Flaming Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options like the HMX 1989 and the TTC Flaming Pink, both of which offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The HMX 1989, celebrated for its deep and thocky sound profile, provides a distinctive auditory feedback that many typists and gamers find satisfying during long sessions. It is designed to deliver a robust feel that enhances tactile engagement, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize sound and feedback in their typing experience. Conversely, the TTC Flaming Pink is known for its smooth, responsive actuation and pleasant but not overpowering sound, striking a balance that appeals to both casual typists and competitive gamers alike. Its versatility makes it a strong contender for everyday use, coupling functionality with a comfortable feel. Each switch brings its own strengths to the table, catering 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
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials employed in both the HMX 1989 and the TTC Flaming Pink share a commonality that influences their acoustic performance and aesthetic appeal. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, which is known for delivering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which promotes a clear and resonant audio experience. Furthermore, the translucent properties of polycarbonate are especially beneficial for RGB lighting applications, enhancing the visual experience when the keys are illuminated. Thus, users can expect similar auditory and visual outcomes from both switches due to their shared material for the top housing, making them well-suited for environments valuing both sound clarity and RGB aesthetics.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials differ between the two switches. Both the HMX 1989 and the TTC Flaming Pink employ nylon for their bottom housings, a classic choice that produces a distinctively deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon serves to absorb more sound, contributing to a rounder acoustic experience compared to stiffer materials. This difference in the bottom housing material implies that while the top housing influences the sound produced upon key release, the nylon bottom housing will shape the feel and sound during the key press, creating a unique tactile experience for both switches when typing.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials results in differentiated sound characteristics throughout the typing experience. With polycarbonate in the top housing of both the 1989 and the Flaming Pink, users can expect similar high-frequency sound clarity and aesthetic benefits from RGB lighting. The nylon bottom housing, shared by both switches, will further contribute to a fuller and warmer sound profile when the switches are activated. Consequently, while there are evident similarities in the top housing, the distinct types of sound produced during key presses and releases highlight the importance of each housing material's role in the overall auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, there are distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX 1989 requires an actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom-out force of 53 grams, while the TTC Flaming Pink is slightly lighter, with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom-out force of 50 grams. This makes the Flaming Pink switch the lighter option overall. Users who prefer a lighter switch might find the Flaming Pink more suited for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less force to actuate. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may gravitate toward the HMX 1989, which offers a bit more resistance. Despite their differences, both switches are designed to provide a smooth and satisfying typing experience, allowing for similar keystroke results due to their comparable bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX 1989 linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm indicates that the HMX 1989 provides a more substantial feel when pressed, appealing to those who enjoy a deeper keystroke for a more traditional typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Pink’s shorter travel distance caters to gamers and users who prefer quicker response times, making it ideal for fast-paced environments. Therefore, if responsiveness is your priority, the Flaming Pink may be the better choice, while the HMX 1989 appeals to those who appreciate a fuller, more tactile engagement with each keystroke.
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 Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX 1989 linear switch is renowned for its incredibly deep and thocky profile, which contributes to a unique auditory experience often favored by those who appreciate a more pronounced sound when typing or gaming. This characteristic gives the switch a more resonant and satisfying feedback that may enhance the overall enjoyment of use. Conversely, the TTC Flaming Pink switches feature a bright yet not overly loud sound profile, striking a balance that makes them suitable for a variety of environments. This can be particularly appealing for users who desire a premium typing experience without the intrusive noise that some heavier switches can produce.
When it comes to feel, the HMX 1989 switch is known for its smoothness and a weighted action that aligns perfectly with its deep auditory feedback, making it a solid choice for users who prefer a tactile sense of engagement while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Pink switches offer a smooth and responsive feel, which provides excellent performance for fast-paced gaming and everyday typing tasks alike. The premium feel of the Flaming Pink switches complements their sound profile well, aiming to provide a satisfying experience regardless of the use case.
In conclusion, while the HMX 1989 linear switch presents a unique deep thocky sound and a weighted yet smooth feel, the TTC Flaming Pink offers a balanced, bright auditory experience and smooth responsiveness. Despite their differences, both switches provide a premium typing experience suited for various applications. If you're looking for thocky depth, the 1989 is your choice; for a more subtle yet pleasant experience, the Flaming Pink switches might be better suited. Ultimately, your decision will depend on whether you prioritize sound depth or a balanced typing feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX 1989 and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switches ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and intended usage. If you’re seeking a balance between gaming and casual typing, and you enjoy a medium-light bottom-out force with a deeper, thockier sound that offers a satisfying auditory feedback, then the HMX 1989 would be the switch for you. It excels in providing a more pronounced tactile experience, making it especially appealing for those who appreciate the feel of each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch for quick, responsive input—particularly in fast-paced gaming scenarios—the TTC Flaming Pink, with its light bottom-out force and smooth, satisfying feel, is likely your best bet. Its sound profile strikes an excellent balance, offering an enjoyable piano-like acoustic without being overly loud, making it suitable for both intense gameplay sessions and everyday typing tasks. Ultimately, consider which aspects—force, sound, and tactile feedback—are most important to you, and let that guide your choice between these two excellent linear switches.
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