TTC Flame Red vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the TTC Flame Red and the TTC Silent Bluish White. The Flame Red is well-known for its stunning visuals, particularly its dazzling light diffuser, making it the ideal choice for those who want a backlit, RGB keyboard. Typing on these switches provides a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, offering a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switches offer a medium level of tactility, providing precise and comfortable typing. These switches are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them perfect for office or shared living space use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can choose the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the TTC Silent Bluish White switches differ in terms of their top housing materials. The Flame Red features a nylon top housing, while the Silent Bluish White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The nylon top housing of the Flame Red provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a duller and rounder sound due to the softer plastic absorbing more sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Bluish White creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing allows for effective utilization of RGB lighting due to its translucency.
On the other hand, the housing materials for the bottom housings of both switches are the same, as they both feature nylon. This nylon bottom housing in both the Flame Red and the Silent Bluish White contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the effects on the sound produced by the nylon top housing. The relatively softer plastic of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that utilize nylon housing materials.
When these switches have different top and bottom housing materials, the qualities brought by each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. Pressing down on these switches will primarily manifest the qualities of the bottom housing, as it has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will exert more influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Flame Red and Silent Bluish White switches may differ in their top housing materials, they both deliver unique sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience based on the specific qualities of their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Flame Red switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Silent Bluish White switch's 42 grams, making it slightly heavier to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Flame Red switch also has a higher bottom out force of 54 grams in contrast to the Silent Bluish White switch's 50 grams, indicating a heavier sensation when pressing all the way down.
In terms of weight, the Flame Red switch can be considered medium-light due to its actuation force and bottom out force, while the Silent Bluish White switch is comparatively lighter. This difference in weight may be significant for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods of time without feeling fatigued. These lighter switches may be more suitable for those who bring their keyboards to work or engage in extended gaming sessions.
On the other hand, some users may prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, opting for switches with heavier forces, such as the Flame Red, may provide the desired tactile feedback and a satisfying typing sensation. It is important to note that, although the Silent Bluish White switch is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, both switches can still deliver similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch depends on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces, and whether they prioritize a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, there is a notable difference. The Flame Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Bluish White has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Flame Red falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance, offering a slightly deeper sense of key press. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White provides a shallower travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Bluish White would be a suitable choice. However, for those who enjoy a deeper and more substantial key press, the Flame Red with its longer travel distance would be the preferable option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences and the desired typing or gaming 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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
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
In terms of sound, the Flame Red switch is a neutral switch with a moderate sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate level of sound when typing, making it suitable for most purposes, whether at home or in a work environment. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switch is a muted switch, designed to produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. This makes it ideal for situations where noise reduction is important, such as in offices or shared living spaces.
When it comes to feel, the Flame Red switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic indicates that it provides a gentle and approachable typing experience, suitable for most users. It falls into a safe middle-ground zone in terms of feel. Additionally, the polished nature of the switch results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience. Similarly, the Silent Bluish White switch also has a mild feel, providing a gentle typing experience. It is described as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. Furthermore, it is a stepped switch, meaning it has two stages of tactile feedback, providing a more subtle experience compared to hypertactile switches.
In conclusion, the Flame Red switch is visually impressive with its light diffuser, making it ideal for backlit and RGB keyboards. It offers a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, suitable for a wide range of typing purposes. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switch provides a satisfying level of resistance and a precise typing experience. It is specifically designed to be as quiet as possible, making it perfect for environments where noise reduction is important. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, allowing users to choose according to their preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. The Flame Reds are an excellent choice if you prioritize visual aesthetics, particularly if you have a backlit or RGB keyboard. These switches offer a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish Whites provide a satisfying level of resistance and a precise and comfortable typing experience. They are specifically designed to be as quiet as possible, making them ideal for office or shared living space use.
In terms of sound, the Flame Reds have a neutral profile, suitable for various purposes and environments, while the Silent Bluish Whites produce a softer and quieter sound, minimizing the noise commonly associated with mechanical keyboards.
When it comes to feel, the Flame Reds offer a mild and polished typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Silent Bluish Whites, on the other hand, provide a buttery and mild typing experience, with a smooth and fluid keystroke. Additionally, they have a stepped feel, providing some pre-travel and/or post-travel, and a subtle resistance that maintains a light typing feel. Overall, both switches offer approachable qualities that are suitable for most users.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Flame Red and the TTC Silent Bluish White switches will depend on your specific preferences and requirements. Whether you prioritize visual appeal and a clacky sound profile (Flame Reds) or a quiet and precise typing experience (Silent Bluish Whites), both switches deliver excellent performance. Consider your personal preferences for visual aesthetics, typing experience, and noise levels to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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