TTC Flame Red vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Mountain Top mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they both offer distinct advantages depending on your preferences and needs. The Flame Red stands out for its stunning light diffuser, making it the ideal choice for those who prioritize aesthetics and RGB backlighting in their keyboard setup. Typing on the Flame Red switches provides a weighty smoothness and satisfying clacky sound profile, appealing to users looking for a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switches are designed with office environments in mind, offering a quiet yet responsive typing experience suitable for professional settings. These switches strike a balance between a subdued sound signature and light actuation, making them perfect for continuous and unobtrusive typing. 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
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
The TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Mountain Top both feature nylon top and bottom housing materials, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon is known for its softness, which helps absorb sound and create a duller, rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This characteristic makes typing on switches with nylon housing more pleasing to the ear, as it reduces the clackiness often associated with mechanical keyboards.
Despite sharing the same nylon housing material, the Flame Red and Mountain Top switches may differ in terms of their specific design and manufacturing process, which could lead to subtle variations in sound and feel. The top housing of a switch generally impacts the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. This division of the qualities of the housing material between the top and bottom of the switch can result in a unique typing experience for each switch, even when they share the same material.
Overall, both the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Mountain Top switches offer a similar typing experience due to their use of nylon housing materials. Typing on switches with nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the material's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. Whether it's the Flame Red or the Mountain Top, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with reduced clackiness and a more rounded sound from switches that utilize nylon housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is evident that the Mountain Top switch is lighter in both aspects. The Flame Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Mountain Top switch has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Mountain Top switch may be the better choice. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push, the Flame Red switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the difference in actuation and bottom out forces highlights the importance of weight consideration when choosing a keyboard switch.
Travel distance
The TTC Flame Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Flame Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mountain Top. The Flame Red's 4.0mm travel distance offers a more traditional feel, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press. On the other hand, the Mountain Top's 3.4 mm travel distance provides a more shallow and quicker key press, which may be preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, but the Flame Red would provide a slightly longer and more deliberate key press compared to the Mountain Top. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and feel.
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 Mountain Top 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 Gateron Mountain Top switches offer a neutral experience with a moderate sound profile. This makes them suitable for various environments and user preferences, whether you're a beginner or advanced user. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Flame Red switches provide a mild and polished typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish that offers reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switches offer a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, with gentle resistance during key presses and a light actuation force that enhances typing comfort and responsiveness. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant and approachable typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of key feel.
In conclusion, while the Flame Red and Mountain Top switches offer slightly different sound and feel characteristics, both switches aim to provide users with a comfortable typing experience. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and what specific qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch. Whether you choose the Flame Red for its weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile or the Mountain Top for its quiet and light actuation, you can expect a high-quality typing experience from both options.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a visually stunning experience with a backlit, RGB keyboard, along with a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, the Flame Red might be the way to go. On the other hand, if you require a switch engineered for discretion in office environments, providing a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience with a comfortably light actuation, the Gateron Mountain Top could be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific needs and preferences in terms of visuals, sound, and feel.
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