TTC Flame Red vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Flame Red and the Zuoce Lavender mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Flame Red stands out for its dazzling light diffuser, making it the perfect choice for those seeking a visually stunning backlit RGB keyboard. On the other hand, the Lavender impresses with its exceptional smoothness attributed to its proprietary Ly blend, providing a satisfying typing experience right out of the box. While the Flame Red offers a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, the Lavender provides a crisp and clacky sound signature. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Zuoce Lavender switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profile. The Flame Red features a nylon top and bottom housing, known for its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Lavender utilizes a POM top and bottom housing, offering a unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted compared to nylon. While both switches provide a deeper sound, the Flame Red's nylon housing may offer a fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb more sound.
The choice of housing material for switches can significantly impact the overall typing experience. With the Flame Red's nylon top housing contributing to a fuller sound and the Lavender's POM top housing offering a more unique and muted sound, users can choose based on their preference for sound profiles. Additionally, the bottom housing plays a role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, with nylon providing a duller sound and POM offering a deeper sound. Despite these differences, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their distinct housing materials.
In conclusion, while the housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and Zuoce Lavender switches have their own unique characteristics, they ultimately serve to provide users with a satisfying typing experience. Whether it be the softer nylon housing of the Flame Red or the pleasing sound profile of the Lavender's POM housing, both switches aim to deliver a deeper and fuller sound. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, users can choose between these two switches to find the housing material that best suits their needs. Ultimately, both switches seek to enhance the overall typing experience through their carefully selected housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, we can see that both switches fall into the medium-light category in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Flame Red has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Lavender's 48 grams, while their bottom out forces are quite similar at 54 grams and 53 grams respectively. This means that both switches provide a relatively light typing experience overall. Some may prefer the slightly lighter actuation force of the Flame Red for extended typing sessions, while others may find the slightly heavier actuation force of the Lavender to provide a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and force required.
Travel distance
The TTC Flame Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Flame Red switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lavender switch. The Flame Red switch is more traditionally aligned with a standard 4 mm travel distance, while the Lavender switch falls on the shorter end with a 3.4 mm travel distance. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Lavender switch for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Flame Red switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing style.
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 Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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 TTC Flame Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for various typing environments and user preferences. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch provides a clacky sound that adds a crisp and bright quality to each keystroke. The choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer a more versatile and moderate sound (Flame Red) or a sharper, more percussive sound (Lavender) in your typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Flame Red linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, providing a gentle and refined feel during key presses. This makes it suitable for a wide range of users looking for a comfortable and smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance and requiring light actuation force for effortless typing. Both switches provide a different tactile experience, with the Flame Red leaning towards a mild and polished feel, while the Lavender offers a more responsive and low-impact typing experience.
Considering all the available information, the TTC Flame Red and Zuoce Lavender linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Flame Red provides a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished typing experience, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender switch offers a clacky sound and an easy-to-press feel, catering to those who prefer a sharper sound and minimal resistance during typing. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and typing feel, both of which offer quality performance in their own right. If these qualities are similar to what you prefer, you can expect to achieve comparable results with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose TTC Flame Red linear switches or Zuoce Lavender linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. If you prioritize aesthetics and enjoy a backlit, RGB keyboard, the Flame Reds with their dazzling light diffuser may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a satisfying clacky sound profile, the Lavenders with their proprietary Ly blend may be more appealing. Consider your typing style, environment, and how you value typing feel and sound when making your decision between these two medium-light linear switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics and it's up to you to decide which one aligns best with your preferences.
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