TTC Flame Red vs. TTC Ice
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the TTC Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flame Red and the TTC Ice represent two captivating options for enthusiasts seeking a linear switch experience. The Flame Red is celebrated not just for its performance but also for its stunning aesthetics, featuring a dazzling light diffuser that enhances RGB backlighting, making it an ideal choice for visually striking setups. Its weighty smoothness and distinct clacky sound profile create a typing experience that feels both substantial and enjoyable, often classified as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the TTC Ice switch boasts a crystal-clear transparent design that complements a clean minimalist look, delivering a smooth and responsive feel along with a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it perfect for both gaming and everyday typing. While both switches provide an exceptional tactile experience, they cater to different preferences in terms of aesthetics and sound. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flame Red and TTC Ice switches illustrate a clear contrast in housing materials, with the Flame Red utilizing nylon and the Ice employing polycarbonate. The nylon top housing of the Flame Red contributes to a sound profile that is deeper and fuller, primarily due to nylon's relatively softer nature, which absorbs sound effectively. This absorption results in a duller and rounder auditory experience, making it appealing for users who prefer a more subdued typing sound. Additionally, the use of nylon adds a classic element to the switch design, giving it a nostalgic feel that resonates with traditional mechanical keyboards.
In contrast, the TTC Ice features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contributes to a more pronounced sound that resonates clearly, offering a notable auditory experience for users who enjoy a more articulate keystroke. This material is often associated with a more modern aesthetic, especially when paired with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant light diffusion. This difference in material not only affects the acoustics but also the overall visual appeal of the switch, making the Ice visually striking compared to the more understated Flame Red.
When considering the bottom housings of both switches, the Flame Red continues to deliver a deeper sound profile with its nylon material, while the Ice, with its polycarbonate construction, maintains that sharper resonance. The combined materials create a unique typing experience: the bottom housing significantly influences the sound and feel at the bottom-out point, while the top housing shapes the sound upon release. Therefore, each switch demonstrates how distinct materials contribute to a nuanced auditory feedback mechanism, allowing users to select based on their preferences. However, if similar results in sound are desired, one could potentially manipulate typing techniques or choose specific keycap materials to blend the properties of both switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which makes them equally suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Flame Red switch reaching 54 grams, while the Ice switch has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that although both switches provide a similar initial resistance when actuating, the Ice switch requires a greater amount of force to fully bottom out, resulting in a heavier overall feel. Users seeking a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Ice switch, while those who prioritize ease of use and longer typing duration may prefer the lighter Flame Red.
Travel distance
The TTC Flame Red linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Ice linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference highlights the contrasting preferences in key feel and responsiveness; the Flame Red offers a more traditional experience with its deeper travel, potentially appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback when pressing keys. On the other hand, the Ice switch, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who prioritize quicker response times and a lighter touch, such as gamers. Ultimately, if you're looking for a more pronounced depth, the Flame Red is the better choice, whereas the Ice switch provides a snappier feel for faster typing or gaming scenarios.
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 Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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 profile of the TTC Flame Red and TTC Ice linear switches, the Flame Red stands out with its neutral sound, characterized by a moderate actuation force that makes it suitable for a variety of environments, be it home or office. This balance allows users to enjoy a versatile auditory experience, appealing to both newcomers and seasoned typists. The sound produced by the Flame Red switch is generally pleasant, neither too loud nor too soft. On the other hand, specific details about the sound profile of the Ice switch remain undisclosed, leaving its characteristics somewhat unknown. Therefore, if you're focused on sound, the Flame Red offers a predictable and balanced auditory experience, while the Ice’s qualities remain a mystery.
In terms of feel, the Flame Red is appreciated for offering a mild and polished typing experience. This combination results in a gentle and approachable keypress that many users find comfortable for both typing and gaming. The use of refined materials and possibly factory lubing contributes to a smooth action with reduced friction, enhancing overall performance. Unfortunately, details regarding the feel of the Ice switch are not available. This leads to a notable difference in the information shared about how each switch feels during use, with the Flame Red providing a defined experience while the Ice leaves many questions unanswered.
In conclusion, while both the TTC Flame Red and the TTC Ice linear switches present unique visual aesthetics—dazzling light diffusers for the Flame Red and a crystal-clear transparent design for the Ice—the subjective qualities of sound and feel diverge significantly. The Flame Red delivers a reliable neutral sound and a refined typing experience characterized by mildness and polish, making it an excellent choice for a broad audience. Conversely, the lack of information about the Ice’s sound and feel means that potential users may not have a clear understanding of what to expect from that switch. For those prioritizing auditory and tactile experiences in their mechanical keyboard, the Flame Red’s specifications provide a more definite and satisfying path.
Conclusion
To summarize, the choice between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you're looking for a switch that excels in a visually stunning setup, particularly with RGB or backlit keyboards, the Flame Red is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 54 grams provides a comfortable and approachable typing experience, coupled with a mild, polished feel and a pleasing clacky sound profile. This makes it suitable for users of all skill levels, whether you're working from home or gaming. Conversely, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel with a bottom-out force of 60 grams, the TTC Ice switch is designed to deliver a premium typing experience that balances responsiveness and satisfaction. Its crystal-clear transparent design looks strikingly modern, and it excels in both gaming and everyday use. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize sound and visual flair or a more robust and responsive typing experience. By considering your specific needs and style, you can select the switch that best enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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