TTC Flame Red vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flame Red and KTT Wine Red offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Flame Red is best known for its stunning visuals, particularly its dazzling light diffuser, making it the ideal choice for those who prioritize a backlit, RGB keyboard. Typing on the Flame Reds provides a weighty smoothness accompanied by a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Wine Red switches offer an intoxicating experience with their pillowy light type feel and a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Flame Red excels in providing a smooth tactile experience. Meanwhile, the Wine Red switches are labeled as 'Bassy' and 'Low-pitched', emphasizing their unique sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flame Red and KTT Wine Red differ in their housing materials, with the Flame Red featuring a nylon top and bottom housing while the Wine Red utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. These contrasting materials result in distinct sound profiles for each switch. The Flame Red, with its nylon housing, offers a deeper and fuller sound experience when typing. The softer nylon plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the Wine Red's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a more clear and resonant sound when typing.
Another significant difference lies in the aesthetic aspect of the two switches. While the Flame Red's nylon housing does not allow for transparency, the Wine Red's polycarbonate housing is clear, making it especially suitable for switches intending to utilize RGB lighting. This translucency enhances the visual appeal of the Wine Red switch, allowing for vibrant and customizable lighting effects. So, if you are looking to incorporate RGB lighting into your setup, the Wine Red would be the more suitable option due to its polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the impact on the overall switch feel, both the top and bottom housing materials play a role. When pressing down on a switch, you will experience the qualities of the bottom housing, which contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the sound when releasing a key is largely influenced by the top housing. Therefore, while the Flame Red's nylon bottom housing may create a duller and rounder bottom-out sound, the impact of the top housing on the "letting go" sound remains unknown. Similarly, the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing would likely result in a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound, but the effect of the top housing on the release sound is yet to be determined.
In conclusion, the choice between the TTC Flame Red and the KTT Wine Red depends on the desired sound profile and aesthetic preferences of the user. The Flame Red with its nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Wine Red's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper tone. If RGB lighting is a priority, the clear polycarbonate top housing of the Wine Red would be the preferred option. However, the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall switch feel varies, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and the top housing having more impact on the release sound.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are a few differences to consider regarding their actuation force and bottom out force. The Flame Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, which can be considered medium-light. On the other hand, the Wine Red has an actuation force of 44 grams, making it slightly lighter, but a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is also medium-light. While both switches have similar profiles with only a slight variation in their actuation and bottom out forces, the overall typing experience may be slightly different. For individuals who prefer a lighter touch, the Wine Red may be a preferable option due to its slightly lower actuation force. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Flame Red may be a better choice due to its slightly higher bottom out force. Ultimately, these differences are relatively minor, and users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces with both switches.
Travel distance
The TTC Flame Red linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom when pressed down. As a result, users can expect a similar tactile experience and feedback when typing on keyboards fitted with either of these switches. The travel distance being equal ensures that users will achieve similar results in terms of the distance they feel when pressing down on a key, regardless of whether they choose the Flame Red or Wine Red switch.
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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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 switch is known for its neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use these switches at home or work. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch is described as being bassy and low-pitched. It offers a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Flame Red switch provides a mild typing experience. It offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The sound and feel of these switches are approachable to most users, as its qualities stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Flame Red switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. It is achieved either through the materials used or factory lubing.
Unfortunately, there is no available information provided about the specific qualities and feel of the Wine Red switch. However, based on the information provided, we can expect the Wine Red switch to offer a pillowy light type feel, as mentioned earlier. As for the sound profile, it can be inferred that the Wine Red switch will provide a deep and rich sound due to its bassy and low-pitched characteristics.
In conclusion, the TTC Flame Red and KTT Wine Red linear switches have some distinct differences in terms of sound and feel. The Flame Red provides a neutral sound profile with weighty smoothness and a clacky sound. It offers a mild and polished typing experience, making it suitable for various users. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch offers a deeper and richer sound profile, characterized by a lower frequency range and a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. While specific information about the feel of the Wine Red switch is unknown, we can expect it to provide a pillowy light type feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize visual aesthetics and enjoy a weighty smoothness with a clacky sound profile, the TTC Flame Red linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches are perfect for backlit RGB keyboards due to their dazzling light diffuser. The Flame Red also offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether for home or work. In terms of feel, the Flame Red provides a mild and polished experience, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a pillowy light type feel and a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is the one to consider. This switch is known for its intoxicating qualities and delivers a lower-pitched and bassy sound during key presses. While there is no specific information provided about its feel, it can be inferred that the Wine Red offers a comfortable and pleasant typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Flame Red and KTT Wine Red switches depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Consider factors such as visual appeal, sound profile, and typing feel to determine which switch will provide the optimal keyboard experience for you.
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