TTC Flaming Pink vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two notable contenders are the TTC Flaming Pink and the TTC Gold Brown Pro. The Flaming Pink, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth and responsive feel, delivering a premium typing experience that excels in both gaming and daily tasks. Its satisfying sound profile strikes an ideal balance between being bright and not overly loud, making it an appealing choice for users who prefer a seamless keystroke without tactile interruptions. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro caters to those who appreciate subtlety in their typing experience. As a tactile switch, it features a gentle bump that provides nuanced feedback without overwhelming the typist—ideal for those who seek immersion in their work. Its subdued sound profile allows for discreet use, ensuring that keystrokes remain a whisper rather than a distraction. Ultimately, while both switches serve different preferences, they each offer unique benefits that cater to various typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Pink and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches, it becomes evident that both models utilize polycarbonate for their top housings and nylon for their bottom housings. The use of polycarbonate in both cases contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is achieved due to polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature, which allows for clearer resonance. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate enables enhanced RGB lighting effects, making these switches aesthetically appealing in illuminated setups. As a result, users can expect similar crispness in sound and visual effects when using either model.
On the other hand, the differences in sound profiles offered by the housing materials become pronounced when examining the bottom housings of the Flaming Pink and Gold Brown Pro switches. Both switches incorporate nylon in their bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. This softer plastic absorbs more sound than the polycarbonate, which contributes to a duller, rounder audio experience. The nylon bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel during key presses. While both models feature the same materials, it is the interplay between the stiffer polycarbonate top and the softer nylon bottom that defines the overall acoustic performance of each switch.
Ultimately, both the TTC Flaming Pink and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches share core materials that will yield some overlapping sound characteristics. However, the unique combination of the stiffer polycarbonate top and the softer nylon bottom will still result in different auditory experiences when typing, particularly in terms of clarity and depth. The Flaming Pink's emphasis on high-pitch clarity will contrast with the Gold Brown Pro's fuller, rounder auditory profile, even if both switches are set to deliver a compelling sound experience through their thoughtfully chosen housing materials. Therefore, users can appreciate the distinct benefits of each switch while also finding common ground in their superior quality.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, compared to the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This difference makes the Flaming Pink switch more suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel, enhancing comfort during long typing sessions or intense gaming. Both switches have a bottom out force; however, the Flaming Pink has a measurable bottom out force of 50 grams, while the bottom out force for the Gold Brown Pro is unavailable. Therefore, we cannot directly compare the bottom out forces. Given this information, anyone looking for a lighter typing experience would lean towards the Flaming Pink switch, while those who appreciate a slightly stronger actuation might prefer the Gold Brown Pro. If the bottom out forces were comparable, users could expect a similar typing experience in terms of key travel and feedback.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference in travel distance indicates that the Flaming Pink switch provides a shorter pressing experience, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times and a more immediate feel when typing or gaming. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial depth in their keystrokes might prefer the Gold Brown Pro switch, with its longer travel distance, as it can offer a more pronounced tactile feedback. Overall, the Flaming Pink switch is the shorter option, while the Gold Brown Pro is the longer one, catering to differing preferences in typing feel.
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 Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 linear switch is known for its smooth, responsive keystrokes that produce a satisfying bottom-out sound. This switch offers a bright yet not overly loud sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of environments, whether for gaming or typing. Conversely, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch features a more subdued audio signature, delivering a thocky, low-pitched sound that's rich and satisfying but decidedly more muted. This switch is designed for those who appreciate a background presence in their audio experience, allowing them to focus without distraction from the keystrokes.
In terms of feel, the Flaming Pink switch is characterized by its smoothness and responsiveness, although specific details about its tactile feel are not provided. This contrasts sharply with the polished, silky action of the Gold Brown Pro, which is designed to offer a more nuanced typing experience with its gentle tactile bump. The Gold Brown Pro provides a mild and subtle interaction, ensuring that the feedback is noticeable but not overwhelming, making it ideal for long typing sessions where one might want a more refined experience. The sensitivity of this switch, combined with its stepped tactile feedback, allows typists to appreciate the journey of each keystroke without being over-stimulated.
Overall, while both the TTC Flaming Pink and Gold Brown Pro switches cater to different preferences in the typing experience, they both promise a pleasurable encounter. The Flaming Pink is tailored for users seeking smooth linearity with an engaging auditory output, making it excellent for both gaming and general use. In contrast, the Gold Brown Pro is perfect for those preferring a subtle tactile feedback with a quiet sound, providing a conducive environment for focused work. Ultimately, the best choice depends on whether you value a pronounced auditory experience with smooth action or a more understated yet tactile interaction with minimal sound disruption.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch ultimately boils down to your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a smooth, fast, and responsive typing experience, and enjoy the engaging sound profile that a lighter switch can offer, then the Flaming Pink is the ideal choice for you. Its 50-gram actuation force makes it excellent for both gaming marathons and regular typing tasks, providing a blend of performance and satisfaction. Conversely, if you prefer a more subtle feedback with a nuanced typing experience, particularly suited for long hours of focused work in quiet environments, you would likely gravitate towards the Gold Brown Pro. Its gentle tactile bump offers just enough feedback without being intrusive, making it perfect for professionals who need minimal distractions while typing. Ultimately, understanding how you prefer to interact with your keyboard—whether for dynamic gaming or contemplative typing—will guide your decision on which switch best suits your style.
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