TTC Flame Red vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flame Red, a linear switch, and the Gateron Jupiter Brown, a tactile switch, are popular options to consider. The Flame Red stands out for its stunning light diffuser, making it perfect for those who love backlit, RGB keyboards. Typing on these switches offers a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, providing a unique tactile experience. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown offers a more traditional tactile feel with a medium-heavy weight and a classic keystroke sensation. Both switches feature high-precision molds and softer backlight effects for a visually appealing experience. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
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
Spring steel
Housing materials
The primary difference between the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Jupiter Brown lies in their housing materials. The Flame Red features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown uses a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique acoustic experiences with their distinct housing materials.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Flame Red and the Jupiter Brown utilize nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile as a result of its soft plastic properties. This similarity in bottom housing material means that the typing experience on both switches will elicit similar sound characteristics, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to other switches with harder plastics in the bottom housing. While the top housings differ between the two switches, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound quality and tactile feedback.
Overall, the choice between the Flame Red and the Jupiter Brown comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. The Flame Red's nylon top housing offers a softer and more absorbing typing experience, resulting in a deeper sound, while the Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and clearer sound. However, with both switches sharing a nylon bottom housing, users can expect a similar level of sound depth and tactile feedback regardless of their choice. Ultimately, the decision on which switch to use will depend on individual preferences for sound profile, key feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The TTC Flame Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, which requires 55 grams to actuate. Similarly, the Flame Red also has a lighter bottom out force of 54 grams, while the Jupiter Brown has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the Flame Red switch provides a lighter typing experience overall compared to the Jupiter Brown switch, making it more suitable for those looking for a smoother and quicker keystroke without much resistance. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to users who prefer a more tactile and firm key press. In terms of weight, the Flame Red switch is lighter overall, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, while the Jupiter Brown switch is heavier and provides a more pronounced typing feedback. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces, as well as the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
In terms of travel distance, both the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch have an equal distance of 4 mm. This means that the user will experience the same amount of key travel when pressing down on either switch. As a result, whether you choose the Flame Red or Jupiter Brown switch, you can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance. The similarity in travel distance suggests that both switches may offer a similar level of tactile feedback and overall typing feel, making them both viable options depending on individual preferences. Ultimately, when comparing the travel distance of these switches, it is evident that neither one is shorter or longer than the other, as they both provide the same 4 mm travel distance for users to enjoy.
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 Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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, both the Flame Red and Jupiter Brown switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The sound of a switch is influenced by various factors, including the keyboard and keycaps used. Moving on to feel, both switches provide a mild typing experience with a polished finish, ensuring smooth and refined key presses. Additionally, the Jupiter Brown switch offers a stepped feel, providing a subtle tactile feedback compared to a more pronounced bump found in other tactile switches. Overall, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience with a neutral sound profile, making them versatile options for users seeking a blend of performance and aesthetics in their mechanical keyboards. With either switch, users can expect a reliable and comfortable typing experience, whether for work or gaming purposes.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, consider the specific qualities that each switch offers. The Flame Red is ideal for those who prioritize visual aesthetics with its stunning light diffuser, making it perfect for backlit, RGB keyboards. It provides a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, suitable for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown offers a more classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight. It combines tradition with innovation and provides a tactile typing experience with high-precision molds and softer backlight effects. Ultimately, if you value a smooth and visually appealing switch, the Flame Red is the way to go, while the Jupiter Brown is a great choice for those seeking a traditional tactile feel with a touch of modern enhancements. Consider your preferences and typing style to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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