TTC Flame Red vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, both of which are linear switches. The Flame Red is celebrated for its impressive visuals, particularly its dazzling light diffuser that makes it ideal for backlit, RGB keyboards. Typing on the Flame Reds offers a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, giving users a tactile experience. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° from Gateron stands out for its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, providing unmatched smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that reduces noise significantly. While the Flame Red offers a polished and mild typing experience, the Zero Degree 0° focuses on silent typing with its noise-absorbing properties. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, it is clear that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon. Therefore, both the Flame Red and Zero Degree 0° switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when it comes to their bottom housing material.
However, when looking at the top housing material, the Flame Red uses nylon while the Zero Degree 0° opts for polycarbonate. The Flame Red's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the Zero Degree 0°'s polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, offering a more visually appealing aesthetic. Therefore, while both switches may provide a satisfying typing experience, the sound profiles will differ significantly due to the contrasting top housing materials.
It is worth noting that the qualities of the housing materials in a switch are split between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. Therefore, even though both the Flame Red and Zero Degree 0° switches may share the same bottom housing material of nylon, the difference in their top housing materials - nylon for the Flame Red and polycarbonate for the Zero Degree 0° - will result in distinct sound profiles and typing experiences for each switch.
Weight
The TTC Flame Red and Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switches both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they will require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Flame Red has a heavier force of 54 grams compared to the Zero Degree 0°, which has an unknown bottom out force. This makes the Flame Red switch slightly heavier overall in terms of typing feel. The actuation force of 45 grams on both switches allows for a consistent typing experience, while the heavier bottom out force on the Flame Red provides a more substantial feel when pressing down all the way. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, while those who prefer a slightly heavier feel may prefer the TTC Flame Red for their mechanical keyboard.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, we see that the Flame Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.6 mm of the Zero Degree 0°. Both switches fall within the realm of traditional travel distances, with the Flame Red being on the slightly longer end and the Zero Degree 0° being on the slightly shorter end. The difference in travel distance may lead to a more pronounced feel when pressing down on the Flame Red switch compared to the more subtle feel of the Zero Degree 0°. Gamers seeking faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Zero Degree 0°, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the Flame Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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
When it comes to sound, the Flame Red and Zero Degree 0° switches offer different experiences. The Flame Red switch provides a neutral sound profile suitable for a variety of users and situations, making it a versatile option for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° switch boasts a unique design that absorbs sound and reduces noise, resulting in a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired level of noise in your typing environment.
In terms of feel, the Flame Red switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, making it accessible and smooth for most users. The weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile add to the overall typing feel of the Flame Red switch, providing a satisfying tactile response. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° switch delivers unparalleled smoothness and stability thanks to its self-padding design and dual-rail structure. The soft, elastic feel of the Zero Degree 0° switch absorbs sound and reduces noise, creating a comfortable typing experience that minimizes distractions.
Overall, both the Flame Red and Zero Degree 0° switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Flame Red switch excels in versatility and tactile response, the Zero Degree 0° switch stands out for its innovative design that prioritizes quiet typing. Depending on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, either switch could be a great choice for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, experimenting with both switches and considering personal preferences will help in determining the best option for your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, you should consider your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a visually stunning switch with a smooth and weighty feel, perfect for RGB backlit keyboards, the Flame Red is the way to go. On the other hand, if you value silent typing with unparalleled smoothness and stability, the Zero Degree 0° may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what qualities are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch - whether it be visual appeal, sound profile, or typing feel.
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