TTC Flame Red vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the TTC Flame Red and the Outemu Silver mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, there are key differences to consider. The Flame Red is best known for its visually stunning light diffuser, making it the ideal choice for those who prioritize aesthetics, especially on backlit RGB keyboards. In terms of feel and sound, the Flame Reds offer a weighty smoothness and a distinctive clacky sound profile, perfect for typists who enjoy a tactile response. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver is characterized by its lack of specific standout features, making it a more neutral option. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Outemu Silver, it is evident 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, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that both switches will likely have a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when it comes to the bottom housing material.
However, when looking at the top housing materials, the Flame Red utilizes nylon while the Silver uses polycarbonate. The use of polycarbonate in the Silver results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Flame Red's nylon top housing. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. This difference in top housing material will likely result in a noticeable variance in sound and feel between the two switches.
Overall, the choice between the Flame Red and the Outemu Silver will come down to personal preference in sound and typing experience. While both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, the difference in top housing material will greatly impact the sound profile and feel of each switch. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound profile with the Flame Red's nylon housing or a sharper, crisper sound with the Silver's polycarbonate housing, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, trying out both switches to determine which housing material suits your typing style best is the best way to make an informed decision.
Weight
The TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a light and responsive typing experience. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Flame Red has a lighter pressure at 54 grams compared to the Silver's heavier 65 grams. This means that the Flame Red switch may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing feel and may enjoy longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver switch would be a better choice for those who prefer a more substantial push feel and enjoy a heavier typing experience for increased tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference, with the Flame Red offering a lighter touch and the Silver providing a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same comforting travel distance. This means that whether you choose the Flame Red or the Silver, you can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from top to bottom. With both switches providing the same travel distance, the choice between the two will likely come down to personal preference in other aspects such as actuation force or overall feel.
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 Silver 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 comparing the sound profile of the TTC Flame Red linear switch to the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is important to note that the Flame Red is known for its neutral sound profile, which is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The sound produced is moderate and not overly loud, making it a versatile option for various typing preferences. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Silver switch is unknown at this time. It is essential to consider that the sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Flame Red offers a mild typing experience with a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined feel while typing. This gentle typing experience is approachable to most users, with a comfortable middle-ground feel that is not too heavy or too light. The polished finish also helps to reduce friction and ensures smooth key travel. Unfortunately, information regarding the feel of the Outemu Silver switch is currently unavailable.
In conclusion, when comparing the subjective qualities of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Flame Red offers a visually striking design with its light diffuser, a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various users, and a mild and polished feel for a comfortable typing experience. While the qualities of the Outemu Silver switch are not as well-defined in this comparison, if the switches are similar in design and construction, users can expect to achieve comparable results in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences in typing experience and aesthetics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize aesthetics and have a backlit, RGB keyboard, the Flame Red would be the ideal choice with its dazzling light diffuser. Additionally, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a weighty smoothness when typing, the Flame Red is a great option. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and do not have a specific preference for backlighting, the Outemu Silver might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your individual preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing experience.
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