TTC Flame Red vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flame Red and Everglide Sunset Yellow are both standout options, each with their own unique features. Starting with the Flame Red, these switches not only offer a satisfying feel and sound, but they are also visually stunning with their dazzling light diffuser. If you have a backlit, RGB keyboard, these switches are a perfect choice. Typing on the Flame Reds provides a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile that many users enjoy. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches are known for their captivating sound profile that brings to mind the sound of mahjong tiles colliding. With its rich, bassy, and decadent sound, typing becomes an indulgent experience. The medium-weight of the Sunset Yellows makes them suitable for a wide range of users. Additionally, the unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel, while the combination of very short travel and a long-pole stem ensures a sharper and highly responsive typing experience. Both switches have their merits, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches exhibit distinct differences. The Flame Red utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer composition, allowing it to absorb more sound and creating a duller, rounder sound. In comparison, the Sunset Yellow switches employ POM for both the top and bottom housing. POM creates a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted.
Although both switches have different housing materials, the impact of these materials on the overall switch experience is split between the top and bottom housing. When typing on the Flame Red, you will feel the qualities of the nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the sound when releasing a key is more influenced by the nylon top housing. Similarly, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch will exhibit characteristics in its bottom-out sound and feel that are derived from its POM bottom housing, while the sound upon key release will be shaped by the POM top housing.
While the TTC Flame Red and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches differ in their choice of housing materials, they both prioritize delivering a unique and pleasing sound profile. The Flame Red's nylon housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound, while the Sunset Yellow's POM housing aims for a similar deep sound, albeit with a more muted quality. Ultimately, both switches offer a distinct typing experience, showcasing the impact of housing materials on the sound produced.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red and Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches, we can see that they are quite similar. Both switches have a medium-light actuation force, with the Flame Red requiring 45 grams and the Sunset Yellow requiring 43 grams. Additionally, both switches have a medium-light bottom out force, with the Flame Red requiring 54 grams and the Sunset Yellow requiring 51 grams. This means that typing on both switches will provide similar feedback and typing experiences. However, it is worth noting that the Flame Red switch is slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Sunset Yellow switch. The difference is minimal, but it may be preferred by those who enjoy a slightly stronger push feel. Conversely, those who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions may opt for the Sunset Yellow switch. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable actuation and bottom out force, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, we can see that the Flame Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sunset Yellow has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances for keyboard switches. The Flame Red with its 4 mm travel distance offers a more traditional experience, providing a slighter deeper press. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow's shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm appeals to gamers who prioritize faster response times and a more immediate feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference.
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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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
In terms of sound, the Flame Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most users and purposes. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch provides a bassy sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. With a deep and rich sound, typing on these switches becomes an indulgent experience. The Sunset Yellow switch also offers a thocky sound, producing a deep and satisfying "thud" or "knock" when pressed and released. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Flame Red switch provides a mild typing experience. It falls in the middle ground, offering a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The switch is described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This is achieved through the use of high-quality materials and factory lubing, reducing friction and providing smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch offers a creamy typing experience. With lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials, typing on these switches feels smooth and buttery. It's like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, with each keystroke melting into a silky sensation. Additionally, the Sunset Yellow switch is described as frictionless, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience that minimizes any sense of resistance or friction.
In conclusion, while the Flame Red and Sunset Yellow linear switches have their own distinct qualities, they both provide satisfying experiences. The Flame Red switch offers a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, making it suitable for those who prefer a more neutral typing experience. The Sunset Yellow switch, on the other hand, offers a rich and indulgent sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, combined with a gliding feel and sharp responsiveness. Both switches offer polished finishes, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired sound and feel. However, if you are looking for a similar typing experience, either switch can provide similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize visual aesthetics and are looking for a switch to complement your backlit or RGB keyboard, the TTC Flame Red linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. Its dazzling light diffuser adds a visually captivating element to your keyboard setup. Additionally, the Flame Reds provide a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile when typing. On the other hand, if you seek a highly indulgent and satisfying typing experience, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch would be the better option. Its captivating sound profile, reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, offers a rich and bassy sound. The POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel, while its medium-weight makes it suitable for a wide range of users. Overall, the Flame Red is a neutral switch suitable for most intents and purposes, while the Sunset Yellow delivers a bassy and thocky sound. The Flame Red provides a mild and polished typing experience, whereas the Sunset Yellow offers a creamy and frictionless feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on your priorities and the type of typing experience you desire.
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