TTC Flame Red vs. Bsun Hutt
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Bsun Hutt switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flame Red and the Bsun Hutt both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Flame Red, a linear switch, stands out for its dazzling light diffuser which makes it ideal for backlit, RGB keyboards. Typing on Flame Reds provides a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, creating a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Hutt, a tactile switch, features a medium-heavy spring and a prominent tactile bump, offering a distinctive and enjoyable typing experience with a balanced sound profile. Each switch is categorized differently, with the Flame Red being labeled as 'neutral', 'mild', 'polished' and the Hutt as 'snappy', 'invigorating', 'sharp', 'accented', 'resonant'. While these are general pointers on why you might choose each switch, diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
49g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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 single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Bsun Hutt differ significantly in terms of the top housing materials used. The Flame Red utilizes nylon for its top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Hutt features a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition. The nylon top housing of the Flame Red creates a duller and rounder sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Hutt offers a more clear and resonant sound, especially beneficial for RGB lighting aesthetics.
However, both switches share the same nylon material for their bottom housing. This commonality results in both switches eliciting a similar deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic composition of nylon. The bottom housing of a switch has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, contributing to a consistent typing experience across both the Flame Red and the Hutt. Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that users will experience a similar typing sensation when using either switch.
In conclusion, while the top housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Bsun Hutt create distinct sound profiles, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience between the two switches. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound profile of nylon used in the Flame Red or the sharper and crisper sound profile of polycarbonate found in the Hutt, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences for sound profiles and aesthetics, with both switches delivering reliable performance and typing satisfaction.
Weight
The TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces, with the Hutt being the lighter option. The Flame Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, making it medium-light in terms of force required. On the other hand, the Hutt has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 49 grams, which is lighter. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Hutt switch, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. Overall, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference and whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch, we can see that the Flame Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Hutt has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Flame Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Hutt. The Flame Red's 4 mm travel distance provides a bit more depth when pressing down on the key, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the Hutt's 3.5 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it a good choice for those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. Ultimately, the preference between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and feel.
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 Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.
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 it comes to sound, the TTC Flame Red switch offers a neutral sound profile suitable for a variety of users and environments. On the other hand, the Bsun Hutt switch provides a resonant sound profile that leans towards a higher-pitched and clean audio experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flame Red switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and refined feel that sits comfortably in a middle ground. In contrast, the Bsun Hutt switch is described as snappy, invigorating, sharp, and accented, providing a more pronounced tactile feedback and a livelier typing sensation. The Hutt switch offers a tactile bump that is prominent and distinct with each keystroke.
Overall, the Flame Red switch is best suited for those looking for a smooth and weighty typing experience with a clacky sound profile, especially ideal for users who appreciate a visually striking backlit keyboard. On the other hand, the Hutt switch caters to users seeking a more tactile and responsive typing experience with a resonant sound profile and a distinct tactile bump. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between the Flame Red linear switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch will depend on individual user preferences and priorities in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Flame Red linear switch or the Bsun Hutt tactile switch, you should take into account your preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a visually striking switch with a smooth and clacky typing experience, the Flame Red would be a great choice, especially if you have a backlit, RGB keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy spring and a prominent tactile bump for a distinctive typing experience, the Hutt would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when making your decision.
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