TTC Bluish White vs. TTC Flame Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the TTC Flame Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are pleased to offer two distinct mechanical keyboard switches for those seeking a delightful typing experience. The first switch, TTC Bluish White, is a tactile switch that promises a satisfyingly poppy typing experience. With its snappy sound profile and categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', and 'Low-pitched,' it offers a comfortable and smooth feel. On the other hand, we have the TTC Flame Red, a linear switch that not only excels in feel and sound but also in visuals. With a dazzling light diffuser, it becomes the perfect choice for those with backlit, RGB keyboards. Typing on the Flame Reds provides a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished,' this switch offers a different tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the TTC Flame Red switches differ in terms of the materials used. The Bluish White switch features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Flame Red switch utilizes a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is especially advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting due to the translucency of polycarbonate. On the other hand, nylon, being a softer plastic, elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. It absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Bluish White and the Flame Red switches share the same nylon material. Nylon, again, offers a deep and full sound profile, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. As with the top housing, the bottom housing's material has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
While the nylon bottom housing brings similar qualities to both the Bluish White and the Flame Red switches, the different top housing materials create distinct differences in sound. The polycarbonate top housing of the Bluish White switch produces a clear and resonant sound, which complements its stiffer nature. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Flame Red switch enhances the switch's sound with a deeper and fuller tone. Therefore, while both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housing, the varying top housing materials contribute to their unique sound profiles when pressing and releasing the keys.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Bluish White has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the Flame Red requires a slightly heavier force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Bluish White requires 50 grams, while the Flame Red is even heavier with a force of 54 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Bluish White would be a suitable choice as it offers a lower actuation force and bottom out force. This can be beneficial for individuals who need to type for extended periods, such as in a work environment or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push, the Flame Red would be a better option with its slightly heavier forces.
It is worth noting that both switches fall within the light to medium-light range in terms of force required. This means that individuals using either switch can expect similar results in terms of the typing experience, as the differences in force are relatively marginal. Ultimately, the preference between the two switches will come down to personal typing preferences and whether one desires a slightly lighter or heavier feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, it is clear that the Flame Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Bluish White's 3.5 mm. This means that the Flame Red switch will require slightly more force to press down fully. However, it is important to note that both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances and are suitable for most users. Gamers who desire faster response times may prefer the Bluish White switch with its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Flame Red switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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 TTC Bluish White switch offers a low-pitched tone that is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red switch has a neutral sound profile, meaning it falls in the middle in terms of pitch and volume. It doesn't have any extreme characteristics and is suitable for most purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Bluish White switch provides a variety of descriptors. It is often described as "buttery," indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The typing sensation is seamless, effortless, and uniform. Additionally, the Bluish White switch is considered "mild" and "subtle," offering a gentle resistance and a light typing feel. It also falls into the category of "stepped" switches, meaning it gives a sense of pre-travel and/or post-travel, making the tactile feedback more nuanced. Moreover, the switch is characterized as "polished," which means it has a refined finish resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red switch is also described as "mild" and "polished." It provides a gentle typing experience without any extreme characteristics. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. In terms of feel, it shares some similarities with the Bluish White switch, but it does not have the same stepped tactile feedback.
Considering all the available information, the TTC Bluish White switch provides a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile. It offers a buttery, mild, and subtle feel with stepped feedback for a more nuanced typing sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red switch is known for its dazzling light diffuser, making it ideal for backlit, RGB keyboards. It provides a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile. While the two switches have some overlapping qualities, such as being mild and polished, the Bluish White switch offers a more distinct tactile experience while the Flame Red switch focuses more on visual appeal. Depending on your preference for tactile feedback and lighting aesthetics, both switches can be suitable choices.
Conclusion
In closing, to determine whether to choose the TTC Bluish White tactile switch or the TTC Flame Red linear switch, you should consider several factors. If you prioritize a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a light bottom out force, along with a low-pitched sound profile, then the Bluish White switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a backlit, RGB keyboard with a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, along with a slightly higher bottom out force, then the Flame Red switch is the perfect fit. Both switches offer a mild typing experience and a polished finish, ensuring a smooth and refined keystroke. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and priorities, whether it's the tactile feel and low-pitched sound of the Bluish White or the visual appeal and weighty smoothness of the Flame Red. Thus, make an informed choice based on your specific needs and preferences.
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