TTC Flame Red vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flame Red and the Outemu Crystal Brown offer unique features tailored to different preferences. The Flame Red is a linear switch that stands out for its stunning light diffuser, making it the perfect choice for those looking to add a vibrant touch to their backlit RGB keyboard setup. Typing on the Flame Red provides a weighty smoothness and a satisfyingly clacky sound profile, making it a popular option for those who value both aesthetics and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown is a tactile switch that lacks any standout visual feature but offers a different typing experience with a subtle tactile bump. While the Flame Red is categorized as neutral, mild, and polished, the Crystal Brown does not fall into any specific category. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Outemu Crystal Brown, it is clear that they have distinct differences in terms of sound profile and feel. The Flame Red's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness and clear translucency which is ideal for RGB lighting. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the difference in material composition leads to varying auditory experiences for the user.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon material which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness and sound-absorption properties of nylon. This shared characteristic leads to a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel between the Flame Red and Crystal Brown switches. However, the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel may vary slightly between the two switches due to potential differences in design or construction. Overall, the use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile for both switches.
Overall, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate for the top housing of a switch ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic considerations. While nylon top housings offer a deeper and fuller sound with a duller tone, polycarbonate top housings provide a sharper and crisper sound with clear translucency for RGB lighting effects. Both materials have their own advantages and can enhance the overall typing experience in different ways. By understanding the unique characteristics of each housing material, users can make an informed decision based on their individual preferences and desired typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of actuation. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Flame Red has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 54 grams compared to the Crystal Brown's bottom out force of 55 grams. Both switches fall under the medium-light category, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. The Flame Red may be a slightly better option for those who prioritize a lighter touch, while the Crystal Brown offers a slightly firmer bottom out force for those who enjoy a bit more resistance while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch have an equal travel distance of 4mm. This means that in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, users can expect a similar tactile experience from both switches. The travel distance of a switch is crucial as it determines the amount of force required and the overall feel when typing or gaming. With both switches having the same travel distance, individuals can expect consistent performance and feedback regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Outemu Crystal Brown comes in at $3.10 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, the TTC Flame Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, on the other hand, does not have a defined sound description provided. The sound produced by a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Flame Red linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and smooth feel that is approachable to most users. The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch does not have a specified feel description available. The smooth and refined finish of the Flame Red switch contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Flame Red stands out for its stunning light diffuser design, making it ideal for RGB backlit keyboards. Its weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile provide a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, while the specific qualities of the Crystal Brown switch are not provided, it may appeal to users looking for a tactile typing experience.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a switch with a neutral sound profile and a gentle, polished feel, the TTC Flame Red linear switch would be a suitable choice. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch are not specified, experimenting with different switches and considering personal preferences will help you find the perfect match for your typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize aesthetics and enjoy a backlit, RGB keyboard, the Flame Red is the way to go with its stunning light diffuser. Additionally, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a weighty smoothness while typing, the Flame Red is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Crystal Brown may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of visual appeal, sound profile, and typing feel.
Mentioned in this article
