TTC Flame Red vs. KTT Pine

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the TTC Flame Red and the KTT Pine. The Flame Red is well-known for its stunning visuals, particularly its dazzling light diffuser, making it the ideal choice for those seeking a backlit, RGB keyboard. Typing on these switches provides a weighty smoothness accompanied by a satisfying clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Pine switches, with their translucent, forest green appearance, offer a medium-heavy feel and an effortless typing experience. These switches are designed with a polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction, resulting in smooth key travel. While these general observations may guide your decision, it's important to delve deeper into each switch's unique characteristics to determine the perfect fit for your typing preferences.

By the numbers

TTC Flame Red Linear

KTT Pine Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

$4.60

$4.15 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the KTT Pine differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. While the Flame Red utilizes a nylon top housing, the Pine features a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon top housing of the Flame Red creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer and more sound-absorbent nature. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Pine produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because it is a stiffer plastic that allows for a clearer and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of the polycarbonate top housing makes it particularly suitable for switches with RGB lighting, while the Flame Red's nylon top housing does not offer this aesthetic advantage.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Flame Red consists of a nylon bottom housing, whereas the Pine employs a polycarbonate bottom housing. Similar to the top housing, the nylon bottom housing of the Flame Red contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile with its softer plastic composition. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Pine enhances the sharpness, higher pitch, and crispness of the sound due to its stiffness and improved resonance. Moreover, the polycarbonate bottom housing's translucency aligns with the aesthetic preference for switches with RGB lighting, unlike the Flame Red's opaque nylon bottom housing.

In cases where the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, the qualities of each housing material will impact different aspects of the switch's sound and feel. Pressing down on the switch will be influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing, with its impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the sound when releasing a key will be more affected by the properties of the top housing. While there are distinctions in sound and aesthetics between the TTC Flame Red and the KTT Pine due to their respective housing materials, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance typing experiences depending on individual preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it can be observed that both switches have a similar actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the amount of force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches. However, there is a difference in the bottom out force between the two. The Flame Red has a bottom out force of 54 grams, which is slightly lighter compared to the Pine switch's bottom out force of 58 grams.

Considering the weight of the switches, the Flame Red can be considered lighter in terms of the bottom out force. This may be beneficial for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, as it allows for longer periods of typing without experiencing fatigue. This makes it an ideal choice for keyboards used for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Pine switch offers a slightly heavier push feel with its higher bottom out force. This can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback when pressing the keys.

In conclusion, while the actuation force of both switches is the same, the Flame Red has a lighter bottom out force compared to the Pine switch. Depending on individual preferences, the Flame Red may be chosen for a lighter and more efficient typing experience, while the Pine switch may be favored by those who prefer a heavier and more substantial typing feel.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and reliable typing experience in terms of travel distance. So, whether you choose the TTC Flame Red or the KTT Pine, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance you feel when typing.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Flame Red switch is known for its visual appeal with a dazzling light diffuser, making it a great choice for those who want a backlit RGB keyboard. When typing on the Flame Reds, users can expect a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Pine switch is translucent forest green in color and offers a medium-heavy, buttery smooth typing experience. These switches are built to provide an effortless typing experience, thanks to a polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction for smooth key travel.

In terms of sound, the Flame Red switch is categorized as neutral, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes it suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the Pine switch is described as bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. It has a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, Pine switches are also noted to have a low-pitched, more bass-heavy, and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Flame Red switch is considered mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Its qualities stand in a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. The Flame Reds also have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, thanks to factory lubing. On the other hand, the Pine switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The typing sensation is seamless, effortless, and uniform. Pine switches are also noted to provide a creamy typing experience similar to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease.

In conclusion, the TTC Flame Red and KTT Pine switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Flame Reds provide a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, making them ideal for those who prefer a slightly tactile experience. On the other hand, the Pine switches offer a medium-heavy, buttery smooth typing experience with a bassy sound profile and low-pitched tones. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences and the overall desired typing experience. However, it's important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Therefore, it's recommended to try out different combinations to achieve the desired result.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize visual aesthetics and want a backlit keyboard, the TTC Flame Red linear switch is the better option for you. Its dazzling light diffuser makes it the perfect choice for RGB keyboards. Additionally, it offers a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile when typing on it. On the other hand, if you value a buttery smooth and effortless typing experience, the KTT Pine linear switch is the way to go. With its polished, factory-lubed finish, these switches minimize friction for smooth key travel. Moreover, the Pine switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound profile during key presses. In terms of feel, the Flame Red offers a mild and polished typing experience, while the Pine switch is described as buttery and creamy, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your priorities in terms of visual appeal, typing feel, and sound profile.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Flame Red Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

Learn more

KTT Pine Linear

$4.60

$4.15 per 10

Learn more