Gateron CM vs. TTC Flaming Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the TTC Flaming Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can dramatically affect your typing experience, and two popular linear options are the Gateron CM and the TTC Flaming Pink. The Gateron CM stands out with its innovative full nylon housing, producing a rich, deep sound signature that many enthusiasts appreciate. Accompanied by an impressive factory lube job, this switch provides an effortlessly smooth typing experience, enhanced by a bouncy, dual-staged spring that creates a delightful sense of gliding with every keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Pink offers a more responsive feel with a satisfying bottom-out sound, striking a balance between noise and performance that makes it ideal for both gaming and daily typing. While the CM is celebrated for its low-pitched, "thocky" acoustics and plush feel, the Flaming Pink caters to those seeking a bright yet moderately loud sound profile along with versatility. 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
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CM and TTC Flaming Pink switches differ noticeably in their choice of top housing material, which significantly affects the auditory profile of each switch. The Gateron CM features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. This softer plastic contributes to a dampened sound character, making it ideal for users who prefer a quieter, more subdued typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Pink employs a polycarbonate top housing that offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate amplifies clarity and resonance, ultimately producing a crisper auditory sensation with each keystroke. Therefore, users can expect substantial differences in sound between the two switches primarily attributed to the distinct materials used in their constructions.
While the top housings of the two switches present contrasting characteristics, the bottom housings reveal a uniformity that highlights shared traits. Both the Gateron CM and TTC Flaming Pink feature nylon in their bottom housings, which provides a similar acoustic dampening effect that leads to a fuller sound profile when bottoming out. This shared use of nylon results in a consistent typing feel, as the bottom housing's qualities significantly impact the overall sound and tactile sensation during a keypress. As such, whether users choose the Gateron CM or the TTC Flaming Pink, they can expect a comparable experience in terms of bottom-out feel, with both switches offering that characteristic deeper sound due to the nylon material.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron CM and TTC Flaming Pink switches comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic considerations. The nylon top housing of the Gateron CM provides a typing experience rich in warmth and depth, while the polycarbonate top of the TTC Flaming Pink creates a more piercing, bright sound that can resonate beautifully in RGB-lit settings. Given each switch's strengths and how the different materials function in regard to sound production, users can tailor their typing experiences to better suit their preferences. Choosing based on these characteristics allows for a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience, whether one values warmth and depth or crisper clarity in sound.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CM linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron CM features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Pink is considerably lighter, with an actuation force of just 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Flaming Pink more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for more extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Gateron CM's heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial feel, which may appeal to those who appreciate a firmer typing experience. Therefore, while both switches serve different user preferences, the CM is the heavier option, ensuring a more tactile feedback, whereas the Flaming Pink offers a lighter and easier keystroke.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CM linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equivalent in this regard. This means that users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on the keys for both switches, as they travel the same distance from the top to the bottom. Consequently, whether using the Gateron CM or the TTC Flaming Pink, the tactile experience of pressing down and bottoming out will be identical, providing a consistent typing experience across both switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron CM linear switch is celebrated for its rich and deep tonal profile, producing a bassy, thocky sound that gives a satisfying auditory feedback during each keystroke. The switch offers a low-pitched sound characterized by a deep "thud" that resonates beautifully, creating an immersive typing experience akin to a soft knock. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch is noted for its smooth operation while providing a bright yet not overly loud sound profile. Although specific descriptors for the Flaming Pink's sound are not provided, its overall acoustic quality is designed to complement both gaming and everyday use without overwhelming the user, making it a versatile choice for those seeking balance in auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CM switches shine with their exceptional smoothness, often described as buttery and polished. This fluid keystroke experience is augmented by an impeccable factory lube job that minimizes friction, lending a creamy and frictionless tactile experience to typists. The lengthened, dual-staged spring adds a bouncy aspect that enhances the overall sensation of each press, ensuring comfort during extended typing sessions. Unfortunately, the feel characteristics of the TTC Flaming Pink switches have not been specified, leaving a gap in direct comparison. However, they are characterized as responsive, suggesting a desirable level of feedback for users who engage in both gaming and regular typing tasks.
In conclusion, both the Gateron CM and TTC Flaming Pink linear switches offer unique yet appealing qualities that cater to different preferences. The CM excels with its deep, rich sound and an extraordinarily smooth typing experience, while the Flaming Pink promises a satisfying auditory feedback alongside a responsive feel suitable for various use cases. Although the TTC Flaming Pink lacks specific details about its sound and feel characteristics, its design ensures a premium typing experience comparable to that of the CM switches, allowing users to explore enjoyment and performance, albeit through different auditory and tactile lenses.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice between the Gateron CM linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a heavier feel to your keystrokes and enjoy a deeper, richer sound profile, the Gateron CM may be the ideal option for you. Its 63.5-gram bottom-out force offers a substantial, tactile response that can enhance your typing experience, especially if you appreciate a bouncy feel thanks to its unique dual-staged spring. Additionally, the CM's buttery and polished sensations, combined with its bassy and thocky sound, create a satisfying and immersive typing experience that many users find appealing, particularly for prolonged typing or productivity tasks. On the other hand, if you are looking for a lighter switch that provides a snappy response and is well-suited for both gaming and general use, the TTC Flaming Pink is worth considering. With a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, these switches enable quicker key presses and offer a smooth, gratifying feel that can elevate your gaming performance. Their sound is bright yet not overly loud, making them a great choice for quieter environments or when you want to keep distractions to a minimum. Ultimately, whether you choose the Gateron CM or the TTC Flaming Pink, both switches provide distinct qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so consider your comfort, sound preference, and usage scenarios when making your final decision.
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