TTC Flame Red vs. Gateron Ink Box Black

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Ink Box Black, both of which are linear switches. Each switch offers its own unique characteristics and benefits. The Flame Red is best known for its stunning light diffuser, making it the perfect choice for those who want a backlit, RGB keyboard. Typing on the Flame Reds provides a satisfying weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black is highly regarded for its incredible smoothness and creamy feel. It produces a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. While these generalities give you a glimpse into the characteristics of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Flame Red Linear

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches offer distinct differences in sound profiles. The Flame Red's nylon top housing, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the Flame Red switches. In contrast, the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a pointed and higher-pitched sound that is described as "clacky." This thin and satisfying sound profile gives the Ink Box Black switches a distinct characteristic.

Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the Flame Red and the Ink Box Black switches also contribute to their overall sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing of the Flame Red operates in the same manner as the top housing, absorbing more sound due to its softer plastic composition. This further enhances the deep and full sound produced when bottoming out keys. On the other hand, the proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Black imparts a relatively high-pitched sound profile without being overly sharp. This thin and higher-pitched sound adds to the overall clackiness of the Ink Box Black switches.

Considering the separate top and bottom housing materials used in each switch, it becomes evident that the Flame Red and Ink Box Black switches will offer different sound experiences when pressing and releasing keys. The bottom housing material impacts the sound and feel of bottoming out keys, while the top housing material influences the sound when letting go of a key. Therefore, users can expect to experience a deeper and fuller sound when pressing down on the Flame Red switches, and a thinner and higher-pitched clackiness when releasing keys on the Ink Box Black switches. Despite these differences, both switches provide unique and satisfying sound profiles that cater to different preferences.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, we can observe differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Flame Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, meaning it requires a relatively light touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Ink Box Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, requiring a slightly stronger push to activate. This makes the Flame Red more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience and may find themselves typing for extended periods of time.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Flame Red has a bottom out force of 54 grams, which is slightly heavier than its actuation force, providing a more substantial feeling when fully pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black has a significantly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, offering an even more pronounced and satisfying keystroke experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.

Overall, the Flame Red can be considered a medium-light switch, ideal for those who value a lighter typing experience and longer typing sessions, while the Ink Box Black falls into the medium-heavy category, catering to users who appreciate a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches provide distinct tactile feedback and durability, ensuring a reliable keyboarding experience, albeit with different levels of force.

Travel distance

The TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch have different travel distances. The Flame Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered more traditional, while the Ink Box Black has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Flame Red's 4.0mm travel distance provides a deep and satisfying key press, ideal for those who prefer a hearty depth to their typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black's 3.6mm travel distance offers a more shallow and responsive feel, making it a preferred choice for gamers who value faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences - if you prefer a more traditional and deep key press, the Flame Red is the way to go, but if you prioritize a shorter and snappier feel, the Ink Box Black is the better option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Flame Red switch is best known for its stunning light diffuser, making it the perfect choice for those who want a backlit, RGB keyboard. When typing on these switches, users can expect a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black switch offers an incredibly smooth and creamy typing experience. The sound signature of the Ink Box Black is reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken.

In terms of sound, the Flame Red switch has a neutral profile, providing a moderate sound experience that is suitable for most purposes. Meanwhile, the Ink Box Black switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

When it comes to feel, the Flame Red switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. These switches provide a gentle typing experience with a refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Ink Box Black switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys.

Overall, these switches have their own unique characteristics. The Flame Red switch is visually appealing and offers a weighty smoothness and clacky sound, while the Ink Box Black switch provides an ultra-smooth and creamy typing experience with a sound reminiscent of a shaken spray paint can. Both switches have a polished feel, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Depending on individual preferences, one can choose between the stunning aesthetics of the Flame Red switch or the smooth typing experience of the Ink Box Black switch.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize visual aesthetics in your mechanical keyboard, then the TTC Flame Red linear switch is the way to go. Its dazzling light diffuser makes it perfect for backlit, RGB keyboards. Additionally, the Flame Red switch offers a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile when typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a silky smooth typing experience, then the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is the better option. These switches are incredibly smooth and creamy, providing a polished feel. The Ink Box Black also produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, which can add a crisp and bright sound profile to your typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for visual appeal, sound, and feel.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Flame Red Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more