TTC Flame Red vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are many options to choose from, each with their own unique qualities. Two popular choices are the TTC Flame Red, a linear switch, and the Durock Medium Tactile, a tactile switch. The Flame Red switches are often praised for their visually stunning light diffuser, making them the top pick for those who want a backlit, RGB keyboard. When typing on these switches, users enjoy a satisfying weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switches from Durock offer a different experience with their pronounced yet balanced tactility. They also produce a jelly-like sound signature that adds a touch of uniqueness to each keystroke. Both switches fall under the category of being polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Durock Medium Tactile switches differ significantly. The Flame Red features a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Medium Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material is especially advantageous for switches with clear housings, as it allows the RGB lighting to shine through.
Both the Flame Red and the Medium Tactile switches have nylon bottom housings. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon enables it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that these switches may have comparable sound characteristics upon bottoming out.
When it comes to the impact on sound and feel, the housing materials play a significant role. In switches with different top and bottom housings, the sound and feel qualities are split between the two components. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice between the Flame Red and the Medium Tactile will largely depend on the desired sound profile and the aesthetic preference for clear housings with RGB lighting. However, both switches offer the benefits of a nylon bottom housing, ensuring a deeper and fuller sound experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, there are several differences to consider. Firstly, in terms of weight, the Flame Red is lighter than the Medium Tactile. The Flame Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, which falls into the medium-light category. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile's actuation force is unknown, but its bottom out force is 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy.
The actuation force determines the amount of force required to trigger a keystroke, and in this aspect, the Flame Red requires a lighter touch compared to the Medium Tactile. This lighter actuation force can be beneficial for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, especially during long typing sessions or intense gaming sessions. It allows for smoother and faster keystrokes, reducing the strain on the fingers.
In contrast, the bottom out force measures the force required to fully press the key down. Here, the Medium Tactile is the heavier option with a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Flame Red requires 54 grams of force. This heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing experience and can be preferred by users who enjoy a stronger push feel when typing.
Overall, while the actuation force and bottom out force differ between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, users can achieve similar results based on their personal preferences. Those looking for a lighter typing experience with faster keystrokes may prefer the Flame Red, while those desiring a more substantial and forceful typing experience may opt for the Medium Tactile.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when selecting a keyboard switch. In the case of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, both switches have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will experience the same amount of distance traveled. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users can expect similar results and feedback when typing on keyboards equipped with either of these switches. So, whether you choose the TTC Flame Red linear switch or the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, you can expect a consistent and familiar typing 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 Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 Flame Red and the Medium Tactile have distinct profiles. The Flame Red is described as having a clacky sound, which adds a satisfying element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile has a jelly-like sound signature, creating a unique auditory sensation while typing. Both switches offer different sound characteristics, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preference. Additionally, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Flame Red provides a weighty smoothness when typing, giving a sense of stability and solidity. It falls into the category of mild switches, offering a gentle typing experience without any overwhelming characteristics. The switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile is an accented switch, offering a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It falls into the mild category as well, providing a comfortable and approachable feel while typing. Similar to the Flame Red, the Medium Tactile is also polished, ensuring a smooth key travel experience.
Considering all the available information, the Flame Red and the Medium Tactile switches offer different subjective qualities that cater to individual preferences. The Flame Red excels in its visual appeal with a dazzling light diffuser, making it a great choice for those seeking a backlit, RGB keyboard. It provides a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, creating a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile stands out with its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature, providing a unique and enjoyable tactile typing experience. Both switches are considered mild and polished, ensuring a gentle and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, when choosing between these switches, it is essential to consider personal preferences regarding visuals, sound, and feel to find the most suitable option.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prioritize aesthetics and want a visually appealing keyboard, the TTC Flame Red linear switch is the way to go. Its dazzling light diffuser makes it the best choice for those who prefer a backlit, RGB keyboard. When typing on the Flame Reds, you will experience a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, if you value a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is the perfect fit for you. It offers a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a satisfying tactile feedback. Additionally, if you prefer a polished switch that offers a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience, both the Flame Reds and the Medium Tactile switches meet this criterion. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style, considering factors such as visual appeal, tactile feedback, and sound profile.
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