TTC Flame Red vs. TTC Flaming Pink
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the TTC Flaming Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two prominent options are the TTC Flame Red and the TTC Flaming Pink, both of which are linear switches. The Flame Red switch stands out not only for its striking visuals—thanks to its exceptional light diffuser—but also for its weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, making it a perfect choice if you're aiming to enhance your RGB keyboard's aesthetics. On the other hand, the Flaming Pink switch is celebrated for its smooth, responsive feel and a satisfying bottom-out sound, delivering a premium experience that caters to both gamers and casual users alike without being overly loud. While the Flame Red offers a more distinct auditory feedback, the Flaming Pink provides a balanced and refined sound profile. Both switches have their unique appeal, with the Flame Red excelling in vibrant visuals and auditory characteristics, while the Flaming Pink prioritizes a seamless experience for a diverse range of users. 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
54g
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
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and TTC Flaming Pink switches, one can observe distinct differences in their top housing materials. The Flame Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which is recognized for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due in part to nylon's softer plastic quality that absorbs sound waves, creating a duller, rounder auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Flaming Pink's top housing is made from polycarbonate, a stiffer and more rigid plastic that enhances clarity and resonance, leading to a higher-pitched, crisper sound. The translucency of the polycarbonate also adds aesthetic advantages, especially for users who intend to incorporate RGB lighting in their keyboards, making the switch not only functional but visually appealing.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the TTC Flame Red and Flaming Pink employ nylon for their respective designs. This commonality means that the typing experience, particularly when bottoming out the keys, will exhibit similar deeper sound qualities characteristic of nylon. Given that nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, users can expect the same full-bodied auditory feedback when they press down on these switches. This shared housing material allows for consistent tactile and auditory feedback during typing, despite the differences in sound profiles created by the varying top housings.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials between the TTC Flame Red and TTC Flaming Pink are significant in shaping the overall sound experience. Yet, the uniformity in the bottom housing material—nylon for both—ensures that the typing feeling and sound when bottoming out will be consistent, providing a harmonious balance in auditory feedback. Users who appreciate the depth in sound might lean toward the Flame Red’s nylon top, while those looking for crisper sounds may prefer the Flaming Pink’s polycarbonate. Regardless, the shared nylon bottom housing means that both switches will maintain a comparable tactile experience, allowing users to enjoy the characteristics of both switch types while benefiting from a familiar foundation.
Weight
The TTC Flame Red and TTC Flaming Pink linear switches present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Flame Red switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, classified as medium-light. In contrast, the Flaming Pink switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating it is indeed the lighter option. Both switches require a different amount of force for actuation and bottoming out, with the Flaming Pink being easier to press down and providing a softer overall feel. Thus, users who prefer a lighter, less strenuous typing experience, which is ideal for extended usage, would likely favor the Flaming Pink switch. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing might be more inclined to choose the Flame Red due to its heavier force characteristics. Ultimately, while both switches offer unique benefits based on their differing weights, the Flaming Pink is clearly the lighter choice, making it more suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The TTC Flame Red linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Flame Red the longer option, providing a more traditional keypress experience that some users might prefer for its more pronounced depth. In contrast, the Flaming Pink’s 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those seeking a quicker response time, appealing particularly to gamers who favor the advantages of reduced travel for faster keystrokes. While both switches allow for effective typing and gaming, their differing travel distances may influence user preference based on individual needs for responsiveness versus depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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 TTC Flame Red linear switch offers a balanced, neutral sound profile that is neither overly loud nor too quiet. This sound characteristic makes it versatile for various environments, suitable for both home and office use. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Pink also delivers a satisfying bottom-out sound that is bright but not excessively loud. This engaging sound adds to the overall typing experience, making it enjoyable for both gaming and everyday tasks. While both switches provide an appealing auditory experience, the Flame Red emphasizes a more moderate sound profile while the Flaming Pink leans toward a brighter, more satisfying note.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flame Red stands out for its mild yet polished characteristics. The mildness ensures a gentler typing experience that feels accessible to a wide range of users, while the polished finish results in smooth key travel and reduced friction, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the details regarding the feel of the Flaming Pink are less defined. While it is known for being smooth and responsive, specifics on its tactile feedback and overall user experience are not provided, leaving some of its feel qualities unknown.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flame Red and TTC Flaming Pink linear switches cater to different preferences while providing unique qualities. The Flame Red emphasizes a neutral sound profile and a mild but polished feel, making it approachable for any user. The Flaming Pink offers a more distinct auditory experience with its bright sound, paired with a smooth feel that is responsive in nature. Depending on your priorities—whether it's a balanced sound or a vibrant typing experience—you'll find satisfaction in either switch. Ultimately, both switches promise to deliver a quality typing experience, though their subtle differences can cater to personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Flame Red and TTC Flaming Pink linear switches, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a somewhat heftier feel with a bottom-out force of 54 grams, the Flame Red would be your ideal choice. This switch shines with its smoothness and a clackier sound profile, making it particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate both aesthetics and auditory feedback, especially in a backlit setup thanks to its exceptional light diffuser. On the other hand, if you seek a lighter touch and a more subdued sound experience while maintaining a smooth typing surface, the Flaming Pink with its 50 grams bottom-out force would be a better fit. It excels in providing a balanced, responsive feel perfect for both gaming and everyday tasks, with a bright sound that remains pleasantly unobtrusive. Thus, consider the context of where you plan to use your keyboard and how much typing and gaming versatility you desire before making your selection.
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