TTC Flame Red vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing and contrasting the TTC Flame Red and the Outemu Gold mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to consider their distinct characteristics. The Flame Red is a linear switch that is best known for its dazzling light diffuser, making it ideal for those who prefer a backlit RGB keyboard setup. Typing on these switches offers a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, providing a unique tactile experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold is a clicky switch with no specific standout features mentioned. It is crucial to note that the Flame Red is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Polished', while the Gold lacks specific categorizations. Both switches have their own advantages and drawbacks, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
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 Outemu Gold switches have noticeable differences in terms of the sound profiles they produce. The Flame Red's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the Gold's polycarbonate top housing is stiffer, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in material ultimately affects the overall typing experience and sound feedback of the switches.
While the nylon bottom housing of both the Flame Red and Gold switches provides a similar deep and full sound profile, the top housings showcase the most significant differences between the two. The Flame Red's nylon bottom housing, like its top counterpart, absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a rounder sound when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Gold's polycarbonate top housing offers a clear and resonant sound profile, especially effective in showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency. These distinct characteristics in the top and bottom housings of the switches contribute to the overall sound and feel of typing on each switch.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Flame Red and Outemu Gold switches will heavily depend on personal preference regarding sound profiles and typing feel. While both switches utilize classic housing materials like nylon, the differences in the top housings set them apart in terms of sound quality. Whether one prefers a deeper, fuller sound profile with the Flame Red's nylon housing or a sharper, crisper sound with the Gold's polycarbonate housing, each switch offers a unique typing experience that caters to individual preferences. Ultimately, both switches provide reliable housing materials that deliver consistent and satisfying typing feedback for users.
Weight
The TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally sensitive in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Flame Red requires 54 grams, while the Gold requires 60 grams. This means that the Gold switch offers a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Flame Red. In terms of weight preference, the Flame Red would be favored by those who prefer a lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions, while the Gold switch would be more suitable for those who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches offer different weight profiles, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference for typing feel and endurance.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equally effective in providing a satisfying key press experience. When comparing the two switches, it can be noted that they both offer a consistent key travel distance, which results in a similar typing feel for users. This means that whether you choose the Flame Red or the Gold switch, you can expect to have a smooth and responsive typing experience with a 4 mm travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the switch type (linear vs clicky) rather than the travel distance itself.
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 Gold 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 Flame Red offers a neutral profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Its moderate actuation force requirement ensures a balanced sound that is not too loud or too quiet, perfect for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, the Gold switch's sound profile is unknown, but keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Flame Red switch provides a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. The polished finish of the switch creates a smooth and refined typing feel, with reduced friction and a sleek key travel. This combination of qualities offers a comfortable typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone. Unfortunately, the feel of the Gold switch is unknown, but if it follows the same principles as other clicky switches, you can expect a more tactile and pronounced typing feel.
In conclusion, the Flame Red linear switch stands out for its visually appealing light diffuser, smooth typing experience, and neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch is a bit of a mystery in terms of its qualities. Both switches offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider factors such as sound, feel, and visual appeal when choosing between the two. Ultimately, experimenting with both switches on different keyboards and setups will give you a better understanding of their individual characteristics and help you make an informed decision based on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Flame Red linear switch or the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force, a smooth and weighty feel, and a clacky sound profile, the Flame Red would be a great choice, especially if you have a backlit or RGB keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and are looking for a tactile and audible typing experience, the Gold switch may be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics, so it's important to consider what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch when making your decision.
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