TTC Flame Red vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flame Red and the TTC Gold Red, it's important to evaluate their unique characteristics and advantages. The Flame Reds catch the eye with their stunning light diffuser, making them the ideal choice for those who desire a backlit, RGB keyboard. Typing on these switches provides a satisfying weighty smoothness accompanied by a distinct clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Gold Red linear switches offer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light to medium level of resistance. These switches add a touch of personality to your keyboard with their snappy sound profile, without being too ostentatious. While these generalities shed light on the differences between the switches, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these surface-level details so that you can make the best decision according to your personal preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Flame Red and TTC Gold Red differ in terms of their housing materials. The Flame Red features a nylon top housing, while the Gold Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. This distinction in materials directly affects the sound profile of the switches. With its softer plastic and greater sound absorption, the Flame Red's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound while typing. Conversely, the Gold Red's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting effects. However, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which contributes to their similar deep and full sound profiles.
While the bottom housing of the switches remains consistent with nylon materials in both Flame Red and Gold Red, the top housing provides a marked difference between the two. The nylon top housing in the Flame Red and the polycarbonate top housing in the Gold Red yield distinct sound characteristics. Nylon's softer plastic and sound absorption properties lead to a duller and rounder sound in the Flame Red. Conversely, the polycarbonate top housing in the Gold Red, being a stiffer plastic, results in a clearer and resonant sound profile with heightened sharpness and crispness. Furthermore, the use of polycarbonate enables the Gold Red to leverage its translucency, making it particularly suitable for switches intended to feature RGB lighting effects.
When it comes to key presses, the choice of top and bottom housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel. With different housing materials, the qualities of each housing are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. As a result, the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. It is important to recognize how the specific housing materials chosen for the Flame Red and Gold Red contribute to the distinct auditory and tactile experiences offered by these switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Flame Red requires a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gold Red's 43 grams, making the Flame Red slightly heavier. Similarly, when bottoming out, the Flame Red exerts a force of 54 grams, while the Gold Red requires 50 grams, indicating that the Flame Red is also slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Red switch would be the ideal choice as it has a lower actuation force and bottom out force. This lighter force allows for longer typing sessions without significant finger fatigue. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial and solid typing feel may opt for the Flame Red switch. Despite the slight variations in force requirements between the two switches, both will provide similar results in terms of key activation and response. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Flame Red and TTC Gold Red linear switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same distance, giving you a similar typing experience. Whether you choose the Flame Red or Gold Red switch, you can expect a consistent travel distance of 4 mm, providing a smooth and predictable keystroke.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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
When comparing the sound of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, they have different characteristics. The Flame Red is described as having a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate sound that is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you use it at home or work. On the other hand, the Gold Red is described as thocky, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. It also has a low-pitched tone, giving it a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Ultimately, if you prefer a neutral and versatile sound profile, the Flame Red would be a good choice, while the Gold Red offers a more distinctive and satisfying sound experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Flame Red and Gold Red are described as providing a gentle typing experience. They fall under the mild category, which means they offer a more approachable typing feel with their safe and middle-ground qualities. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, the Gold Red goes a step further and is also described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It is also described as subtle, meaning it has a gentle resistance that is suitable for shared spaces. Overall, if you prefer a polished and mild typing experience, both the Flame Red and Gold Red would be a good choice. However, if you prioritize an even smoother feel with minimized resistance, the Gold Red would be the recommended option.
In conclusion, while the Flame Red and Gold Red have some similarities in terms of feel, such as providing a mild and polished typing experience, they differ in sound. The Flame Red has a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various purposes, while the Gold Red offers a thocky and low-pitched sound that adds a touch of personality to your keyboard. If you prioritize a versatile sound profile, the Flame Red would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a more distinct and satisfying sound experience, the Gold Red would be recommended. It is important to consider your personal preferences and the overall aesthetics and functionality you desire for your keyboard when deciding between these two switches.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you prioritize visual aesthetics and enjoy a weighty smoothness with a clacky sound profile, the TTC Flame Red linear switches would be a great choice for you, especially if you have a backlit or RGB keyboard. On the other hand, if you value a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and desire a snappy sound profile without being too ostentatious, the TTC Gold Red linear switches would be more suitable. Both switches have their unique qualities and attributes, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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