TTC Flame Red vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC flame red and Haimu Neo White are two popular mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique features that cater to different preferences. The flame red is best known for its dazzling light diffuser, making it the perfect choice for those who want a backlit, RGB keyboard. Typing on these switches provides a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, offering a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Neo White switches stand out with their medium weight and smooth actuation, thanks to the rare use of a Ly stem. The reduced total travel also adds to the distinctive typing feel of the Neo White switches. While both switches are categorized as neutral and mild, they offer slightly different typing experiences. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flame Red features a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it an excellent choice for switches designed to utilize RGB lighting. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the nylon top housing of the Flame Red and the polycarbonate top housing of the Neo White cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
On the other hand, both the Flame Red and the Neo White incorporate a nylon bottom housing. This choice provides a similar experience in terms of sound profile, with both materials offering a deeper and fuller sound due to their softness and sound absorption properties. Despite the different top housings, the similarities in the bottom housing showcase how nylon can contribute to a consistent typing experience across different switches. This consistency in the bottom housing material ensures that users will enjoy a duller and rounder sound profile, regardless of the top housing material used.
When considering how the top and bottom housing materials impact the overall sound and feel of a switch, it becomes evident that the choice of material in each component plays a crucial role. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights the importance of balance and compatibility between the top and bottom housing materials to achieve a desirable typing experience. Whether utilizing nylon or polycarbonate in the top and bottom housings, each material brings its unique qualities to the switch, ultimately shaping the sound and feel of typing for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it is evident that the Flame Red is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Neo White which does not specify its actuation force. However, the Neo White has a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Flame Red has a bottom out force of 54 grams. This makes the Flame Red more balanced in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, while the Neo White leans towards a heavier typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, the Flame Red may be the better option, while the Neo White would be more suitable for those who prefer a heavier push feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Flame Red being slightly lighter overall.
Travel distance
The Flame Red linear switch from TTC has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is slightly longer than the Neo White linear switch from Haimu, which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Flame Red being on the longer side and the Neo White on the shorter side, the slight difference may be noticeable to some users. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Neo White for faster response times, while others may find the longer travel distance of the Flame Red to provide a more satisfying typing experience with its added depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and typing 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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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
In terms of sound, both the TTC Flame Red and the Haimu Neo White linear switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they offer a moderate level of sound during typing, making them suitable for various settings whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, using them at home or at work. It is important to note that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Flame Red and Neo White linear switches are described as providing a mild typing experience. This means that they offer a gentle and approachable feel, making them comfortable for most users. The Flame Red switches are also noted for their polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Neo White switches stand out for their medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, contributing to a distinctive typing feel.
Overall, while the Flame Red and Neo White linear switches may have some differences in terms of weight and total travel, they both offer a similar neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific features that matter most to you, whether it be the visual appeal of RGB lighting with the Flame Red switches or the smooth actuation of the Neo White switches. Ultimately, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you prioritize a visually stunning backlight and a weighty smoothness with a clacky sound profile, the Flame Red may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium weight switch with a slightly reduced total travel, a smooth actuation, and a satisfying typing experience, the Neo White could be the better option. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, making them suitable for a variety of users, whether you're a beginner or advanced, using them at home or work. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing style.
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