TTC Flame Red vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, there are countless options available, each offering a unique typing experience. Two switches that stand out among the rest are the TTC Flame Red and the Jwick Splash Brothers, both of which fall under the category of linear switches. The Flame Red switch is renowned for its stunning visuals, boasting a dazzling light diffuser that makes it an ideal choice for those who prioritize aesthetics, especially on backlit RGB keyboards. In terms of typing experience, the Flame Red delivers a weighty smoothness and emits a satisfying clacky sound. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switch, named after the dynamic duo of Steph and Klay, offers a different kind of appeal. These "speed" switches feature a shorter activation, paired with a long pole stem, resulting in a fantastic typing feel. Moreover, they produce a creamy sound signature that adds to the overall typing experience. While these general pointers give an overview of each switch's qualities, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches offer distinct characteristics that result in different sound profiles. The Flame Red features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switches have a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound. Therefore, if you prefer a more mellow sound, the Flame Red with nylon top housing would be a better choice, while those who prefer a sharper and crisper sound may opt for the Jwick Splash Brothers with polycarbonate top housing.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Flame Red and Splash Brothers switches utilize nylon. As a classic switch housing material, nylon elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches create a duller and rounder sound. While the materials used in the bottom housing are the same for both switches, it is important to note that the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, the nylon bottom housing of both switches will result in similar sound profiles and typing experiences in terms of the bottom-out sound.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Flame Red and the Jwick Splash Brothers housing materials boils down to personal preference regarding the sound profile. The Flame Red, with its nylon top and bottom housing, will provide a deeper and fuller sound, with the nylon material absorbing more sound and creating a duller tone. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers, with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, emphasizing clarity and resonance. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, and the decision ultimately depends on whether you prefer a mellower or a more vibrant sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Flame Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium-light touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Splash Brothers switch is unavailable, making it difficult to determine the exact force required for a keystroke. However, the Flame Red has a slightly higher bottom out force of 54 grams, indicating a more significant push feel when pressing the key all the way down. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers has a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams, resulting in a less substantial typing experience. If preferring a lighter switch for extended typing sessions, both switches offer similar results. However, for those seeking a stronger push feel, the Flame Red would be the preferable choice due to its heavier forces. Ultimately, the weight of the switches should be considered based on personal preference and the intended use of the keyboard.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Flame Red linear switch is 4 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Flame Red is more traditional, providing a slightly deeper feel when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Splash Brothers is on the shallower side, which is preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Splash Brothers would be a better choice. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance too abrupt, and those who prefer a more substantial key press would lean towards the Flame Red with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference for depth and responsiveness.
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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 per 10 switches.
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, both the TTC Flame Red and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches have a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate sound profile and actuation force, making them suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you are using them at home or work. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, both switches provide a mild and approachable typing experience. They offer a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, making them suitable for a wide range of users. Both switches also have a polished finish, which results in a smooth and refined typing experience. This can be attributed to either the materials used or factory lubing, reducing friction and providing smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, both switches share many similarities in sound and feel. They both have a neutral sound profile and offer a mild typing experience with a polished finish. This makes them suitable for most users and scenarios. While the Flame Red is best known for its visual appeal with a dazzling light diffuser, the Splash Brothers are described as linear "speed" switches with a shorter activation and a creamy sound signature. Overall, if you choose either of these switches, you can expect to have a satisfying typing experience with similar results.
Conclusion
Therefore, to conclude, if you prioritize a visually appealing keyboard with a backlit, RGB feature, the TTC Flame Red linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. Not only does it offer a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, but its dazzling light diffuser adds an extra visual appeal to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a great typing feel with creamy sound signatures, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is the perfect fit. With its shorter activation and long pole stem, these switches provide a unique typing experience. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes. Additionally, they both offer a mild typing experience and a polished finish for sleek and refined key travel. Ultimately, the decision between the TTC Flame Red and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches comes down to your personal preferences and priorities in terms of visual appeal and typing feel.
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