TTC Flaming Pink vs. Huano Grape Orange
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Huano Grape Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the right mechanical keyboard switches for your needs, two standout options are the TTC Flaming Pink and the Huano Grape Orange, both of which are linear switches known for their distinct characteristics. The Flaming Pink switches are celebrated for their smooth and responsive feel, providing a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the typing experience, making them well-suited for both gaming and everyday use. They strike a balance with a bright yet not overly loud sound profile, catering to users who appreciate auditory feedback without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, the Grape Orange switches excel in offering an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, thanks to their ultra-low 40g actuation force, ideal for those who engage in extended typing sessions and seek a seamless keystroke. While both switches cater to different preferences—one leaning towards a premium auditory experience and the other prioritizing a lighter touch—it's essential to 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
40g
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
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Pink and the Huano Grape Orange share a commonality in their top housing material, which is polycarbonate. This deliberate choice of material results in a sound profile that is characterized by sharpness, heightened pitch, and clarity. As noted, polycarbonate's stiffness allows for a more resonant sound, making it particularly beneficial for RGB lighting setups, given its translucency. This similar use of polycarbonate indicates that both switches will deliver a comparable auditory experience when typing, contributing to the crisper and more vibrant sound that enthusiasts often seek in mechanical switches.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both the TTC Flaming Pink and the Huano Grape Orange is constructed from nylon, which brings a different acoustic characteristic to the switches. Nylon's softer nature serves to absorb sound, leading to a deeper and more rounded sound profile when typing. This distinct quality of nylon enhances the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a more muted tactile experience compared to the sharper response from the polycarbonate top. Since both switches maintain nylon in their bottom housing, they will similarly produce a fuller auditory sensation during typing, yet with variations depending on the combination of the top and bottom materials.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials in both switch designs points to a well-balanced sound profile overall. While the polycarbonate top housing ensures clarity and brightness in the higher frequencies, the nylon bottom housing counters with depth and warmth, resulting in a complex acoustic performance. Because both the Flaming Pink and Grape Orange utilize the same housing materials, discerning users may prefer one switch over the other based on form factor, aesthetics, or brand preference, but will likely enjoy a similar mix of sound qualities that appeal to enthusiasts of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, both exhibit similar bottom out force, set at 50 grams, indicating they provide a similar feel upon fully pressing the switch down. However, in terms of actuation force, the Flaming Pink requires 43 grams to register a keystroke, while the Grape Orange is slightly lighter at 40 grams. This distinction means that the Grape Orange offers a marginally easier actuation, which could be beneficial for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, appealing to those who prefer lighter switches for comfort. Conversely, the Flaming Pink, being slightly heavier in actuation, may satisfy users seeking a more substantial feedback during typing. Overall, while both switches are relatively light, the Grape Orange stands out as the lighter option, making it a preferable choice for those focusing on long-term use.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Flaming Pink and the Huano Grape Orange linear switches exhibit an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will experience the same key press depth when activating either switch. This equal travel distance ensures that both switches will yield similar tactile feedback and responsiveness during use, making them ideal choices for those who prioritize consistency in their typing or gaming experience. Given that both switches have the same travel, neither is shorter or longer than the other, allowing users to seamlessly transition between them without noticing any difference in key 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 Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.
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 TTC Flaming Pink linear switch is characterized by a bright yet not overly loud sound profile that produces a satisfying bottom-out noise, providing a pleasant auditory feedback during typing or gaming. This makes it suitable for a variety of environments where noise levels are a consideration. On the other hand, the Huano Grape Orange switch is described primarily in terms of its actuation force rather than a specific sound profile. Therefore, while the Flaming Pink offers a distinctly satisfying acoustic experience, the Grape Orange's sound characteristics remain somewhat unknown but can be influenced by the combination of the keyboard's build and keycap choice.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Flaming Pink switch is known for its smooth and responsive action, which delivers a premium typing experience that balances well for both gaming and office tasks. The key's tactile feedback ensures that users feel connected to their keystrokes. In contrast, the Grape Orange switch features an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, with an ultra-low actuation force of just 40g. This makes it ideal for prolonged typing sessions as it reduces fatigue, allowing for quicker and seemingly less strenuous keystrokes.
Overall, both the TTC Flaming Pink and the Huano Grape Orange switches cater to specific typing preferences and styles. If you enjoy a premium, responsive feel coupled with a light auditory presence, the Flaming Pink might be your go-to. Conversely, if you prioritize a feather-light touch that promotes comfort during extended use, the Grape Orange would be preferable. While the sound profile of the Grape Orange isn't specified, users can generally achieve a satisfactory auditory experience with both switches, depending on the keyboard they choose to pair them with.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, you should consider your specific needs and preferences in typing or gaming. If you prioritize a smooth and responsive feel with a satisfying bottom-out sound for an overall premium experience, the Flaming Pink switch would be your go-to choice. Its not overly loud sound profile is perfect for both gaming and everyday typing, allowing you to enjoy a balance between enjoyment and productivity. On the other hand, if you anticipate long hours of typing where comfort and ease are your primary concerns, the Grape Orange switch, with its ultra-low 40g actuation force, may serve you better. This switch provides an effortless typing experience, making it ideal for those marathon sessions where fatigue can become an issue. Ultimately, both switches offer a light bottom-out force, so the decision hinges on whether you value the tactile satisfaction of the Flaming Pink or the lightweight ease of the Grape Orange. Consider the type of tasks you engage in most frequently to determine which switch will enhance your experience the most.