TTC Flame Red vs. TTC Iron
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the TTC Iron switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flame Red and the TTC Iron both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Flame Red is best known for its stunning light diffuser, making it the perfect choice for those who enjoy having a backlit, RGB keyboard. Typing on these switches provides a weighty smoothness and a satisfyingly clacky sound profile, categorized as 'neutral', 'mild', 'polished'. On the other hand, the TTC Iron stands out for its pronounced clacky sound signature and swift actuation, offering a buttery smooth travel experience. Categorized as 'easy-to-press', 'clacky', 'mild', 'neutral', the Iron is ideal for enthusiasts and daily users seeking precision and pleasure in every keystroke. 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
41g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the TTC Iron, both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Flame Red features a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties that absorb more sound. In contrast, the Iron utilizes a POM top housing, creating a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and more muted. While both materials provide a deeper sound profile, the Flame Red's nylon top housing may offer a slightly duller and rounder sound compared to the Iron's POM top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing of the switches, the Flame Red and Iron also differ in their materials. The Flame Red's nylon bottom housing contributes to its overall sound profile by providing a deeper and fuller sound experience, thanks to its softer plastic properties. On the other hand, the Iron's POM bottom housing offers a unique and muted sound profile that leans towards the deeper side. Both bottom housings affect the sound and feel of the switch when pressed down, with the nylon bottom housing of the Flame Red potentially providing a slightly rounder sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Iron.
In summary, while the materials used for the top and bottom housings of the TTC Flame Red and TTC Iron switches differ, they both aim to enhance the sound profile of the switches in their unique ways. The nylon top and bottom housings of the Flame Red offer a deeper and fuller sound that may be slightly duller and rounder, while the POM top and bottom housings of the Iron provide a more unique and muted sound profile on the deeper side. Overall, both switches bring their own distinct qualities to the typing experience, showcasing the variety of sound profiles that can be achieved through different housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the TTC Iron linear switch, it is clear that they both offer relatively light actuation and bottom out forces. The Flame Red has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Iron's 41 grams, but both switches have bottom out forces around the same range, with the Flame Red at 54 grams and the Iron at 50 grams. This means that both switches provide a light and smooth typing experience overall. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Iron may be the preferred choice, whereas those who prefer a slightly more tactile feel may lean towards the Flame Red. Ultimately, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience that will suit a variety of preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Flame Red linear switch is 4 mm, while the TTC Iron linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Flame Red switch offers a slightly larger distance for keypresses compared to the Iron switch. The 4 mm travel distance of the Flame Red switch is more traditional, providing a balance between responsiveness and depth. On the other hand, the Iron switch with a 3.8 mm travel distance is shallower, offering a quicker response time, which is preferred by gamers. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - if you prefer a more robust feel with slightly longer travel distance, the Flame Red switch would be ideal. However, if you prefer a quicker response time with a shorter travel distance, the Iron switch would be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of key travel distance, with slight variations in responsiveness.
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 Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Flame Red linear switch is characterized by a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the TTC Iron linear switch offers a clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy sound with each press. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference, with the Flame Red offering a more versatile sound while the Iron provides a more distinctive and satisfying typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Flame Red switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with smooth and refined key travel. This ensures a comfortable typing feel with reduced friction for seamless key presses. In comparison, the Iron switch is described as easy-to-press and mild, providing a light actuation force for effortless and comfortable typing. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, with the Flame Red focusing on a polished and refined feel while the Iron emphasizes easy and low-impact typing.
Overall, the TTC Flame Red linear switch excels in offering a neutral sound profile and a polished typing feel, making it a versatile option for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the TTC Iron linear switch stands out for its clacky sound signature and easy-to-press feel, providing a distinctive and satisfying typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer exceptional qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Whether you choose the Flame Red or the Iron, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with reliable performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the TTC Iron linear switch, consider the specific qualities and preferences you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch. If you value a backlit, RGB aesthetic and a weighty smoothness with a clacky sound profile, the Flame Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a pronounced clacky sound signature with buttery smooth travel and swift actuation for fatigue-free typing, the Iron switch could be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on how these characteristics align with your typing style and overall keyboard preferences.
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