TTC Flame Red vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the TTC Flame Red, a linear switch, and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black, also a linear switch. The Flame Red stands out for its visually stunning light diffuser, making it ideal for those looking to enhance their backlit, RGB keyboard setup. Typing on the Flame Reds provides a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, categorized as neutral, mild, and polished. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black from Gateron is praised for delivering premium quality at an affordable price point. It is the heaviest linear switch in the G Pro series, offering a more substantial typing experience with its 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force. The auditory experience is characterized by a medium-high pitch, and the frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting effects, categorized as clacky, creamy, subdued, silky, and subtle. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches exhibit some key differences in sound profile. The Flame Red's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Black's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky, providing a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound. These differences in sound profile can significantly impact the typing experience for users seeking either a deeper, fuller sound or a sharp, energetic clack.
Another point of comparison between the Flame Red and G Pro 3.0 Black switches lies in their bottom housings. The Flame Red's nylon bottom housing, like its top housing, contributes to a deep and fuller sound profile with its ability to absorb sound and create a rounder sound. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black's POM bottom housing creates a unique and pleasing sound profile that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted. This difference in sound profile can cater to users who prefer a softer, more muted typing experience compared to those seeking a deeper and fuller sound.
While the top and bottom housings of the Flame Red and G Pro 3.0 Black switches offer distinct sound profiles, the impact of each housing material can be felt differently during typing. The bottom housing plays a larger role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, influencing the overall typing experience with its unique sound profile. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when a key is released, introducing subtle nuances in sound that can enhance the overall typing experience. Despite their differences in housing materials, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of their top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, we can see a clear difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Flame Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 Black which has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. Similarly, the Flame Red has a lighter bottom out force of 54 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Black has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the Flame Red switch provides a lighter typing experience overall, perfect for those who prefer a smoother typing feel for longer periods of time. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, ideal for users who prefer a bit more resistance in their keystrokes. Overall, the choice between the two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Flame Red TTC linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distance, both switches provide a similar keypress experience as they cover the same distance from the top to the bottom. Whether you choose the Flame Red or the G Pro 3.0 Black, you can expect to receive consistent results in terms of travel distance, ensuring a smooth typing or gaming experience with either switch.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Black for $2.77.
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 Flame Red is a neutral switch with a moderate sound profile, suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black has a clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy auditory experience. The Flame Red offers a balanced approach to sound, while the G Pro 3.0 Black delivers a more pronounced and percussive sound, ideal for those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback while typing. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as keyboard build and keycaps.
Moving on to feel, the Flame Red provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and refined tactile feel. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a creamy and silky typing experience, with smooth and buttery key presses that glide effortlessly. The subtle resistance of the G Pro 3.0 Black ensures a light typing feel, making it suitable for shared spaces where loud typing noises may be a concern. Whether you prefer a mild and polished feel or a creamy and silky sensation, both switches offer unique tactile experiences for users to enjoy.
In conclusion, the TTC Flame Red and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switches each have their own distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Flame Red excels in providing a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, while the G Pro 3.0 Black stands out with its medium-high pitch and creamy, silky typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and tactile feedback, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers and enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Flame Red linear switch or the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a visually stunning and backlit RGB experience, along with a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, the Flame Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantive typing experience with a balanced medium-heavy feel and medium-high pitch sound, along with frosted light diffusers for vibrant RGB effects, the G Pro 3.0 Black could be more suited to your taste. Remember to also consider the actuation force and bottom out force of each switch, with the Flame Red being medium-light at 54 grams and the G Pro 3.0 Black being medium-heavy at 70 grams. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what matters most to you when making your decision.
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