TTC Flame Red vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Flame Red and the KTT Orange. Each switch offers its own unique features and advantages, making it important to understand their differences. The Flame Red is renowned for its stunning visuals, particularly its dazzling light diffuser, making it the perfect choice for those seeking a backlit, RGB keyboard. Typing on the Flame Reds provides a satisfying weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switches boast a 22mm long spring, resulting in a bouncy type feel. With a polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and a vibrant orange nylon bottom housing, these switches deliver a slick and frictionless typing experience, accompanied by a pleasing low-pitched sound profile. Additionally, the KTT Orange switches come factory-lubed, ensuring refined and fluid key travel with minimal friction. While these general pointers provide a glimpse into the strengths of each switch, it is important to delve deeper into their characteristics to ultimately choose the best switch for your specific preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the KTT Orange switches have distinct differences in their sound profiles. The Flame Red features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the Orange switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing is perfect for those who plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Flame Red and the Orange switches also have contrasting characteristics. The Flame Red's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, just like its top housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Orange switch creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Notably, the aesthetic advantage of a clear housing is commonly associated with polycarbonate, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer RGB lighting.
When the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and the bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. In contrast, the top housing plays a more prominent role in the sound produced when a key is released. This distinction emphasizes the importance of both the top and bottom housing materials in determining the overall sound profile of a switch. Regardless of the housing materials used, both the Flame Red and the Orange switches deliver unique and characteristic sound experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it is clear that both switches exhibit similar characteristics. The Flame Red requires a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Orange's 46 grams. Similarly, the Flame Red has a slightly higher bottom out force of 54 grams compared to the Orange's 53 grams. This means that both switches fall within the medium-light category in terms of force required. As a result, users can expect a comparable typing experience with either switch. The weight of the switch is worth considering, as some individuals prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing sessions, while others prefer a heavier switch for a more substantial feel. In this case, both switches offer a relatively balanced experience, providing a blend of comfort and precision.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it is clear that they have different distances. The Flame Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Orange has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Flame Red's travel distance of 4.0mm falls into the more traditional range, offering a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Orange's shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm is preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance of the Orange to feel too abrupt. Therefore, those who prefer a more hearty depth in their key presses may opt for the Flame Red. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and what level of responsiveness and depth one desires in their typing or gaming experience.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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, the Flame Red linear switch offers a neutral profile, which means it has a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch provides a low-pitched sound, featuring a bass-heavy and mellow tone. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Overall, if you're looking for a moderate sound profile, the Flame Red is a solid choice, while the Orange switch offers a more low-pitched and mellow sound.
In terms of feel, the Flame Red linear switch offers a mild typing experience with a weighty smoothness. It falls into the safe middle-ground zone, providing a gentle typing experience that most people will find approachable. Additionally, the Flame Red's polished finish and factory-lubing result in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch offers a bouncy and frictionless typing experience. With its long spring and slick materials, it provides a lively feel with spring-like feedback and an effortless typing experience. Both switches offer different qualities in terms of feel, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Taking all the available information into account, the Flame Red and KTT Orange linear switches provide distinct subjective qualities. The Flame Red stands out with its dazzling light diffuser, making it ideal for those who want a backlit, RGB keyboard. It offers a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished feel that suits most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch offers a low-pitched sound profile and a bouncy, frictionless typing experience. It features unique materials and a long spring for a more energetic and smooth typing feel. Ultimately, both switches have their own characteristics, and choosing between them depends on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and visual aesthetics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize visual aesthetics and enjoy having a backlit or RGB keyboard, the TTC Flame Red linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches not only offer a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile but also come with a dazzling light diffuser that enhances the overall visual experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange linear switch is the way to go. With its long spring, polycarbonate milky top housing, and excellent factory-lubing, these switches provide a slick and refined key travel that minimizes friction and maximizes smoothness. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for visual appeal, typing feel, and sound profile.
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