TTC Flame Red vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the TTC Silent Brown 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 Brown. The Flame Red is a linear switch, known for its stunning visual appeal with its dazzling light diffuser. These switches are perfect for those who prioritize aesthetics, especially if they have a backlit RGB keyboard. Typing on Flame Reds offers a weighty smoothness, accompanied by a classic clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switches are tactile, making them a great choice for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile bump when typing. With a light-medium level of resistance, they provide a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the Silent Browns have a muted sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
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 TTC Silent Brown switches have distinct differences in terms of their sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Flame Red switch utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This is due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and gives a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound. Polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, it offers a clearer and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate housing is translucent, making it a great choice for RGB lighting setups.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Flame Red and Silent Brown switches utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material provides a deep and full sound profile, similar to the nylon top housing. Nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, both switches offer similar experiences due to the shared nylon material in their bottom housings.
In terms of the overall impact on sound, the housing materials of each switch play a significant role. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become noticeable as it primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when the key is released. Therefore, while the Flame Red and Silent Brown switches have different top and bottom housing materials, the unique qualities of each material are distributed accordingly, ensuring a rich and immersive typing experience.
In summary, the TTC Flame Red and TTC Silent Brown switches differ in their housing materials. The Flame Red features a nylon top and bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Silent Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound, along with a nylon bottom housing for a similar deep and full sound profile. The choice of housing materials influences both the typing sound and feel when pressing down and releasing the key. Understanding these differences can help enthusiasts tailor their keyboard experience based on the desired sound and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is evident that these two switches offer different weights for typing experiences. The Flame Red switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is considered medium-light. In contrast, the Silent Brown switch also has an actuation force of 45 grams, suggesting a similar lightness. However, the bottom out force of the Flame Red switch is 54 grams, while the Silent Brown switch requires a heavier force of 63.5 grams for bottoming out. This disparity makes the Flame Red switch more suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience or for extended periods of typing, such as in work or gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch caters to those who desire a more substantial keystroke by providing a heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, with the Flame Red offering a lighter option and the Silent Brown presenting a heavier alternative for a more impactful typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Flame Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. These travel distances are quite similar, with the Flame Red being slightly longer. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the most common and 3.0 mm being the most shallow. However, it is worth noting that shorter travel distances have become more popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive key press, the TTC Silent Brown with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the TTC Flame Red with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and the desired keyboard 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 Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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
When it comes to sound, the Flame Red linear switch has a neutral profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. It is suitable for most users, whether they are beginners or advanced, and can be used at home or in a work environment. On the other hand, the Silent Brown tactile switch has a muted sound profile. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch, making it ideal for those who prefer a more muted typing experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Flame Red linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic indicates a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users, as it stands in a safe middle ground. The polished characteristic refers to the smooth and refined finish of the switch, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This smoothness is achieved through either high-quality materials used or the application of factory lubrication, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel. Similarly, the Silent Brown tactile switch provides a mild and polished feel. It offers a gentle typing experience and stands in the same safe middle ground. The switch also provides a buttery keystroke experience, implying a smooth and fluid typing sensation. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with their respective qualities.
In conclusion, the Flame Red linear switch stands out for its light diffuser, making it the best choice for those looking to have a backlit RGB keyboard. It provides a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile while offering a mild and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Brown tactile switch offers a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. Its muted sound profile is ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities but provide a similar level of comfort and usability. The choice between them comes down to personal preference for sound and the desired visual aesthetics of the keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a visually stunning switch for your backlit, RGB keyboard, the TTC Flame Red linear switch is the way to go. It offers a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile that many find satisfying. On the other hand, if you prefer a comfortable typing experience with a lighter level of resistance and a satisfying tactile bump, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is a great choice. It also has a muted sound profile, making it quieter compared to other switches. Overall, the Flame Red is best suited for those who prioritize visual aesthetics and enjoy a weightier feel, while the Silent Brown is perfect for those who prefer a lighter and more tactile typing experience with a muted sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and priorities.
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