TTC Flame Red vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Flame Red and the Durock Sea Glass. The Flame Red switches are best known for their dazzling light diffuser, making them perfect for those who prefer a backlit, RGB keyboard. They offer a weighty smoothness when typing and generate a satisfying clacky sound profile. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Flame Reds provide a balanced and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches from Durock stand out with their captivating selection of five pastel colors. These switches offer a unique combination of dryness, wispiness, and airiness during typing, thanks to their proprietary material blend. Despite their 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switches feel surprisingly weightless, showcasing their frictionless nature and ease of pressing. Additionally, they produce a distinct hollow sound signature. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The TTC Flame Red and Durock Sea Glass switches differ in their housing materials, specifically in the top and bottom housings. The Flame Red features a nylon top housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. On the other hand, the Sea Glass utilizes a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its top housing. This blend offers a pleasant sound profile that leans toward the brighter side, providing a slightly sharper tone.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both switches use nylon, making them similar in this aspect. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that again contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer plastic composition allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, the Sea Glass takes a slightly different approach by adopting a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its bottom housing. While it is not explicitly mentioned how this blend affects the sound profile, it can be inferred that it may introduce some unique qualities to the switch's sound when pressed down.
Interestingly, the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound and feel of the switch is split between the two. When pressing down on either the Flame Red or the Sea Glass, the bottom housing will have a more prominent influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the sound experienced when releasing a key will be largely influenced by the characteristics of the top housing. Thus, while the housing materials may differ between these switches, their overall impact on sound and feel can be comparable, as they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are a few notable differences. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both. This indicates that users can expect a similar level of sensitivity and responsiveness when typing or gaming with either switch. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a distinction between the two. The Flame Red switch has a bottom out force of 54 grams, providing a medium-light experience, while the Sea Glass switch has a slightly higher bottom out force of 62 grams, offering a medium level of resistance.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience that allows for longer periods of comfortable use, the Flame Red switch may be the preferred option. Its lower bottom out force can contribute to reduced fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel and desire a stronger push may lean towards the Sea Glass switch, which provides a slightly heavier bottom out force.
Considering weight and force preferences is crucial when selecting a switch, as it directly impacts the overall typing experience. Both switches offer a similar actuation force, ensuring a consistent trigger for keystrokes. However, the differing bottom out forces allow users to tailor their typing experience to their personal preferences. Whether someone chooses the lighter Flame Red switch or the slightly heavier Sea Glass switch, they can achieve desirable results, albeit with varying levels of resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flame Red and the Durock Sea Glass linear switches, it is clear that the Flame Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sea Glass has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Flame Red, with its 4 mm travel distance, falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance, providing a satisfactory depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Sea Glass's 3.8 mm travel distance is slightly shallower, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you are looking for a more responsive typing experience, the Sea Glass with its shorter travel distance would be an ideal option. However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial depth in their keystrokes, the Flame Red's longer travel distance would be the preferable choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switch options depends on personal preference and the desired typing 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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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
The TTC Flame Red linear switch is best known for its impressive light diffuser, making it the perfect choice for those who prefer a backlit, RGB keyboard. When typing on the Flame Reds, users experience a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile. This switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and skill levels. Its feel is also described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch stands out with its captivating selection of five pastel colors. These switches offer a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in their typing experience, while still maintaining exceptional smoothness. Despite their 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switches feel weightless and frictionless, defying expectations. Typing on them produces a uniquely hollow sound signature, adding to their distinctiveness.
In terms of sound, the Flame Red switch has a neutral profile suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. Keep in mind that the sound is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycap choices. Unfortunately, information regarding the sound profile of the Sea Glass switch is not available.
When it comes to feel, the Flame Red switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. Its qualities fall within a safe middle ground, making it approachable to most users regarding both sound and feel. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch offers a frictionless and effortless typing experience, with a feather-light actuation force that minimizes finger fatigue. It is easy to press and provides gentle resistance, enhancing the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Flame Red linear switch offers a visually appealing option for those who prefer backlit keyboards. Its weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile provide a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch stands out with its captivating colors and distinct dry, wisp, and airy typing experience. It feels weightless and produces a uniquely hollow sound. While both switches have their unique qualities, the Flame Red and Sea Glass switches offer similar qualities of mildness and approachability in terms of feel. However, the Sea Glass switch emphasizes a frictionless and effortless typing experience with its feather-light actuation force. For sound, the Flame Red has a neutral profile suitable for most purposes, while information about the sound profile of the Sea Glass switch is not available. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the overall keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a visually stunning switch that is perfect for backlit, RGB keyboards, the TTC Flame Red linear switch is the ideal choice. It offers a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile that many find satisfying. On the other hand, if you prefer switches with a captivating pastel color selection and a distinct dry and wisp-like typing experience, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is the one to go for. Despite its medium bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switches have a weightless feel that defies expectations, making typing on them a unique and enjoyable experience. Additionally, they offer a uniquely hollow sound signature. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to your preferences for visuals, sound, and feel.
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