TTC Flame Red vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the decision often boils down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for. The TTC Flame Red switch is a linear switch that stands out for its stunning visual appeal, thanks to its dazzling light diffuser, making it ideal for those who prefer a backlit, RGB keyboard setup. Typing on the Flame Reds offers a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, providing a unique tactile experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea switch is a tactile switch that may not have any standout features like visual effects but offers a different typing experience altogether. While it is categorized as having no specific characteristics, it still provides a tactile feedback that some users may prefer over a linear switch. Ultimately, the choice between the Flame Red and Milk Tea switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
N/A
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
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Flame Red and Outemu Milk Tea both use nylon for their top housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. However, the Milk Tea's top housing offers a brighter sound signature compared to the Flame Red, which provides a more resonant clack when typing on switches with such housings. Despite both being nylon, the slight differences in sound characteristics between the two can make a noticeable impact on the typing experience.
On the other hand, both the Flame Red and Milk Tea switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing as well. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The similarities in bottom housing material between the two switches indicate that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound quality and feel when pressing down on keys.
When comparing the overall sound and feel of the TTC Flame Red and Outemu Milk Tea, it's important to note how the qualities of the housing material are distributed within the switches. The split between top and bottom housings means that the bottom housing will have a more pronounced impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Understanding these distinctions can help users choose the switch that best aligns with their preferences for typing sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, one can see that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Flame Red has a bottom out force of 54 grams, while the bottom out force of the Milk Tea is unknown. In terms of weight, the Flame Red is slightly heavier due to its higher bottom out force. The actuation force of these switches is essential for triggering a keystroke, with the bottom out force indicating the amount of pressure needed to press the key all the way down. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of these switches for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer a heavier force for a more substantial typing experience.Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, their travel distance remains the same, so users can expect similar results in terms of key travel feel. This means that whether you choose the Flame Red or the Milk Tea, you can anticipate a consistent typing experience in terms of key travel distance. While both switches offer the same travel distance, they differ in their tactile feedback – the Flame Red provides a smooth linear action, while the Milk Tea offers a tactile bump during key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel rather than travel distance.
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 Milk Tea 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 is known for its neutral profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch is unknown, so it's difficult to compare the two in this aspect. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Flame Red provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and refined feel with smooth key travel. This makes it a versatile option that should be comfortable for most users. Unfortunately, the information regarding the feel of the Outemu Milk Tea switch is not available, making it challenging to directly compare the two switches on this aspect.
Overall, while the TTC Flame Red linear switch is praised for its visually appealing light diffuser, weighty smoothness, clacky sound profile, mild feel, and polished finish, the information available on the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch is limited. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with similar qualities to the Flame Red, opting for the Milk Tea may yield comparable results. It's always important to consider your personal preferences and typing style when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch to ensure the best match for your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prioritize having a visually stunning keyboard with RGB lighting, the Flame Reds are the way to go. They offer a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile that many users enjoy. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a more gentle typing experience and a polished, refined finish, the Milk Tea switches may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference for visuals, typing experience, and sound profile. Consider these factors carefully before making your decision on which switch to choose for your mechanical keyboard.
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