TTC Flame Red vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices to consider are the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Mini i. The Flame Red switch is well-known for its mesmerizing light diffuser, making it a top choice for those who prefer a backlit, RGB keyboard. Typing on the Flame Red switch offers a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switch is favored for its gentle tactility, perfect for office settings where a quieter typing experience is preferred. The Mini i strikes a balance between a muted sound profile and satisfying feedback, making it ideal for long hours of comfortable typing. The Flame Red switch is categorized as neutral, mild, polished, while the Mini i is labeled as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, neutral, snappy, subtle, and stepped. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Mini i, both switches utilize nylon for the top and bottom housings. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The result is a duller and rounder sound that is characteristic of switches using nylon housing materials. Therefore, in terms of sound profile, users can expect similar results from both the Flame Red and Mini i switches.
However, while both switches share the same nylon housing materials, they may differ in the design and construction of their housings. The placement of the nylon top and bottom housings within each switch may impact the overall typing experience. For example, the Flame Red's housing design may focus more on the bottom housing for a pronounced bottom-out sound and feel, while the Mini i's design may prioritize the top housing for a distinct sound when releasing a key. These subtle differences in housing design could potentially affect the typing feel and sound experience for users.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Mini i may come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound. While both switches use nylon housing materials that provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, the specific design and construction of each switch's housing may influence the overall typing experience. Users looking for a more pronounced bottom-out sound and feel may prefer the Flame Red, while those seeking a distinct sound upon key release may lean towards the Mini i. Ultimately, exploring the nuances of each switch's housing design can help users find the perfect match for their typing style and preferences.
Weight
The TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch differ in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Flame Red has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Mini i's 40 grams, making it slightly heavier to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the Flame Red also has a higher bottom out force of 54 grams compared to the Mini i's 50 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience when pressing all the way down. In terms of weight, the Mini i is lighter overall, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Flame Red is slightly heavier, offering a more solid push feel for those looking for a more robust typing experience. Both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with options based on their personal preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Flame Red TTC linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Flame Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mini i, making it the longer option. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with 4.0mm being the most common. Gamers may prefer the Mini i for its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Flame Red with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference 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 Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 and the Gateron Mini i switches fall under the category of neutral switches, meaning they have a moderate sound profile that is suitable for a variety of settings, whether at home or in an office environment. The sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Flame Red switches offer a mild and polished typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switches are described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped, providing a spring-like feedback sensation, low resistance, and a gentle typing experience. Both switches aim to offer a comfortable typing experience with their respective characteristics, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
Overall, while the Flame Red switches focus on a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile along with a visually appealing light diffusion feature for backlighting, the Gateron Mini i switches provide a gentle tactility and a fairly muted sound profile suitable for office settings. Depending on individual preferences for typing feel and sound, users can find satisfaction in both switches for their unique qualities. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience one is looking for.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, consider your priorities. If you value a visually stunning backlighting effect and a weighty, smooth typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Flame Red may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactility, lightweight feel, and a quieter sound profile for long hours of typing in an office setting, the Mini i might be the better choice. Ultimately, both switches offer a neutral sound profile, but the Flame Red provides a mild and polished typing experience, while the Mini i offers a bouncy and easy-to-press feel. It all comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs when deciding between these two switches.
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