TTC Flame Red vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Ink Red. The Flame Red is best known for its stunning visuals, particularly its dazzling light diffuser, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a backlit, RGB keyboard. As for the typing experience, the Flame Reds provide a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, offering a satisfying tactile feel. On the other hand, the Ink Red is distinguished by its lower actuation force, making it perfect for individuals with a lighter typing style. These switches are notably smooth and produce a crispy and clacky sound profile, resulting in an effortless typing experience. While both switches fall under the neutral and polished categories, the Ink Red also adds silky and chirpy to its character. 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
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Ink Red switches provide distinct characteristics that differentiate their sound profiles. The Flame Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Ink Red features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. This unique blend gives the Ink Red a satisfying thin and clacky sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Flame Red and the Ink Red employ nylon as the material of choice. This decision ensures a similar deeper and fuller sound when typing on both switches. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a consistent dull and round sound profile for both switches. Consequently, the bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the overall bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing a similar experience for both the Flame Red and the Ink Red.
While the top and bottom housings offer slight differences in sound profiles for the Flame Red and the Ink Red, their impact on the overall switch experience is relatively equal. Pressing down on either switch allows you to experience the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the sound produced when releasing a key is influenced by the top housing. Therefore, while the Flame Red and the Ink Red may have subtle distinctions in their sound profiles due to varying top housings, their bottom housings contribute to a comparable experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a difference between the two. The Flame Red has a bottom out force of 54 grams, which is considered medium-light, while the Ink Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is also medium but slightly heavier than the Flame Red.
Considering the weight of the switches, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Flame Red more suitable, as its bottom out force is slightly lighter. This lighter force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for tasks that require extended keyboard usage, such as work or long gaming sessions.
On the other hand, for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Ink Red would be a better choice. With a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, it provides a more pronounced feedback when pressing the keys, offering a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a heavier actuation force.
Overall, while both switches have the same actuation force, they differ in terms of their bottom out force. The Flame Red is lighter, making it more suitable for those who prioritize extended typing comfort, while the Ink Red is slightly heavier, catering to individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. In either case, both switches offer reliable performance and can be selected based on personal preference.
Travel distance
The TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning they both travel the same distance from the top to the bottom. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent 4 mm of travel. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance regardless of whether you choose the TTC Flame Red or the Gateron Ink Red switch. Both switches offer a comfortable and responsive typing experience with their identical travel distances.
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 Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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 Flame Red and Ink Red switches share a similar description of having a moderate sound profile due to their neutral nature. This means that both switches produce a sound that is not too loud or too quiet, making them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced and whether you plan to use them at home or work. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps, so individual results may vary.
In terms of feel, the Flame Red switch offers a mild typing experience. This means that it provides a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Flame Reds also have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Ink Red switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. These switches enhance the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Similar to the Flame Reds, the Ink Reds also have a mild typing experience and a polished finish, ensuring a comfortable and seamless typing experience.
In summary, both the TTC Flame Red and Gateron Ink Red switches offer satisfying qualities for keyboard enthusiasts. When it comes to sound, they share a neutral profile, which is suitable for most users. In terms of feel, the Flame Reds provide a mild and polished experience, while the Ink Reds offer a silky smooth feel along with a polished finish. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. For those seeking similar results, both switches offer a similar typing experience with a mild feel and a neutral sound profile.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, there are a few key factors to consider.
If you prioritize visual aesthetics and have a backlit, RGB keyboard, the Flame Red is the way to go. It features a dazzling light diffuser that enhances the overall look of your keyboard. Additionally, the Flame Red offers a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience.
On the other hand, if you have a lighter typing style, the Ink Red is a great choice. With a lower actuation force, these switches are effortless to type on. They offer a crispy and clacky sound profile, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience for those who prefer lighter key presses.
Both switches have a similar sound profile, described as neutral, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. However, the Ink Red has an additional descriptor of being chirpy, giving it a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from the Flame Red.
In terms of feel, the Flame Red can be described as mild and polished. It provides a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Ink Red offers a silky feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing experience. It is also mild and polished, providing a safe and approachable typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Flame Red and Gateron Ink Red linear switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style. Consider factors such as visual aesthetics, typing force, sound profile, and feel to determine which switch suits you best.
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