TTC Flame Red vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch to the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, the first standout feature is the visual appeal of the Flame Red with its captivating light diffuser, making it ideal for those who prioritize aesthetics in their keyboard setup, especially with RGB backlit keyboards. The Flame Red offers a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, appealing to users who prefer a linear switch experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean may not excel in visual design but offers tactile feedback that some users prefer for a more responsive typing experience. While the Flame Red is categorized as neutral, mild, and polished, the Ocean does not have a specific classification. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make the best decision on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Outemu Ocean, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles based on the characteristics of nylon and polycarbonate. The Flame Red's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Ocean's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic nature that creates a clear and resonant sound. While both materials have their own sonic qualities, they cater to different preferences depending on the desired typing experience.
The bottom housings of the Flame Red and the Ocean switches both utilize nylon, contributing to a common deep and full sound profile with a softer plastic that absorbs sound effectively. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures a consistent tactile feel and sound experience during typing, emphasizing the characteristics of nylon in creating a duller and rounder sound. Despite the shared material, the differences in the top housings lead to distinct sound profiles between the two switches, with the Flame Red offering a softer, deeper feel, and the Outemu Ocean providing a crisper, sharper sound for a varied typing experience.
Overall, the contrasting housing materials of the Flame Red and the Ocean switches demonstrate the impact of material composition on the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housings for a similar sound profile, the use of polycarbonate in the Ocean's top housing creates a distinct crisp and resonant sound, unlike the duller and rounder sound produced by the Flame Red's nylon top housing. Understanding the nuances of different housing materials can help users determine their preferred typing experience based on the sound profile and tactile feedback desired in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, it is clear that the Flame Red is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams, compared to the Ocean's 55 grams. The Flame Red also has a lighter bottom out force of 54 grams, as the Ocean's bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the Flame Red may be the better choice. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push, the Ocean may be more suitable. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience and user preference for each switch.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity allows for a consistent typing experience across both switches. The equal travel distance ensures that users will get similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness when using either switch. Overall, the travel distance of 4 mm for both the Flame Red linear switch and the Ocean tactile switch offers a comfortable and familiar typing experience for users.
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 Ocean 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
In terms of sound, the Flame Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users and applications. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors including keyboard layout and keycap material.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Flame Red linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and smooth key press that is approachable to most users. The lack of specific information about the Outemu Ocean tactile switch makes it challenging to draw a direct comparison in terms of feel. However, if the Flame Red switch is any indication, you can expect a comfortable typing experience with the Outemu Ocean switch as well.
In conclusion, the TTC Flame Red linear switch stands out for its visually striking light diffuser, making it a popular choice for RGB backlit keyboards. With a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, it offers a neutral sound and a mild, polished feel that caters to a wide range of users. While the specific qualities of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch remain unknown in this comparison, if you are looking for a similar typing experience to the Flame Red switch, you may find that the Ocean switch offers comparable results in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the best choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, you should choose the Flame Red if you prioritize a visually stunning switch with a light diffuser that enhances your RGB keyboard's appearance. The Flame Red also provides a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile that many users appreciate. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a gentle typing experience and a polished, smooth finish, the Ocean tactile switch may be the better option for you. Ultimately, your choice should depend on your preferences for visual aesthetics, typing experience, and sound profile.
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