TTC Flame Red vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the TTC Flame Red and the TTC Silent Red. The Flame Red switches are renowned not only for their tactile feel and satisfying sound, but also for their stunning visual appeal with their dazzling light diffuser, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a backlit RGB keyboard. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and seamless typing experience without the distracting noise, the Silent Reds are the way to go. These switches have a muted sound profile, making them perfect for office or shared living spaces. Additionally, they offer a consistent and buttery feel throughout each keystroke, with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on the switch that suits your needs.
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
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Red switches differ in terms of their sound profiles. The Flame Red features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound. This is attributed to the fact that nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Silent Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the Silent Red's top housing is advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting.
However, both the Flame Red and Silent Red share a nylon bottom housing. This commonality in material gives them similar sound qualities, as nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound. The relatively softer nature of nylon enables it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Therefore, the bottom housing of both switches contributes to the overall sound profile during the bottom-out phase, enhancing the typing experience in a similar manner.
While the top and bottom housings differ between the Flame Red and Silent Red switches, it is important to note that their respective housing materials play distinct roles in the overall sound profile. When pressing down a key on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be noticeable, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice of housing material for each switch component contributes to the overall typing experience, providing users with different sound profiles depending on their preference.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both switches. This similarity ensures that users will achieve similar results when typing on either switch in terms of the initial force needed to register a keystroke.
However, when it comes to bottoming out, there is a noticeable difference between the two switches. The Flame Red has a bottom out force of 54 grams, which indicates a medium-light pressure required to fully press down the key. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, suggesting a medium-heavy pressure needed for a full key depression.
The weight of the switches is worth considering for different preferences and use cases. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Flame Red switch with its medium-light bottom out force may be more suitable. This lighter weight allows for prolonged typing sessions and can be beneficial for those who use their keyboards extensively for work or gaming.
Conversely, individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may opt for the Silent Red switch. Its medium-heavy bottom out force provides a greater resistance and can offer a more satisfying tactile feedback.
To summarize, while both the TTC Flame Red and Silent Red switches share the same actuation force, they differ in terms of their bottom out force. The Flame Red offers a lighter typing experience with medium-light bottom out force, whereas the Silent Red provides a heavier feel with its medium-heavy bottom out force. Users can choose the switch that aligns with their personal preferences, be it a lighter or heavier typing sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is clear that the Flame Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The 4 mm travel distance of the Flame Red is more traditional, providing a deeper feeling when pressing down on a key, whereas the 3.7 mm travel distance of the Silent Red is slightly shallower. However, with the growing demand for faster response times, shorter travel distances have become prevalent, particularly among gamers. If you prioritize quick responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Red may be more suitable. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances too abrupt and prefer the more hearty depth offered by the Flame Red's longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend 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 TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 can be described as neutral. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use the switch at home or work. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch is described as muted. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, making it perfect for environments like offices or shared living spaces where noise needs to be minimized. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the specific keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, both the Flame Red and Silent Red switches share some similarities. They are both described as mild switches, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This makes their sound and feel approachable to most users as their qualities fall within a safe and middle-ground zone. Additionally, both switches are also described as polished, meaning they have a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This smoothness can be attributed to the materials used and/or factory lubing, which reduces friction and provides smooth key travel. Furthermore, the Silent Red switch is specifically mentioned as providing a buttery typing experience, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke that is effortless and uniform.
Based on the available information, the Flame Red linear switch is best known for its visual appeal with a dazzling light diffuser, making it a popular choice for those who prefer backlit RGB keyboards. It offers a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, which can provide a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Red linear switch is favored for its seamless and quiet typing experience, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces. It has a muted sound profile and offers a smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom, with a padded bottom-out feel for enhanced comfort. While the Flame Red and Silent Red switches have their distinct qualities, they both provide a reliable and enjoyable typing experience, catering to different preferences and environments.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a visually stunning keyboard with a weighty smoothness and clacky sound, the TTC Flame Red linear switch is the way to go. These switches are ideal for those who want to showcase their backlit, RGB keyboards and desire a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, if you value a seamless typing experience without all the noise, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is the perfect choice. With its muted sound profile, it is suitable for office or shared living space use. The switch offers a consistent and comfortable feel throughout, with a padded bottom-out sensation. Ultimately, both switches provide a mild and polished typing experience, but the Flame Red is more neutral in terms of sound, while the Silent Red is specifically designed for those who prioritize a quieter work environment. Overall, it ultimately depends on your preference for visual aesthetics and noise levels when choosing between the Flame Red and the Silent Red switches.
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