TTC Flame Red vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Luciola showcase their unique features and characteristics. On one hand, the Flame Red stands out with its stunning light diffuser, making it the ideal option for those who enjoy a backlit, RGB keyboard. Typing on these switches brings forth a weighty smoothness and a satisfying clacky sound profile. Categorized as neutral, mild, and polished, the Flame Red offers a distinct tactile experience. On the other hand, the Luciola is equally eye-catching as it glows in the dark, adding a touch of whimsy to any setup. With a medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a sound profile resembling a can of spray paint being shaken, these switches provide a different typing experience altogether. Categorized as snappy, clacky, chirpy, marbly, buttery, high-pitched, and polished, these switches boast their own set of qualities that make them appealing choices. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
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
3.60 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
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Luciola switches differ in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The Flame Red utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. It offers a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky.
While the Flame Red and the Luciola have different housing materials, they both provide unique sound characteristics. The Flame Red's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, while the Luciola's INK blend top housing offers a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound. These differences in sound profiles can greatly impact the typing experience, as users may prefer a softer and deeper sound or a sharper and clackier sound. However, it's important to note that the bottom housing material also plays a role in the overall sound profile, and each switch combines the qualities of both the top and bottom housing materials.
In terms of typing feel, the bottom housing materials of the Flame Red and the Luciola bring distinct qualities to the switch. As the bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, users can expect a deeper and fuller typing experience with the nylon bottom housing of the Flame Red. On the other hand, the proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Luciola may provide a slightly different tactile feedback, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched typing sensation. While both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, the subtle differences in bottom housing materials can influence the overall feel of pressing down on the keys.
In summary, the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Luciola switches utilize different housing materials, resulting in varied sound profiles and typing experiences. The Flame Red's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Luciola's proprietary INK blend housing produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. Additionally, the bottom housing materials of the switches contribute to the overall sound and feel, with the Flame Red offering a deeper typing sensation and the Luciola providing a slightly sharper feedback. Overall, these variations in housing materials allow users to choose between a dull and round sound or a clacky and high-pitched sound, providing options to suit their personal preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Flame Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. On the other hand, the Luciola requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Flame Red has a force of 54 grams, which is slightly heavier than its actuation force. In contrast, the Luciola has a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a stronger push feel when pressing all the way down. Overall, the Flame Red offers a lighter typing experience with a medium-light actuation force and slightly heavier bottom out force, while the Luciola provides a medium typing experience with slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. However, if a user prefers similar results, both switches offer a comparable medium force range. The choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired weight for prolonged typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, it is evident that the Flame Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Luciola has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Flame Red's 4.0mm travel distance falls in line with the more traditional range, while the Luciola's 3.6mm distance is on the shallower side. This distinction is particularly important for gamers who prioritize faster response times, as the shorter travel distance of the Luciola may be more suitable for their needs. However, for those who prefer a deeper and more pronounced key press, the Flame Red's slightly longer travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of 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 Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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
The subjective qualities of the TTC Flame Red linear switch are best described as having a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile. These switches are visually stunning with their dazzling light diffuser, making them the ideal choice for a backlit, RGB keyboard. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is known for its medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. These switches also have an eye-catching glow in the dark feature.
In terms of sound, the Flame Red switch is classified as a neutral switch, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use them at home or work. On the other hand, the Luciola switch has different sound descriptors, including clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched. These descriptors indicate a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound when pressed, with a unique acoustic signature that sets them apart from other switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Flame Red switch is described as mild and polished. The mild characteristic offers a gentle typing experience, making it approachable to most users, while the polished attribute indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This is achieved through the use of high-quality materials and possible factory lubrication. On the other hand, the Luciola switch is described as snappy, buttery, and polished. The snappy quality suggests a super responsive typing experience, possibly due to longer or dual-staged springs. The buttery attribute implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the polished feature indicates reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the TTC Flame Red and Gateron Luciola linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Flame Red provides a weighty smoothness, a clacky sound profile, a neutral sound category, and a mild and polished feel. The Luciola presents a medium heft, a smooth and bouncy typing feel, a "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile with descriptors of clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched, as well as a snappy, buttery, and polished feel. While these switches offer distinct qualities, it is important to choose based on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize visual aesthetics and want a backlit RGB keyboard, the TTC Flame Red switches are the best choice for you. Their dazzling light diffuser adds a visually stunning element to your keyboard. Additionally, the Flame Reds offer a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile when typing. On the other hand, if you prefer switches that glow in the dark, the Gateron Luciola switches are a great option. These switches have a medium heft and provide a smooth and bouncy typing feel. They also produce a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile.
In terms of sound, the Flame Reds have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. Whether you are a beginner or advanced user and whether you plan to use them at home or work, the Flame Reds will deliver a moderate sound experience. On the other hand, the Luciola switches offer a variety of sound profiles, including clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched options. You can choose the sound that matches your preference and typing style.
When it comes to feel, the Flame Reds offer a mild and polished typing experience. They provide a gentle typing experience that most people will find approachable, and their polished finish ensures smooth key travel. Similarly, the Luciola switches offer a polished typing experience and provide a buttery and snappy feel. These switches are super responsive and deliver a seamless and effortless typing sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Flame Red and Gateron Luciola switches depends on your priorities. If you value visual aesthetics and want a backlit RGB keyboard, the Flame Reds are the way to go. However, if you prefer switches that glow in the dark and offer various sound profiles, the Luciola switches are an excellent option. Consider your preferences for visuals, sound, and feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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