TTC Flame Red vs. Everglide Sakura Pink

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options available on the market. Today, we will be comparing and contrasting two linear switches, the TTC Flame Red and the Everglide Sakura Pink. Each switch offers its own unique features and advantages that cater to different users. The Flame Red is best known for its dazzling light diffuser, making it the perfect choice for those who want a backlit and RGB keyboard. Typing on these switches provides a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switches are loved for their super light 35g actuation force, perfect for delicate typists. They offer a gliding type feel and a frictionless operation, resulting in a smooth and effortless typing experience. With a delightful poppy sound resembling bubble wrap being popped, they add a playful touch to your keyboarding sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

TTC Flame Red Linear

Everglide Sakura Pink Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The TTC Flame Red and Everglide Sakura Pink differ significantly in their housing materials, resulting in distinctive sound profiles. The Flame Red utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively. As a result, typing on Flame Red switches produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink incorporates polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate, being stiffer, leads to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material brings a higher-pitched sound that is resonant and clear. Aesthetically, polycarbonate top housings are advantageous for users planning to use RGB lighting due to their translucency.

When the top and bottom housings of a switch differ, the overall qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and the bottom. The bottom housing, which has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, will emphasize the properties of the material used in its construction. In the case of the Flame Red, the softer nylon bottom housing will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound upon pressing the switch. Conversely, the top housing, influencing the sound released when a key is released, will exhibit the qualities of its respective material. For the Sakura Pink, the polycarbonate top housing will deliver a sharper, higher-pitched sound when keys are released.

Despite their differences, there are similarities in how the Flame Red and Sakura Pink will perform. Both nylon and polycarbonate materials are commonly used for switch housings, each offering distinct advantages. Both housings will elicit a fuller sound profile, with the Flame Red providing a duller tone due to its softer nylon, and the Sakura Pink offering a clear and resonant sound due to its stiffer polycarbonate. Whether utilizing the Flame Red or the Sakura Pink, typists can expect enhanced sound experiences compared to switches constructed from harder plastics.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Flame Red requires a higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Sakura Pink's lighter actuation force of 35 grams. This means that the Flame Red switch will require a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches have relatively light bottom out forces, with the Flame Red at 54 grams and the Sakura Pink at 45 grams. This suggests that once the keys are pressed fully, both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of force required to bottom out.

The choice between these two switches would largely depend on personal preferences and typing habits. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sakura Pink switch with its lighter actuation force would be more suitable. This would be beneficial for those who type for extended periods, such as in work or gaming scenarios. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Flame Red switch with its higher actuation force. This would provide a more tactile and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to individual preferences and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same distance being traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer comparable results.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Flame Red and Sakura Pink switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel.

Starting with sound, the Flame Red is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist, and whether you use the switches at home or work. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switches are described as muted, which means they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. This makes them ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience.

In terms of feel, the Flame Red switches offer a mild and polished typing experience. The mild feel provides a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The polished finish of the switches results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, adding to the sleekness of the typing experience. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switches are described as buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless. These qualities combine to provide a smooth, effortless, and low-impact typing feel. Typing on Sakura Pink switches feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as each keystroke effortlessly melts into the next.

Taking all the available information into account, it is clear that the Flame Red and Sakura Pink switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Flame Red switches provide a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, making them suitable for those who prefer a moderate typing experience with a bit of auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switches offer a feather-light actuation force, a gliding type feel, and a delightfully poppy sound reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped. These switches are ideal for delicate typists who prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience. While the two switches differ in their qualities, they both provide unique and enjoyable typing experiences. Whether you choose the Flame Red or Sakura Pink switches, you can expect to have a satisfying typing experience, although the specific results may vary depending on other factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize visuals and are looking for a switch that is perfect for a backlit, RGB keyboard, the TTC Flame Red linear switch is the way to go. With its dazzling light diffuser, you can enhance the visual appeal of your keyboard while enjoying a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile during typing. On the other hand, if you value a light and delicate typing experience, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch is the better choice. With its feather-light 35g actuation force and gliding type feel, these switches provide a smooth and effortless typing experience. Additionally, the Sakura Pinks produce a delightful poppy sound, adding a playful touch to your keyboarding sessions. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your preferences for visual aesthetics and typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Flame Red Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sakura Pink Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more