TTC Flame Red vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often grapple with choices that cater to both performance and aesthetics. The TTC Flame Red is particularly notable, not just for its smooth linear action but also for its stunning light diffuser, making it an exceptional choice for those who prioritize a vibrant, backlit RGB experience. Users often appreciate the weighty smoothness combined with a clacky sound profile, categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', providing a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX SU, featuring a robust PA12 housing and paired with a T5 stem, is known for its more subtle yet deep sound profile, catering to users who might prefer a lower-key acoustic feedback while enjoying the same linear feel. Both switches offer unique advantages, with the Flame Red shining in environments that embrace color and brightness, while the SU appeals to those who favor a more understated auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the HMX SU switches are both constructed from nylon, a classic choice in the keyboard enthusiast community. Both switches feature nylon in their top and bottom housings, which contributes to a similar sound profile that users might appreciate. Since nylon is a relatively soft plastic, it tends to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller acoustic experience. This shared material choice ensures that the auditory characteristics of both switches are aligned, yielding a duller and rounder sound when typing. Users of both switches can expect a consistent auditory feedback, making them appealing options for those who prioritize tactile and acoustic performance.
When considering the bottom housing of both the TTC Flame Red and the HMX SU, the nylon material continues to play a pivotal role. Similar to the top housing, the nylon bottom contributes to the overall sound and feel of the switches. As both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, the impact on bottom-out sound and tactile feedback will reflect similar qualities across both models. This is particularly relevant when users bottom out their keys, as the nylon casing absorbs impact noise, maintaining a more muted auditory experience. Hence, the tactile sensation players experience at the bottom of the stroke will be notably similar in both switches due to the shared material heritage.
In essence, while the TTC Flame Red and HMX SU feature distinct names and potential branding differences, their use of nylon for both top and bottom housing translates into a comparable switch performance. The characteristics of both switches, as affected by material selection, lead to consistent results in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback, regardless of any stylistic or cosmetic differences. Users seeking a certain auditory experience will find that both switches sustain this appeal, as closely aligned material choices yield similar results for both typing and bottoming out sensations. This makes either switch a viable option for enthusiasts who value both aesthetic and acoustic quality in their keyboard setups.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning users can expect a similar level of resistance when initiating a keystroke. However, their bottom-out forces differ, with the Flame Red at 54 grams and the SU lighter at 50 grams. This means that while both switches require the same force to actuate, the Flame Red provides a slightly heavier feel upon bottoming out. Consequently, the TTC Flame Red offers a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier switch, while the HMX SU, being lighter overall with its lower bottom-out force, might be more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, reducing finger fatigue. Thus, users seeking a medium-light tactile experience may gravitate towards the Flame Red, whereas those desiring a lighter touch may find the HMX SU to be a better fit.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Flame Red linear switch measures 4 mm, while the HMX SU linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference highlights the Flame Red as the switch that provides a more pronounced keystroke experience, appealing to those who prefer a hearty depth in their typing. In contrast, the HMX SU, with its shorter 3.6 mm travel distance, caters to gamers and users seeking quicker response times and a more abrupt tactile experience. Those who opt for the shorter travel distance may find that the responsiveness aligns better with their needs, particularly in fast-paced scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference, with the Flame Red offering a traditional, deeper feedback and the HMX SU appealing to those who favor speed and efficiency.
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 HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 TTC Flame Red linear switch exhibits a clacky sound profile, offering a lively auditory experience that many users find satisfying. This neutral sound allows it to fit well in various environments, whether at home or in an office setting, appealing to both beginners and more experienced typists. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch presents a subtly deeper sound profile thanks to its full PA12 housing paired with a T5 stem. This could lend itself to a slightly richer auditory experience, although it’s important to note that both sound qualities may also be affected by the choice of keyboard case and keycaps, which adds another layer of subjective interpretation to the overall acoustic performance.
In terms of feel, the Flame Red switch provides a weighty smoothness that is characterized as mild and polished. This combination allows for a gentle typing experience while enhancing the precision of key travel, reducing friction through either high-quality material use or factory lubing. This makes it approachable for a broad range of users. On the other hand, there is currently no clear description of the tactile feel of the HMX SU switch, leaving a gap in how it might compare directly to the Flame Red's polished feel. Without additional details, it’s difficult to evaluate how they stack up against each other in this aspect.
In conclusion, while both the TTC Flame Red and HMX SU linear switches cater to specific preferences in sound and feel, the available information suggests some distinct characteristics. The Flame Red is ideal for those who value a smooth typing experience alongside a clacky but neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various use cases. The SU, however, may offer a subtly deeper auditory experience though its tactile feedback is still unknown, which could leave users curious about its performance. Ultimately, if you're more inclined toward visual appeal and a refined typing experience, both switches should provide satisfying results, albeit with a more pronounced clarity from the Flame Red in terms of tactile and acoustic feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you’re looking for a switch that provides a balanced typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Flame Red is an excellent choice. Its smooth and polished feel, combined with a clacky sound profile, makes it suitable for a variety of settings whether you’re typing at home or in a professional environment. Moreover, if aesthetics matter to you, the Flame Red's exceptional light diffuser is ideal for backlit or RGB keyboards, adding a visual flair to your setup. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch at only 50 grams and a more subtle, deeper sound profile, the HMX SU would be your best bet. Its full PA12 housing and T5 stem can deliver a distinctive typing experience that caters to users preferring lighter actuation without sacrificing quality. Ultimately, both switches offer unique advantages, so consider factors such as tactility, sound preference, and visual appeal to determine which one aligns better with your personal style and typing needs.
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