TTC Flame Red vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Flame Red and the BSUN Olive mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that they each offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences. The Flame Red stands out for its stunning light diffuser, making it a perfect choice for those who have backlit RGB keyboards. Typing on these linear switches provides a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, categorized as neutral, mild, polished. On the other hand, the BSUN Olive switches feature all-POM housings, delivering a deep and resonant sound experience. These tactile switches offer pronounced feedback and a sharp bottom-out due to their unique design and long pole stem, giving them a category of accented, invigorating, sharp, snappy. However, let's delve 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
45g
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
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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and Bsun Olive switches bring unique characteristics to the typing experience. The Flame Red features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Olive's POM top housing offers a more muted and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper side. While both provide a different sound experience, they both aim to enhance the overall typing feel with their unique characteristics.
The bottom housing of the Flame Red and Olive switches also play a crucial role in the typing experience. The Flame Red's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing material. On the other hand, the Olive's POM bottom housing adds to the unique sound profile by creating a more muted tone. By combining different housing materials for the top and bottom, each switch offers a distinct sound and feel when typing, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
While the housing materials of the Flame Red and Olive switches differ in terms of nylon and POM, they both strive to provide an enhanced typing experience. The nylon and POM materials bring their own unique qualities to the switches, influencing the sound profile and typing feel. However, regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience with their distinct characteristics. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of the Flame Red or the pleasingly muted tone of the Olive, both switches offer a unique typing experience worth exploring.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, it is evident that the Flame Red is lighter in terms of bottom out force. The Flame Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, while the Olive has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. Both switches have the same actuation force, but the Olive is heavier when it comes to bottoming out. This means that the Flame Red may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, while the Olive may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, it is evident that the Flame Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Olive's 3.4 mm. The 4.0 mm of the Flame Red offers a more traditional experience, while the 3.4 mm of the Olive is slightly shallower. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the shorter travel distance of the Olive, while those who prefer a deeper key press may opt for the Flame Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key 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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 Flame Red and Olive switches offer contrasting auditory experiences. The Flame Red provides a neutral sound profile that is moderate and suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Olive switch delivers a deep and resonant sound, creating a distinctive audio feedback that sets it apart from other switches. Remember, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Flame Red switch is characterized by its mild and polished qualities, offering a gentle and smooth typing experience that is approachable to most users. In contrast, the Olive switch provides an invigorating and sharp tactile sensation, with a pronounced feedback and a firm actuation force that results in a satisfying typing experience. The unique design of the Olive switch ensures a crisp and sharp bottom-out, adding to the overall feel of the switch.
In conclusion, the Flame Red and Olive switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Flame Red is best suited for users seeking a smooth and polished typing experience with a neutral sound profile, while the Olive switch is ideal for those looking for a tactile switch with a deep and resonant sound, along with pronounced feedback and a firm actuation force. Depending on your preferences and typing style, both switches provide unique qualities that can enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Flame Red and Olive switches will come down to personal preference and what qualities you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you value a visually stunning keyboard with backlit RGB lighting, a weighty and smooth typing experience with a clacky sound profile, and a medium-light bottom out force, then the Flame Red switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a resonant, deep sound with pronounced tactile feedback, thanks to an all-POM housing and a long pole stem for a sharp bottom-out, along with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Olive switch is the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for visuals, sound, feel, and bottom out force. Consider your priorities and go with the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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