TTC Flame Red vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Flame Red and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, offering smooth keystrokes without the tactile feedback of a clicky switch. However, these switches have their own unique characteristics that make them stand out. The Flame Red is best known for its dazzling light diffuser, making it the go-to choice for those who want a backlit, RGB keyboard. Typing on the Flame Reds provides a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switches offer a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing you in a satisfying typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, these switches provide a bouncy feel with each keystroke. The Tourmaline Blues strike a balance with their standard spring weight, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
59g
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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, we can see distinct differences in their sound profiles. The Flame Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate top housing is advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both switches employ the same materials as their top housings. The Flame Red's nylon bottom housing contributes to its deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and creating a dull and round sound when pressed down. Similarly, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances its sharper and crisper sound profile. Being relatively stiffer, polycarbonate allows for a more resonant and clear sound. Furthermore, the use of polycarbonate in the bottom housing complements the top housing's characteristics, resulting in a balanced sound output.
Considering the impact on sound when pressing down versus releasing a key, the housing materials play a significant role. The qualities of the bottom housing will be felt when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. As the Flame Red's nylon housing absorbs more sound, it will create a deeper and fuller sensation. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing will provide a sharper and crisper bottom-out experience. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Due to nylon's sound-absorbing nature, the Flame Red will offer a duller and rounder sound upon key release. Meanwhile, the polycarbonate top housing of the Tourmaline Blue will result in a more resonant and clear sound when letting go of a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are notable differences. The Flame Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Tourmaline Blue's 59 grams. This means that the Flame Red requires less force to trigger a keystroke, providing a lighter and potentially faster typing experience. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Flame Red still remains relatively light with 54 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue is heavier at 67 grams. This indicates that the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a more substantial typing experience, requiring a stronger push feel to fully press down the keys. These differences in force can impact user preferences, as those seeking longer typing sessions or extended gaming may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Flame Red, allowing for reduced fatigue. Conversely, individuals desiring a more solid and substantial typing feel may find the heavier forces of the Tourmaline Blue more preferable. Regardless, in both switches, the actuation force is lighter compared to the bottom out force, ensuring a consistent and satisfying typing experience for users.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance it travels from the top to the bottom, which is the distance one feels when pressing down on a key. Therefore, regardless of whether you choose the Flame Red or the Tourmaline Blue, you can expect to have a similar experience in terms of travel distance.
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 Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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
The TTC Flame Red linear switch is best known for its dazzling light diffuser, making it the ideal choice for those who want a backlit, RGB keyboard. When typing on these switches, users will experience a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. These switches have a lengthened single-stage spring, resulting in a bouncy feel with each keystroke. The Tourmaline Blues strike a balance with their standard spring weight, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users.
In terms of sound, both the Flame Red and Tourmaline Blue switches are described as neutral, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. It is important to note that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Flame Red switches offer a mild typing experience, which is gentle and approachable to most users. Additionally, they are described as polished, providing a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switches are described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. They are easy to press, requiring minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable with low finger fatigue. Similar to the Flame Reds, the Tourmaline Blues also provide a mild typing experience that is suitable for most users.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flame Red and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer their own unique qualities. The Flame Red switches excel in visual appeal with their light diffuser, providing a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switches offer a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy typing feel. While both switches have a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, the Flame Reds have a polished finish for reduced friction, whereas the Tourmaline Blues offer a buttery and easy-to-press typing experience. It is important to consider personal preferences and use case when choosing between these two switches, but rest assured that both will provide similar satisfying results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prioritize a visually stunning keyboard with a smooth and clacky typing experience, the TTC Flame Red linear switch is the ideal choice for you. Its dazzling light diffuser makes it perfect for backlit or RGB keyboards, while its medium-light bottom out force provides a weighty smoothness when typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is the way to go. With its longer single-stage spring and medium-heavy bottom out force, it offers an immersive and satisfying typing experience. Both switches have a moderate sound profile and a polished feel, making them suitable for a wide range of users, whether you are a beginner or advanced and whether you plan to use them at home or work. Ultimately, it all comes down to your personal preferences and desired typing experience.
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