TTC Flaming Pink vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves entranced by the distinct qualities offered by various options. The TTC Flaming Pink switch is celebrated for its smooth and responsive feel, providing a premium typing experience that caters well to both gaming enthusiasts and everyday users. With a bright yet balanced sound profile, the Flaming Pink strikes an appealing chord for those who appreciate a satisfying bottom-out sound without the overwhelm. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red switch delivers a buttery smooth experience with a light-medium level of resistance, making it a great choice for typists seeking comfort during prolonged use. Its snappy and subtle sound profile injects just enough character into your keyboard without being overly pronounced, falling into a category described by terms such as 'thocky,' 'silky,' and 'polished.' Ultimately, your choice between these two linear switches will come down to personal preference regarding feel and auditory feedback. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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 the TTC Gold Red switches share a similar foundation in their construction, particularly through their use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Polycarbonate is renowned for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and more resonant sound profile. This feature is highly advantageous for both switches, especially when it comes to illuminating RGB lighting, as the translucence of polycarbonate allows for enhanced light diffusion and brightness. Consequently, users of both switches can expect a clear and crisp sound upon keystrokes, making them well-suited for environments where auditory feedback is paramount – such as gaming or typing scenarios.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both the Flaming Pink and Gold Red switches features nylon, a material celebrated for its capacity to absorb sound and deliver a deeper, fuller auditory experience. Due to nylon's softer composition compared to polycarbonate, the switches produce a duller, rounder sound profile that contributes to a more muted bottom-out noise. This dual-material approach ensures that the Flaming Pink and Gold Red emit distinct tactile sensations based on their construction; while the top housing contributes to the high-pitched response, the nylon bottom housing emphasizes a more subdued and cushioned feel when the key is fully pressed down.
Ultimately, the switching experience provided by both the TTC Flaming Pink and TTC Gold Red is a harmonious blend of both materials' advantages. While the top housing enables a clear and impactful auditory experience, the bottom housing imbues the switch with depth and warmth. Though both switches utilize the same materials, the differing environments each material creates lead to a nuanced keyboard experience. Users can expect similar results in terms of sound clarity and visual aesthetics due to the polycarbonate top, while the nylon bottom ensures a warm contrast that is appreciated during use. In summary, both models exhibit a thoughtful equilibrium of crisp sound from the tops and rich sound from the bottoms, making them appealing options for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
Both the TTC Flaming Pink and TTC Gold Red linear switches exhibit the same specifications when it comes to their actuation and bottom out forces, with both switches requiring an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This equivalence in their measurements means that users can expect similar typing experiences from both switches, making them suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons due to their relatively light feel. While some may prefer a switch with a stronger push for a more substantial typing experience, those who favor lighter switches will find both the Flaming Pink and Gold Red to be favorable options, as neither weighs significantly more or less than the other.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Flaming Pink features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gold Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Flaming Pink, with its shorter travel distance, may provide a more responsive feel, which is particularly appealing to gamers looking for quicker key presses and faster reaction times. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the Gold Red could offer a more substantial and satisfying depth, catering to those who prefer a more deliberate typing experience. Overall, users can expect a distinct tactile experience depending on their choice, with the Flaming Pink being the shorter option and the Gold Red the longer.
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 Red 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 Red 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 sound profile that balances clarity with a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it suitable for both casual typing and intense gaming sessions without being overly loud. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red switch emits a thocky and low-pitched sound, offering a deep and rich acoustic experience, which engenders a sense of weightiness with each keystroke. This blend of a thocky nature paired with a neutral sound profile allows the Gold Red to provide a modest yet enjoyable auditory feedback that enhances typing without being excessively distracting or jarring.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flaming Pink is celebrated for its smooth, responsive typing experience, which contributes to a premium feel that is both inviting and engaging during use. This smoothness combines with a level of responsiveness that caters well to both gaming and day-to-day typing tasks. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red switch offers a buttery smooth tactile experience with a light-medium resistance; its mild and subtle characteristics ensure that users have a gentle yet enjoyable typing experience. Additionally, the polished nature of the Gold Red contributes to reduced friction, making every key press feel refined and comfortable, further enhancing the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while the TTC Flaming Pink and the TTC Gold Red switches present their distinct characteristics, they both emphasize a smooth typing experience that caters well to a variety of uses, whether gaming or general typing tasks. The Flaming Pink stands out with its satisfying audio and bright profile, while the Gold Red offers a thocky and lower-pitched sound that adds a gentle personality to typing without overwhelming the user. Ultimately, both switches deliver a refined feel, making either choice a strong contender for a mechanical keyboard enthusiast seeking an outstanding typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Pink and the TTC Gold Red linear switches, it's essential to consider your specific typing and gaming preferences. If you value a smooth and responsive experience with a delightful bottom-out sound, the Flaming Pink switches will likely cater to your needs well, providing a premium feel suitable for both gaming marathons and daily typing tasks. Their bright sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your keyboard, enhancing the overall experience without overwhelming your surroundings. On the other hand, if you prefer a more mild, silky touch combined with a low-pitched, thocky sound, the Gold Red switches may be the better choice for you. Their subtle resistance and polished finish offer an approachable typing experience that feels gentle yet satisfying, making them ideal for both beginners and those who work in shared spaces. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you want your keyboard to sound and feel during use, ensuring an optimal balance between performance and personal satisfaction.
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