TTC Flame Red vs. Gateron Weightlessness

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Weightlessness can significantly affect your typing experience. The Flame Red, a linear switch, stands out not only for its striking aesthetics, featuring a dazzling light diffuser that is perfect for backlit, RGB keyboards, but also for its smooth, weighty touch and clacky sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a seamless keystroke without a tactile bump. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness, a tactile switch, offers a pleasing tactile feedback that strikes a balance between subtlety and pronouncedness, providing users with a responsive typing experience that can enhance both comfort and accuracy. While the Flame Red appeals to gamers and typists who favor fluid key presses and vibrant lighting effects, the Weightlessness caters to those who enjoy the tactile satisfaction of feedback with each keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Flame Red Linear

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Weightlessness, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material reflects a commitment to delivering a premium typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material due to its unique acoustic properties. The use of nylon in both the Flame Red and Weightlessness switches ensures that the typing experience is rich and satisfying, with the characteristic dampening effect of the material leading to a more subdued and rounded sound compared to harder plastics typically used in other switches.

Furthermore, since both switches employ nylon for their top and bottom housings, users can expect remarkably similar sound qualities and feedback when typing. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound waves more effectively, resulting in a typing experience that minimizes sharp or high-pitched noises. In both cases, the typing sound will be influenced by the combination of the bottom housing's properties during key presses and the top housing's contribution when the key is released. This uniform use of nylon in both pairs of housings enhances the overall cohesion of the sound profile and feel, ensuring that whether one is typing on TTC Flame Red or Gateron Weightlessness, they will have a consistent auditory experience.

While the design or specific tuning of the switches may vary, the parallel use of nylon for both the top and bottom housings lays a strong foundation for achieving similar results. The plush characteristics of nylon combined with its sound-dampening features lead to an engaging typing experience in both switches. Thus, users can confidently expect a sound that leans towards the mellow and rounded spectrum, regardless of their choice between the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Weightlessness, given the fundamental similarities in their housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch to the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we notice a difference in their actuation forces. The Flame Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Weightlessness requires a slightly heavier force of 50 grams to register a keystroke. This difference means that the Flame Red may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for long typing sessions or extensive gaming. In contrast, the Weightlessness, with its higher actuation force, offers a bit more resistance, which might appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. However, the bottom out force for the Gateron Weightlessness switch is unspecified, making it difficult to compare the complete typing experience between the two switches fully. The TTC Flame Red's bottom out force stands at 54 grams, further emphasizing its medium-light classification. While both switches deliver a unique feel, their force characteristics cater to different user preferences, with the Flame Red being the lighter option overall.

Travel distance

The TTC Flame Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Flame Red the longer option, offering a more traditional travel distance that may provide a deeper keystroke, which some users prefer for tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Weightlessness, with its shorter 3.4 mm travel distance, caters to those who favor quicker, more responsive key presses, making it more suitable for gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preference: the Flame Red is ideal for those who enjoy a fuller keystroke, while the Weightlessness appeals to those who appreciate a more responsive feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Flame Red linear switch produces a neutral sound profile characterized by a moderate actuation force, making it suitable for a wide range of environments, whether for casual typing or more focused work. The clacky sound profile complements its smooth operation, giving it an engaging auditory presence without being overly noisy. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switch, while lacking a detailed description, is known to have a balanced sound profile. Thus, both switches aim for a moderate auditory experience, but the Flame Red leans more into the clacky spectrum, while the Weightlessness provides a potentially softer but equally pleasant sound.

In terms of feel, the TTC Flame Red switches are noted for their mildness, making them approachable for users new to mechanical keyboards. The polished finish contributes to a smooth typing experience with reduced friction, allowing for effortless key presses. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches offer a subtle to moderate tactile experience, which can enhance typing satisfaction without being overwhelming. While they differ in tactile feedback—linear versus tactile—the Flame Red’s polished nature still aims for a refined typing experience, while the Weightlessness could provide a nuanced touch that some users might prefer as they seek engaging feedback from their keystrokes.

In conclusion, both the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Weightlessness switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard landscape. The Flame Red switch excels in sound and smoothness, while the Weightlessness offers a tactile element that could appeal to those who enjoy a bit of feedback as they type. Whether you're attracted to the vibrant, clacky nature of the Flame Red or the subtle tactility of the Weightlessness, both switches will likely deliver a satisfying typing experience, albeit in different styles. Ultimately, choosing between them will depend on your individual preferences for sound and feel, but each option stands out in its own right.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you are a gamer or someone who enjoys fast-paced typing, the Flame Red is an excellent option due to its medium-light bottom-out force of 54 grams, providing you with a smooth and responsive feel that accommodates quick key presses. Additionally, its dazzling light diffuser makes it an ideal choice for those who prefer backlit or RGB keyboards, as it enhances your overall aesthetic. On the other hand, if you lean more towards a tactile typing experience, perhaps for programming or prolonged writing sessions, the Gateron Weightlessness switch may suit you better. It offers a subtle tactile feedback while maintaining a balanced sound profile, which can provide a satisfying keystroke without the noise typically associated with more pronounced tactile switches. In summary, choose the Flame Red for a visually striking, smooth, and responsive experience, particularly in dynamic environments, while opting for the Weightlessness if you appreciate a gentle tactile feel that enhances your overall typing experience without excessive noise.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Flame Red Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more