TTC Flame Red vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself torn between the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown. Both switches have their unique features that make them appealing choices, but it's important to dive in a bit deeper to make the best decision for your needs. The Flame Red is renowned for its dazzling light diffuser, making it perfect for those who desire a backlit, RGB keyboard. Typing on the Flame Reds offers a weighty smoothness accompanied by a clacky sound profile, giving it a distinctive feel. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown presents a cost-effective option without compromising quality. These switches provide a gentle bump, giving a delightful and subtle tactile sensation that enhances your typing flow. With a frosted light diffuser, the G Pro Brown ensures your RGB lighting shines brighter, creating an immersive visual experience. Additionally, it offers a medium-high pitch that adds a satisfying auditory feedback to your typing sessions. However, let's take a closer look at these switches to help you decide which one is the best fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches differ in terms of the material used. The Flame Red features a nylon top and bottom housing, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing.
In terms of sound profile, the Flame Red's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic nature. It absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The relatively stiffer polycarbonate plastic leads to a clearer and more resonant sound profile. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Brown's clear polycarbonate top housing is ideal for users planning to utilize RGB lighting.
When it comes to the bottom housings of both switches, they are both made of nylon and therefore share similar qualities. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches. The nylon bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down.
Overall, while the top housing materials of the Flame Red and G Pro 3.0 Brown switches differ, they both offer distinct sound profiles. The Flame Red's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and more resonant sound. However, the bottom housings of both switches share similar characteristics, resulting in a similar bottom-out sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Flame Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown's 55 grams. Similarly, the Flame Red has a lighter bottom out force of 54 grams while the G Pro 3.0 Brown requires 63 grams. This indicates that the Flame Red provides a slightly lighter and smoother typing experience, making it favorable for prolonged typing or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a more substantial push feel, making it suitable for individuals who prefer a stronger and more tactile typing experience. Despite these variations, both switches fall within the medium-light to medium range, ensuring that users will achieve similar results when typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same 4 mm distance of travel. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results. There is no significant difference in the travel distance between the two switches as they are equal.
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 Brown 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 Brown 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 TTC Flame Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists, and whether they are using the switch at home or in a work setting. The sound of the switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch provides a medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback. It adds an extra layer of joy to typing sessions, without overpowering the overall typing flow. However, the specific sound characteristics of the G Pro 3.0 Brown are not provided in the given information.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Flame Red linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. With its gentle characteristics, it provides a more approachable typing experience for most users. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This enhances the overall typing experience.
Likewise, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch is described as easy-to-press, offering minimal resistance during key presses. It requires minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. This reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Brown also falls under the category of mild switches, providing a safe and middle-ground typing experience. The switch is also described as stepped, indicating that it has a tactile feel with two stages, allowing users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
In conclusion, the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch have their own unique qualities. The Flame Red offers a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, making it a visually stunning option for users with backlit, RGB keyboards. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a subtle tactile sensation, with a delightful bump that complements the typing flow. Both switches have their own light diffusers to enhance the RGB lighting experience. While the specific sound characteristics of the G Pro 3.0 Brown are unknown, its easy-to-press nature and mild stepped feel ensure a comfortable and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize visual aesthetics and enjoy a weighty smoothness with a clacky sound profile, the TTC Flame Red linear switch would be an excellent choice, especially if you have a backlit, RGB keyboard. On the other hand, if you value an economical solution without compromising on quality, along with a delightful and subtle tactile sensation that won't overpower your typing flow, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch is the way to go. Both switches offer a medium actuation force and a comfortable typing experience, but the Flame Red leans towards a sleek and polished feel, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides an easy-to-press and stepped feel. Consider your visual preferences, sound preferences, and whether you prioritize a more neutral switch (Flame Red) or a switch with a gentle bump (G Pro 3.0 Brown) to make your final decision. Ultimately, it's important to choose the switch that best suits your individual preferences and typing style.
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