TTC Flame Red vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flame Red and Gateron Melodic stand out as popular choices in their respective categories. The Flame Red, a linear switch, is renowned for its stunning light diffuser that makes it ideal for RGB keyboards. Typing on these switches offers a smooth and weighty feel with a satisfying clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Melodic, a clicky switch from Gateron, introduces advancements like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems to provide a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback with a buttery and resonant feel. While both switches have their unique qualities and appeal, ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. 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
60g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Melodic switches have distinct differences in terms of sound profile and aesthetic appeal. The Flame Red features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Melodic switch uses a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition. While both materials provide unique sound characteristics, the Flame Red's nylon top housing offers a duller and rounder sound, while the Melodic's polycarbonate top housing produces a more clear and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting for a visually appealing finish.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Flame Red and the Melodic switches utilize nylon for this component. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of a switch contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches have a similar sound profile when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a consistent user experience. While the top and bottom housings of the switches are the same material in this case, the impact of each housing material can still be felt differently when using the switches, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Melodic switches showcase the importance of material composition in determining sound profile and user experience. While the Flame Red's nylon top housing offers a softer and deeper sound, the Melodic's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, catering to different preferences in typing feel and sound output. Despite the differences in top housing material, both switches share a common ground with their use of nylon in the bottom housing, offering a consistent sound profile for users seeking a uniform typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Flame Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Melodic switch has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Flame Red switch has a bottom out force of 54 grams. This means that the Flame Red switch provides a slightly lighter typing experience overall. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Flame Red switch for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke may prefer the Gateron Melodic switch for a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer a different tactile experience due to their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference for typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that users will get consistent results in terms of keypress feedback and overall typing feel. Since both switches have an equal travel distance, there is no significant difference in this aspect between the two.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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, the TTC Flame Red linear switch provides a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy sound profile, providing a more immersive and unique auditory experience. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired sound experience, with the Flame Red being more versatile and the Melodic offering a more distinct and interactive sound.
When it comes to feel, the Flame Red linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish that results in a gentle keystroke. This makes it approachable to most users and provides a comfortable typing sensation. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch provides a buttery and invigorating typing experience, with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel that creates a more dynamic and engaging typing sensation. Again, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel.
Overall, the Flame Red linear switch excels in providing a visually appealing option with its light diffuser, while also offering a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch stands out with its innovative features such as smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, providing a resonant and crunchy sound profile along with a buttery and invigorating typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to personal preference for sound, feel, and any specific features that may be preferred in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, consider the specific qualities that each switch offers. If you prioritize a visually stunning experience with a backlit, RGB keyboard, along with a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, the Flame Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a higher-pitched, clean and sharp sound profile, along with a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, the Melodic could be the perfect fit for your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific feel and sound profile you desire in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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