HMX FJ400 vs. TTC Flaming Pink
An in-depth look at the HMX FJ400 and the TTC Flaming Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference, especially between linear switches that promise smooth keystrokes and minimal tactile feedback. The HMX FJ400 stands out in the HMX Film switch lineup as a versatile option, boasting a balanced sound profile that appeals to users seeking a harmonious blend of acoustic feedback and typing feel. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Pink switches are known for their exceptionally smooth and responsive actuation, complemented by a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the overall experience for both gamers and typists alike. While the Flaming Pink's bright yet subdued sound profile caters to those looking for an engaging auditory experience, the FJ400 provides a more neutral sound, making it suitable for various environments. Ultimately, these switches cater to different preferences—whether you prioritize an even sound balance or a delightful typing sensation. 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
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
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 HMX FJ400 and TTC Flaming Pink switches showcase distinctive housing materials that yield contrasting acoustic profiles. The FJ400 features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound characteristic. This is a result of POM’s unique properties, which help create an incredibly pleasing auditory experience. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Pink opts for a polycarbonate top housing that delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisp sound. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to clearer resonance, ensuring that it stands out as a preferred material for RGB lighting setups due to its translucency. Thus, while both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings—resulting in a fuller sound—the use of differing materials for the top housings ultimately leads to distinct acoustic experiences.
The bottom housing material for both switches is consistent, as both the FJ400 and Flaming Pink employ nylon. Known for its ability to absorb sound, nylon offers a deeper and fuller auditory profile. This attribute helps moderate the overall sound experience, as the softer plastic delivers a more rounded and muted sound when typing. Given that both switches utilize nylon in the same way, this aspect of their performance remains harmonious and comparable. As such, this similarity potentially offsets the differences in their top housing materials when it comes to the overall typing feel and sound impact during key presses.
When evaluating the shared qualities and differing characteristics of these two switches, it's important to note how the interaction between the two housing materials influences the overall sound and feel. The top housing significantly affects the sound produced upon key release, while the bottom housing contributes to the tactile feedback and bottom-out sound during key presses. Therefore, while the HMX FJ400's POM top and the TTC Flaming Pink's polycarbonate top will create differing sound profiles, their shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a fuller auditory experience, leading to a carefully balanced performance overall. This interplay demonstrates how a combination of varying materials can lead to intriguing and unique results in keyboard switch designs.
Weight
When comparing the HMX FJ400 linear switch to the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The FJ400 requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, categorized as medium. In contrast, the Flaming Pink is lighter, with an actuation force of just 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, classifying it as a light switch. This disparity in weight can significantly influence the typing experience: while the FJ400's heavier force might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial and tactile feel, which can enhance typing satisfaction during shorter sessions, the Flaming Pink's lighter forces make it ideal for prolonged use, offering ease of typing for extended durations in work or gaming environments. Consequently, users seeking a lighter and more comfortable typing experience may gravitate towards the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, while those valuing a firmer push should consider the HMX FJ400.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, we find that the FJ400 has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Flaming Pink features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the FJ400 the longer option, offering a more pronounced keypress experience, which some users may find preferable for its depth and tactile feedback. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Flaming Pink caters more to gamers and users seeking quicker response times. Those who prefer more immediate actuation might gravitate towards the Flaming Pink, while the FJ400 may appeal to individuals who appreciate a more substantial key travel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will largely depend on personal preferences regarding the feel and responsiveness of the keys.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX FJ400 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the FJ400 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 FJ400 has a balanced sound profile, making it a versatile choice that is neither too loud nor too muted, which allows it to fit well in various environments without being disruptive. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Pink produces a bright yet not overly loud sound, striking a nice balance that enhances the experience without overwhelming the senses. Both switches can produce satisfying auditory feedback, contributing positively to their overall appeal, but individual experiences may vary depending on the specific keyboard build and keycap selection used.
When considering the feel, the FJ400 is positioned as a middle ground in the HMX Film switch lineup, suggesting a smooth and even typing experience that balances responsiveness with comfort. The TTC Flaming Pink, noted for its smoothness and responsiveness, is designed to offer a premium typing experience that excels in both gaming and everyday tasks. This informs users that while both switches aim for a smooth interaction, the TTC Flaming Pink may lean more toward a premium feel, making it particularly enjoyable for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the HMX FJ400 and TTC Flaming Pink linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The FJ400 is ideal for those seeking a balanced sound profile, whereas the Flaming Pink provides a brighter sound that enhances the typing experience. In terms of feel, both switches are designed to deliver smooth responses, with the Flaming Pink potentially offering a more premium experience. Ultimately, users can expect satisfying performance from either option, making them both great choices for enhancing a mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, your preference for actuation force and sound profile will play a significant role. If you find that you prefer a medium actuation force for more tactile feedback during typing or gaming, the FJ400, with its 58-gram bottom-out force, strikes a nice balance, providing a solid typing experience that can feel satisfying while still being accessible for longer typing sessions. Moreover, if you appreciate a well-rounded sound profile and are keen on a switch that can cater to a variety of use cases, the FJ400 will likely meet your needs. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch with a 50-gram bottom-out force, the TTC Flaming Pink switch may be the better choice, especially if you enjoy a smooth and responsive feel along with a delightful sound that’s bright but not overly loud. This makes it ideal for both gaming and everyday typing tasks. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your own typing style and sound preferences; consider what feels and sounds best to you as you make your decision.
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