TTC Flame Red vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Flame Red and the Jwick Taro. While they both offer unique features and traits, they cater to different preferences. The Flame Red is widely recognized for its stunning light diffuser, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a backlit, RGB keyboard aesthetic. Additionally, it provides a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, making typing on them a satisfying experience. On the other hand, the Taro switches boast a cozy and subdued color scheme, aligning well with a comfortable typing experience. These switches offer a medium-level of tactility and produce acute and crisp clacks while in use. However, let's explore these switches in more detail to help you better determine which one suits your needs best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Flame Red and the Jwick Taro housing materials differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Flame Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic's ability to absorb more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Taro features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer polycarbonate plastic leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing is especially useful for users planning to utilize RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Flame Red and the Taro employ nylon as the material. This classic switch housing material also elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the nylon top housing. The relatively softer nylon plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound quality. Therefore, in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing will be felt more prominently when pressing down on the switch.
Overall, although they differ in terms of their top housing materials, both the Flame Red and the Taro share similarities due to the usage of nylon for their bottom housings. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches, as the relatively softer nylon plastic absorbs more sound. However, the difference lies in the impact of the top housing on the sound when releasing a key, with the Flame Red providing a duller and rounder sound due to the nylon top housing, while the Taro offers a crisper and sharper sound profile due to the polycarbonate top housing.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Flame Red linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is considered medium-light, while its bottom out force is 54 grams, also falling within the medium-light range. On the other hand, the actuation force of the Taro tactile switch is not specified, making it unknown, but its bottom out force is 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy.
In terms of weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming sessions. The lighter actuation force of the Flame Red switch makes it suitable for such scenarios, allowing users to type effortlessly for longer periods. However, others prefer a stronger push feel to enhance the typing experience, providing a more substantial feedback. For those seeking a heavier force, the Taro switch's medium-heavy bottom out force may be the preferred choice.
Although the actuation force of the Taro tactile switch is unknown, it is possible that its actuation force could be similar to the Flame Red switch since both switches fall within the same range of medium heaviness for their respective bottom out forces. Therefore, if an individual seeks a similar typing experience in terms of actuation force, opting for either switch may yield similar results. However, it is important to note that the Taro switch has a heavier bottom out force, which may provide a more distinct tactile feedback compared to the Flame Red switch.
In summary, the Flame Red linear switch is lighter in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force when compared to the Taro tactile switch. The Taro switch, on the other hand, offers a heavier bottom out force, potentially providing a stronger push feel and more pronounced tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch have different travel distances. The Flame Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Taro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Flame Red's 4.0 mm travel distance falls within the more traditional range, providing a standard level of depth when pressing down on keys. In contrast, the Taro's 3.7 mm travel distance is slightly shallower, catering to those who prefer a more responsive typing experience, especially gamers who value faster response times. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance of the Taro too abrupt and prefer a switch with a longer travel distance like the Flame Red. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired.
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 Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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, both the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and produce a moderate sound when typing. However, 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 used.
When it comes to feel, the Flame Red switch is described as mild and polished. A mild switch offers a gentle typing experience and is approachable to most users. The polished finish of the Flame Red switch results in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Taro switch is described as buttery and stepped. A buttery switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The stepped characteristic of the Taro switch means that it has a mild tactile feedback, with the user being able to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flame Red switch and the Jwick Taro switch have their own unique qualities. The Flame Red switch offers a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a slightly heavier and more pronounced typing experience. In contrast, the Taro switch provides a cozy and comfortable typing experience with its snappy and medium-level tactility, accompanied by acute and crisp clacks. While they have different characteristics, both switches have a neutral sound profile and can cater to a wide range of users. So, if you are looking for a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, either of these switches would be a suitable choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a visually stunning and backlit keyboard, the Flame Red linear switch would be your best choice. With its captivating light diffuser, it enhances the overall aesthetics of your keyboard while providing a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile during typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a comfortable and cozy typing experience with a medium level of tactility, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is ideal. It offers a snappy feel, accompanied by acute and crisp clacks. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and actuation force requirement, making them suitable for various purposes and skill levels. However, if you appreciate a more gentle typing experience, the Flame Red's mild and polished characteristics would be more appealing, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, if you enjoy a smooth and fluid keystroke with a mild tactile sensation, the Taro's buttery and stepped qualities would be more enticing. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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