TTC Flame Red vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow. Each switch offers its own unique features and benefits that cater to different preferences and needs. The Flame Red stands out for its stunning light diffuser, making it the ideal choice for those who enjoy a backlit, RGB keyboard. When typing on the Flame Reds, users can expect a weighty smoothness and a satisfying clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is renowned for its budget-friendly nature while still delivering excellent performance. Typing on these switches produces a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a bouncy type feel. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, let's explore the switches in more detail to ensure you make the best choice for your specific preferences and requirements.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
15.4mm long spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flame Red and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow differ in terms of their housing materials. The Flame Red features a nylon top housing, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This means that when typing on the Flame Red, you can expect a duller and rounder sound, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow will provide a more clear and resonant sound.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Flame Red and the G Pro 3.0 Yellow use nylon. This means that they will have similar qualities when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches will offer a deeper and fuller sound profile when pressing down on the keys. However, it is important to note that the top housing will still have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Flame Red and the G Pro 3.0 Yellow impact the sound profiles they produce. The nylon top housing of the Flame Red creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow produces a sharper and crisper sound. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, resulting in a similar deep and full sound when bottoming out. So, while there are distinctions in the sound profiles of these switches, they do share certain similarities in terms of their housing materials.
Weight
When considering the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Flame Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for a quicker response when typing or gaming. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This means that users who prefer a more substantial typing experience may find the G Pro 3.0 Yellow to be more suitable.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Flame Red has a force of 54 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams. This indicates that typing or gaming on the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch will require a firmer pressure to fully depress the keys.
Considering weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Flame Red switch, as its actuation and bottom out forces are lower. This lighter option allows for longer typing sessions without causing excessive fatigue. However, those seeking a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may prefer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch, as its actuation and bottom out forces are higher.
Overall, the TTC Flame Red linear switch offers a medium-light actuation and bottom out force, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch provides a medium-heavy actuation and bottom out force. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
In terms of travel distance, both the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch have the same measurement of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results and there is no noticeable difference in this aspect between the two switches.
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 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
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 linear switch from TTC is best known for its dazzling light diffuser, making it the ideal choice for those who want a backlit, RGB keyboard. When typing on the Flame Reds, users will experience a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile. In terms of sound, the Flame Red switch is described as neutral, which means it offers a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you use it at home or work. The feel of the Flame Red switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience and a sleek, refined finish that reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch is renowned for its budget-friendly excellence. When typing on these switches, users will notice a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a fairly bouncy type feel. In terms of sound, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is described as high-pitched and resonant, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This can be a preference for those who do not enjoy the rich and bassy sound profiles of certain switches. The feel of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is also described as polished, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, it is mentioned that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch provides a creamy typing experience, implying a smooth and buttery sensation with each keystroke.
Overall, the Flame Red and G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Flame Red switch provides a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile. It offers a neutral sound profile suitable for most purposes and a mild feel with a polished finish. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch, on the other hand, produces a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a fairly bouncy type feel. It offers a high-pitched and resonant sound profile that is sharp and crisp. The feel of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is also described as polished, and it provides a creamy typing experience. While these switches have different characteristics, they both offer a polished feel, reduced friction, and smooth key travel. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of feel, although the sound profiles may differ. Ultimately, the choice between the Flame Red and G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches would depend on the individual's preference for sound and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a visually stunning switch with a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, the TTC Flame Red linear switch is the right choice for you. Its dazzling light diffuser makes it perfect for backlit, RGB keyboards. On the other hand, if you prefer a budget-friendly option with a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a fairly bouncy type feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch is the way to go.
In terms of sound, the Flame Red is neutral, making it suitable for most purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you'll be using the switch at home or work. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow, on the other hand, has a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, both switches have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Flame Red offers a mild typing experience, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a creamy and buttery sensation, gliding effortlessly with each keystroke.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch depends on your preferences for visuals, sound, and feel. Consider the specific characteristics and qualities described to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and overall keyboard experience.
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