TTC Flaming Pink vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Flaming Pink and TTC Gold Brown switches offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Flaming Pink, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth and responsive feel, which ensures a fluid typing experience without any tactile feedback—making it ideal for gamers and those who prioritize speed. Its sound profile strikes a balance between pleasant and unobtrusive, providing a satisfying bottom-out sound without overwhelming noise, which is great for both work and play. On the other hand, the Gold Brown is characterized as a tactile switch that brings a balanced approach to typing. It delivers a soft yet notable bump that enhances the typing experience for those who enjoy a bit of feedback while typing or gaming. Additionally, its rounded sound profile provides a quieter operation, making it suitable for shared workspaces or quieter environments. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on whether you prefer the fluidity of linear switches or the satisfying feedback of tactile ones. 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
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Pink and TTC Gold Brown switches share similar design features in their top and bottom housings, significantly contributing to their sound profiles and overall performance. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which cultivates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This inherent quality of polycarbonate, being a relatively stiffer plastic, allows for a clearer and more resonant auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances its compatibility with RGB lighting, allowing vibrant illumination to shine through, creating an aesthetically pleasing effect in setups where lighting is essential. Users can expect a consistent sound experience from both switches, benefiting from the qualities of polycarbonate in the top housing.
On the other hand, both the Flaming Pink and Gold Brown switches have nylon as their bottom housing material. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile, which stems from its relatively softer plastic composition. This characteristic enables nylon to absorb more sound than harder materials, leading to a duller and rounder sound when the switches are engaged. Consequently, this means that the bottom-out sound and tactile feel when pressing the keys will be influenced significantly by the nylon bottom housing in both switches. Users can anticipate a rich, muted auditory feedback that is characteristic of nylon when typing on either switch.
Overall, while the Flaming Pink and Gold Brown switches exhibit distinct qualities in their sound profiles facilitated by their respective housing materials, they fundamentally perform similarly due to their shared construction materials for both top and bottom housings. The combination of the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in each switch allows for an interesting interplay of sound characteristics. As a result, whether a user opts for the Flaming Pink or the Gold Brown, they can expect a well-rounded typing experience that balances the crispness of polycarbonate with the warmth of nylon, making either choice a reliable option for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Flaming Pink switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer feel that allows for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Gold Brown switch features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience. This difference means that typists or gamers seeking a lighter switch for comfort would gravitate towards the Flaming Pink, while those who prefer a firmer push would find the Gold Brown more satisfying. Thus, in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, the Flaming Pink is lighter and more suitable for extended use, while the Gold Brown is heavier and better for those who want more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, they differ notably. The Flaming Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gold Brown extends to 4 mm. This makes the Flaming Pink the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation. In contrast, the Gold Brown, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, provides a more pronounced depth, which some users might find preferable for a more tactile typing experience. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that allows for a faster response, the Flaming Pink is the way to go, while those who favor a deeper, more substantial feel should consider the Gold Brown.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 TTC Flaming Pink switch is characterized by a bright yet not overly loud sound profile that produces a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it suitable for various environments, whether gaming or typing for long periods. This gives it a premium acoustic quality that many users appreciate. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown switch presents a rounded sound profile that is generally softer than most mechanical switches while maintaining a neutral character. This moderate sound can be easily integrated into any workspace without creating too much disturbance, making it versatile for home and office use.
In terms of feel, the Flaming Pink switch is known for its smooth, responsive keystrokes that provide a premium typing experience. While there isn't much detail on its specific tactile qualities, users can expect a fluid action characteristic of linear switches. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown switch offers a mild tactile bump that provides a more gentle typing experience. The buttery action of these switches ensures a seamless keystroke experience, while their accented nature strikes a balance between pronounced tactility and smoothness, making them approachable to most users. The polished finish of the Gold Browns enhances their overall performance, allowing for reduced friction and a refined typing experience.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flaming Pink and TTC Gold Brown switches cater to different user preferences, with the Flaming Pink favoring a smooth, straightforward typing experience and the Gold Brown balancing tactile feedback with a softer sound profile. Choosing between them will largely depend on whether you prioritize a linear feel or a mild tactile sensation in your typing experience. Regardless of your choice, both options will deliver satisfying performance, making either a solid addition to your mechanical keyboard collection.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a smooth and responsive typing experience, particularly for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks, the Flaming Pink with its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams is an excellent choice. Its premium feel and satisfying sound make it great for regular use without being overly loud, catering well to both gaming and everyday applications. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced typing experience and appreciate the feedback of a tactile bump, the Gold Brown switch would be the better fit. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 63 grams, it offers a mild, buttery feel that many find approachable, making it ideal for a variety of settings, whether at home or in the office. Its neutral sound profile ensures that you won’t disturb your surroundings, making it an all-around reliable option. Therefore, consider your typing style and environment—those who enjoy a light, smooth keystroke will gravitate towards the Flaming Pink, while those who cherish a tactile cue may find the Gold Brown more to their liking.
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