TTC Flame Red vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the TTC flame red and the Outemu silent white mechanical keyboard switches, there are distinct differences that cater to different preferences. The flame red stands out for its visually captivating light diffuser, making it ideal for those who prioritize aesthetics in their backlit RGB keyboards. Offering a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, the flame red is categorized as neutral, mild, polished. On the other hand, the Outemu silent white does not boast any specific standout features but is classified with no specific traits. When considering which switch to choose, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific requirements. 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
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
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 Silent White, it is clear that they both use nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon for the bottom housing. Both the Flame Red and Silent White switches will offer a similar tactile experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, as the nylon material in the bottom housing will have a significant impact on this aspect.
However, where the two switches differ is in their top housing material. The Flame Red utilizes a nylon top housing, while the Silent White features a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic compared to nylon, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through more clearly. Therefore, when it comes to the sound produced when releasing a key, the top housing material of the switch will play a larger role in the case of the Silent White compared to the Flame Red.
In conclusion, while the bottom housing materials of the Flame Red and Silent White switches are the same, their top housing materials provide distinct acoustic characteristics. The Flame Red's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Silent White's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these switches based on the acoustic qualities provided by their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, the actuation force is the same at 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Flame Red is lighter at 54 grams compared to the Silent White at 60 grams. The Flame Red offers a medium-light typing experience, while the Silent White provides a medium force feel. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Flame Red may be the better option for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Silent White for its slightly heavier bottom out force. In either case, both switches offer a similar actuation force, ensuring consistent results in terms of triggering keystrokes.
Travel distance
The TTC Flame Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Flame Red switch is the longer option, providing a more traditional travel distance compared to the shallower Silent White switch. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Flame Red switch may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press feeling, while the 3.3mm travel distance of the Silent White switch could be favored by gamers looking for quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of how much key travel depth is preferred for an ideal 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 Outemu Silent White 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, making it suitable for a wide range of users and settings. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Silent White switch is unavailable. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Flame Red linear switch provides a mild typing experience with a polished finish, offering a smooth and refined keystroke. The feel of these switches falls in a comfortable middle ground, making them accessible to most users. As for the Outemu Silent White switch, details on their feel are currently unknown.
Taking all available information into account, it can be inferred that the Flame Red linear switch is a versatile option with a neutral sound profile, gentle typing feel, and a polished finish. While the specific qualities of the Outemu Silent White switch remain undefined, it is possible that their performance may offer similar results. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and any additional features that may not have been covered.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize aesthetics and enjoy a visually striking backlit keyboard, the Flame Red with its dazzling light diffuser is the way to go. Additionally, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a weighty smoothness with a clacky sound profile, the Flame Red is the better choice. On the other hand, if you value a medium bottom out force and a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish, the Silent White may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound, feel, and visual appeal when choosing between these two linear switches.
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