TTC Flame Red vs. Keygeek Keygeek Raw
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flame Red and Keygeek Keygeek Raw offer distinct experiences for different preferences. The Flame Red is favored for its stunning light diffuser that enhances the visual appeal, making it ideal for those who have a backlit, RGB keyboard. Typing on these linear switches provides a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, giving a polished feel overall. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw stands out for its unique material blend, combining Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon to create a creamy yet lightweight switch. With a slightly textured feel out of the box, these switches cater to enthusiasts who prefer hand-lubing. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches share similarities in that they both use nylon as a key component. This common material choice means that both switches will offer a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, thanks to the softer nature of nylon which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. However, the Keygeek Raw switch has an additional element in its top housing with a Nylon & UPE blend, offering a unique sound experience exclusive to this particular switch.
While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switch sets itself apart with a UMPE & Si blend in its bottom housing. This exclusive blend adds a different dimension to the sound and feel of the switch, providing a distinguishable typing experience compared to the Flame Red switch. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, thus the UMPE & Si blend in the Keygeek Raw switch likely contributes to its unique tactile feedback.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of typing on a mechanical keyboard. While both the TTC Flame Red and Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches share similarities in their use of nylon, the Keygeek Raw switch stands out with its exclusive blend in both top and bottom housings. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound profile of the Flame Red or the unique sound experience of the Keygeek Raw, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that enhance the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Keygeek Raw linear switch, it is evident that the Flame Red is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Raw's unknown force. However, the Raw requires a heavier bottom out force of 57.5 grams compared to the Flame Red's 54 grams, making the Raw slightly heavier overall. Both switches fall under the category of medium actuation force, but the heavier bottom out force of the Raw may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing intensity.
Travel distance
The TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch differ in their travel distances. The Flame Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Keygeek Raw has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Flame Red offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a balance between responsiveness and depth, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a standard feel. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times and a more linear feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 TTC Flame Red and Keygeek Raw switches are classified as neutral, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes both switches versatile for a wide range of users, whether beginner or advanced, and suitable for various environments such as home or work settings. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard body and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Flame Red is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. This makes the Flame Red switches accessible to most users, as they offer a comfortable middle-ground feel. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw switches are characterized as textured, offering a unique tactile experience with noticeable friction when pressed. Additionally, they provide a slightly textured feel straight out of the box, catering to enthusiasts who prefer to hand-lube their switches for a customized typing experience.
Overall, both the TTC Flame Red and Keygeek Raw switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Flame Red switches excel in providing a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, along with a dazzling light diffuser that enhances the visual appeal, especially for backlit keyboards. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw switches stand out with their material blend, combining Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon for a creamy yet lightweight feel. Whether you opt for the Flame Red for a polished typing experience or the Keygeek Raw for a textured feel, you can expect satisfactory results in terms of sound and feel from both switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a visually stunning experience with backlit RGB keyboards, a weighty smoothness, and a clacky sound profile, then the TTC Flame Red linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a creamy yet lightweight switch with a slightly textured feel right out of the box that is perfect for hand-lubing enthusiasts, then the Keygeek Raw linear switch would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize visual aesthetics and sound profile (Flame Red) or unique material blend and customization potential (Keygeek Raw).
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