TTC Flame Red vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch to the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, there are several key distinctions to consider. The Flame Red is best known for its stunning light diffuser, making it the perfect choice for those who have a backlit, RGB keyboard. This switch offers a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro is prized for its subtle, nuanced feedback with a gentle tactile bump that provides a background presence without being overpowering. Its subdued sound profile ensures a whisper-like keystroke experience, categorized as 'Polished', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Silky', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Subtle', and 'Stepped'. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and specific needs. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
Overall, the Flame Red and Gold Brown Pro differ primarily in their top housing materials. The Flame Red features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile as a result of its stiffer plastic construction. This contrast in sound profiles highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
While the top housing materials of the Flame Red and Gold Brown Pro differ significantly, their bottom housing materials remain consistent with both utilizing nylon. This consistency ensures that typing on switches from either model will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon plastics, which absorb more sound than harder plastics. As a result, the bottom housing material plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch, complementing the qualities brought about by the top housing material.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches can have a noticeable impact on the sound and feel of typing. The Flame Red's nylon top and bottom housings produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches showcase how the top and bottom housing materials work together to create a unique typing experience, with the qualities of each material balancing out to provide a satisfying tactile response for users. Whether opting for the Flame Red's nylon housing or the Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate housing, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with distinct sound profiles.
Weight
The TTC Flame Red linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Flame Red has a bottom out force of 54 grams, while the Gold Brown Pro's bottom out force is unknown. The Flame Red switch is considered medium-light in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. When comparing the two switches, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Flame Red due to its lower bottom out force. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel may opt for the Gold Brown Pro for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the weight of the switch plays a significant role in determining the typing experience, with lighter switches being preferred for longer typing sessions and heavier switches for a more robust feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, it is clear that the Flame Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Gold Brown Pro's 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Flame Red being slightly on the longer side. Gamers who prioritize speed may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Gold Brown Pro for faster response times, while those who prefer a more deliberate keypress may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Flame Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and responsiveness.
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 Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. This makes it a versatile choice whether you're a beginner or a seasoned user. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch produces a thocky, low-pitched sound that is deep, rich, and satisfying. This adds a level of sophistication to each keystroke, creating a more immersive typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Flame Red offering a more neutral tone and the Gold Brown Pro providing a deeper, more tactile sound.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Flame Red linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and refined finish that enhances the overall typing feel. This makes typing on the Flame Red switches approachable and comfortable for most users. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offers a polished and silky typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Gold Brown Pro switch also features a subtle and stepped tactile bump, providing nuanced feedback without being overly pronounced. Both switches offer a gentle typing experience, with the Flame Red focusing on a safe and middle-ground feel, while the Gold Brown Pro adds a level of smoothness and subtlety to each keystroke.
In conclusion, the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Flame Red provides a neutral sound profile with a mild and polished typing experience, while the Gold Brown Pro offers a thocky, low-pitched sound with a polished and silky feel. Whether you prefer a more versatile typing experience with a moderate sound profile or a deeper, more tactile sound with a smoother feel, both switches provide excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Flame Red linear switch or the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and priorities. If you prioritize a visually stunning and backlit keyboard with a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, then the Flame Red might be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a subtle and nuanced tactile experience with a gentle tactile bump and subdued sound profile that allows you to focus deeply on your tasks, then the Gold Brown Pro is likely the switch for you. Consider the visual aesthetics, typing experience, and sound profile that best suit your needs when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice is yours based on what you value most in your mechanical keyboard typing experience.
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