TTC Flame Red vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver. Both switches are linear in design, meaning there is a smooth keystroke with a consistent force required throughout. The Flame Reds excel in their visual appeal, boasting a dazzling light diffuser that makes them perfect for those who prioritize RGB lighting on their keyboard. Typing on Flame Reds provides a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, giving a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches from Gateron's budget-friendly line-up are known for their gaming prowess. With a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, compared to the standard 4mm, these switches offer lightning-fast responsiveness, providing a competitive advantage in gaming. The frosted light diffuser enhances the vibrant RGB lighting, while the medium-high pitch adds an exhilarating auditory element to gaming sessions. Both switches have their strengths and appeal, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can ultimately decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches have distinct characteristics that result in different sound profiles. The Flame Red features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer and more absorbent properties. This contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer plastic leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate material allows for more clarity and resonance, making it particularly suitable for switches with RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Flame Red and the G Pro 3.0 Silver employ nylon materials. This classic switch housing material shares similar qualities with the nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, contributing to a duller and rounder sound when typing. Whether it is the Flame Red or the G Pro 3.0 Silver, the nylon bottom housing will have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.
Although these two switches have different top and bottom housings, the specific qualities brought by each housing material will be split between the top and bottom. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more noticeable in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will play a more significant role in the sound that is produced when releasing a key. Therefore, despite the differences in housing materials, users can expect similar results in terms of the overall sound profiles of both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke on both switches is equal. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Flame Red switch is slightly heavier at 54 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch, which has a bottom out force of 50 grams.
Considering the weight of the switches, lighter options are favored by those who prefer longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. The G Pro 3.0 Silver switch, with its lower bottom out force, would be suitable for users looking for a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, some individuals prefer a more substantial typing feel and may opt for switches with heavier forces. In this case, the Flame Red switch would be a better choice due to its higher bottom out force.
In summary, while both switches share the same actuation force, the Flame Red switch is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch. This indicates that the Flame Red switch provides a more substantial typing experience, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch offers a lighter feel, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches will provide similar tactile feedback and keypress sensations in terms of travel distance.
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 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
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
The Flame Red and G Pro 3.0 Silver switches have distinct sound profiles. The Flame Red switch is characterized as having a clacky sound profile, which provides a weighty smoothness when typing. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is described as having a bassy and low-pitched sound with thocky qualities. This gives it a deep and rich auditory element during key presses. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so individual results may vary. Overall, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile, the Flame Red switch would be suitable, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch offers a more bass-heavy and thocky experience.
When comparing the feel of these switches, the Flame Red switch is described as mild and polished. The mild characteristics of the Flame Red switch provide a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the switch has a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is described as buttery and creamy. This indicates a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a silky sensation when typing. The G Pro 3.0 Silver switch achieves this either through factory lubrication or specific materials used. Both switches offer a pleasant and comfortable typing experience, with the Flame Red switch being more mild and polished, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch provides a buttery and creamy sensation.
In conclusion, the Flame Red and G Pro 3.0 Silver switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Flame Red switch is visually appealing with its light diffuser and provides a weighty smoothness in sound and a polished feel in typing. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch offers exceptional value for gaming, with a shorter travel distance and enhanced RGB lighting. It has a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, along with a buttery and creamy feel while typing. Both switches cater to different preferences, so choosing between them depends on personal preference and the specific use case. However, if you are looking for similar results in terms of sound and feel, the Flame Red switch offers a neutral sound and mild feel, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch provides a low-pitched sound and buttery feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize visuals and want a backlit, RGB keyboard, the TTC Flame Red linear switch is the best choice for you. These switches have a dazzling light diffuser, making them perfect for showcasing vibrant lighting effects. Additionally, they offer a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile when typing. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for exceptional gaming performance without breaking the bank, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is the way to go. These switches have a shorter travel distance, providing lightning-fast responsiveness that gives you a competitive advantage. They also feature vibrant RGB lighting enhanced by a frosted light diffuser, creating an immersive gaming setup. In terms of sound, the Flame Red provides a neutral sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound experience. As for feel, the Flame Red is mild and polished, offering a gentle and smooth typing experience, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver is buttery and creamy, providing a seamless and silky sensation. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences and priorities.
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