TTC Flame Red vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Flame Red and the KTT Mallo. The Flame Red is a linear switch known for its stunning light diffuser, making it an ideal choice for those with backlit, RGB keyboards. Typing on this switch provides a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, giving it a unique feel. On the other hand, the Mallo is a tactile switch that offers a gentle tactility perfect for providing feedback without being overwhelming. With a medium-light typing feel and a neutral sound signature, the Mallo strikes a balance that caters to a wide range of typing environments. While the Flame Red focuses on visuals and a distinct typing experience, the Mallo emphasizes subtlety and finesse in its design. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on which switch suits your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the KTT Mallo, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. The use of nylon in both switches results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in housing material ensures that both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a satisfying sound profile. While the nylon bottom housing is consistent between the two switches, their top housing materials differ significantly.
The Flame Red features a nylon top housing, which contributes to its unique sound profile. The nylon top housing of the Flame Red produces a deeper and fuller sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Mallo utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The transparency of polycarbonate also makes it an ideal choice for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to the typing experience. Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound profiles.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to recognize how each material contributes to the sound and feel of the switch. The qualities of the bottom housing material are felt more prominently during the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. By combining different housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch, manufacturers can create a more dynamic typing experience that enhances both the auditory and tactile feedback for the user. In the case of the Flame Red and Mallo switches, the combination of nylon and polycarbonate housing materials ensures a well-rounded typing experience with unique sound profiles.
Weight
The TTC Flame Red linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is slightly lighter than the KTT Mallo tactile switch, whose actuation force is unknown. However, both switches have a bottom out force that is close in weight, with the Flame Red at 54 grams and the Mallo at 55 grams. This makes both switches fall under the medium-light category in terms of force required to press the keys. The Flame Red offers a consistent actuation force throughout the keystroke, providing a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Mallo switch offers a tactile bump for feedback during the actuation process. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on whether the user prefers a consistent, linear feel or a tactile feedback while typing.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch is the same, both measuring at 4mm. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Despite both switches having the same travel distance, the type of feedback and resistance provided by each switch will differ. The Flame Red linear switch will provide a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump, while the Mallo tactile switch will offer a bump in the middle of the keystroke to provide tactile feedback. Overall, both switches offer the same travel distance but differ in the typing experience they provide.
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 KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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, both the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch fall under the descriptor of being neutral. This means that they offer a moderate sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. However, the Mallo switch also has a subdued quality, which gives it a more dampened and subtle sound compared to most switches. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Flame Red switch is described as providing a mild and polished typing experience. This means that the keypresses feel gentle and smooth, offering a comfortable typing experience for most users. On the other hand, the Mallo switch has a feathery and subtle feel, with a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Mallo switch is also stepped, providing a two-stage tactile feel that is more mild compared to hypers.
In conclusion, the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Flame Red switch is best known for its weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, as well as its polished and mild typing experience. On the other hand, the Mallo switch is characterized by its gentle tactility, medium-light typing feel, and neutral sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for, but rest assured that both switches will deliver satisfactory results for most users.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, consider your preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a visually stunning experience with backlit keyboards and enjoy a weighty smoothness with a clacky sound profile, the Flame Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate subtlety and finesse in design, prefer a gentle tactile feedback that strikes a balanced chord for typing, and value a neutral and subdued sound signature, the Mallo could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your individual typing style and preferences.
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