TTC Flame Red vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, both the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stand out as compelling choices, each catering to distinct preferences. The Flame Red is celebrated not only for its impressive performance but also for its striking visual appeal, boasting a dazzling light diffuser that enhances any RGB setup. This switch offers a weighty smoothness combined with a clacky sound profile, categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', making it a fantastic option for those who appreciate both auditory feedback and aesthetics. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie shines with its medium-weight design and all-POM construction, breaking the price barrier while delivering exceptional quality. This switch is known for its thocky sound profile and unparalleled smoothness, making it particularly appealing for users who prioritize a satisfying tactile experience without compromising on budget. Both switches have their own unique appeal, but they ultimately cater to different desires in sound and feeling while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Flame Red Linear

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches represent a notable distinction in their compositions, with the Flame Red utilizing nylon for both its top and bottom housings, while the Sea Salt Smoothie employs POM for both. Nylon, as a classic switch housing material, is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer nature allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, contributing to a more muted and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, POM (polyoxymethylene) is celebrated for its unique acoustic properties as well, offering a pleasing and equally muted sound profile that is also on the deeper side. While both materials produce similarly satisfying sound characteristics, the inherent differences in their compositions imply that users may experience nuances in auditory feedback during usage.

When examining the overall performance of these switches, the sound characteristics are influenced by how each material functions within the switch structure. For the TTC Flame Red, the nylon housings create a consistent auditory experience, with the bottom housing being particularly responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. The overall sound is rounded, thanks to both top and bottom nylon components working in tandem. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie's dual POM housings lend layers to the sound profile, balancing the deeper tones with a unique sonic quality that distinguishes it from nylon. The interaction between the POM top and bottom housings ensures that the switch experience maintains rich auditory feedback while emphasizing slightly different sound qualities at the moment of activation versus release.

Despite these differences in materials, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience that users might find comparable in terms of sound and feel. Since both nylon and POM are designed to absorb sound effectively, users might notice that, irrespective of the material used in the housings, they can expect a similar outcome in terms of how the switches sound when typing. The fundamental impact of each housing material on the overall auditory experience remains consistent—both the TTC Flame Red and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie produce a pleasing, deeper sound profile that caters to enthusiasts looking for a muted typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference regarding typing feel, aesthetics, and how each material specifically resonates with individual users during their typing activities.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we can observe some notable differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unspecified. The Flame Red switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, which can be advantageous for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie features a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, suggesting a firmer feel when typing, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress. Since the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is not provided, we cannot compare it directly with that of the Flame Red. However, based on the actuation forces alone, the TTC Flame Red is the lighter option, which may be more comfortable for prolonged use, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a somewhat heavier actuation that might suit users looking for greater resistance in their typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the Flame Red offers a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This distinction indicates that the Flame Red switch provides a more traditional, deeper keystroke, which can appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced feedback when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its shorter travel distance, might be favored by gamers who seek quicker response times for their actions. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch experience with more depth, the Flame Red would be the preferable option, whereas those who prioritize speed may lean towards the Sea Salt Smoothie.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Flame Red linear switch has a neutral sound profile that leans toward a moderate auditory experience. This means that whether you are a beginner or an experienced typist, the sound produced is versatile enough for both home and office environments. The actuation force is balanced, leading to a no-nonsense auditory experience that is neither too loud nor too soft. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch offers a “thocky” sound profile, which is often praised for providing a satisfying acoustic feedback that is a bit deeper and more resonant than non-thocky alternatives. While both switches excel in sound, the Flame Red may appeal to those who prefer a more neutral approach, while the Sea Salt Smoothie will attract users looking for a richer auditory experience.

In terms of feel, the TTC Flame Red switch is characterized by a mild yet polished typing experience. The mildness ensures a gentle approachability that suits a wide range of users, while the polished quality indicates a meticulously refined switch that provides smooth key travel with reduced friction. This combination creates a comfortable and accessible typing experience, ideal for long sessions. On the other hand, the feel description for the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, which leaves its tactile profile open to speculation. However, given Gateron's reputation for quality, it's likely to offer a similarly smooth experience, which many typists cherish.

In conclusion, both the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches provide compelling advantages to users seeking a quality mechanical keyboard experience. The Flame Red boasts a neutral sound and a mild, polished feel, making it versatile for virtually any setting. The Sea Salt Smoothie, while offering a more thocky sound, remains a great option for those who seek sonic richness. Both switches highlight the importance of sound and feel in typing satisfaction, with potential for a similar end result across the board, depending on user preference.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch boils down to your specific typing preferences and keyboard usage. If you’re looking for a visually striking switch that not only provides a smooth typing experience but also enhances your RGB keyboard setup, the Flame Red is your best bet. With its medium-light 54-gram bottom out force, it offers a mild yet polished feel, making it approachable for both newcomers and seasoned users alike. The neutral sound profile adds to its versatility, making it suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or the office. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-weight option that emphasizes a thocky sound and exceptional smoothness, the Sea Salt Smoothie will likely appeal more to you. Though it lacks a specified bottom-out force, its reputation for quality and performance suggests it provides a satisfying tactile feedback that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your priorities: go for the Flame Red if aesthetics and a balanced typing feel are key, or choose the Sea Salt Smoothie if you value smoothness and a unique acoustic experience.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Flame Red Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more