TTC Flaming Pink vs. HMX Hibiscus
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the HMX Hibiscus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can dramatically influence your typing experience. The TTC Flaming Pink switch stands out with its smooth and responsive feel, delivering a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances both gaming and everyday use. Its balance between a bright sound profile and a not overly loud presence makes it a versatile choice for those who appreciate feedback without the distraction of excessive noise. On the other hand, the HMX Hibiscus switches are revered for their unparalleled smoothness and an ultra-light actuation force that appeals to typists seeking effortless key presses. This unique switch combines a clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, adding an auditory delight to every keystroke. While both switches offer exceptional linear performance, they cater to slightly different preferences in sound and feel. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Pink and the HMX Hibiscus exhibit distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, which lead to markedly different sound profiles during use. The Flaming Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, making it particularly favorable for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback from their switches. Moreover, the clarity of polycarbonate enhances RGB lighting effects, allowing for a visually appealing display when these switches are employed in a lit environment. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus opts for a nylon top housing, known for its softer characteristics that absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This leads to a rounder sound profile when typing, appealing to those seeking a more muted sound during their interactions.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, the materials used present a consistent choice, as both the Flaming Pink and Hibiscus employ nylon. This commonality in bottom housing means that both switches share a similarity in sound dampening qualities, contributing to the deeper and fuller auditory experience mentioned earlier. Whether one's typing on the TTC Flaming Pink or the HMX Hibiscus, the nylon bottom housing will ensure that both switches produce a deeper acoustic feedback, reinforcing the importance of this material in shaping the overall typing experience. As a result, while their top housings differ significantly, the bottom housing aligns in purpose, guiding users towards a similar auditory sensation when bottoming out the keys.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials in the top housings of the Flaming Pink and Hibiscus lead to different auditory experiences, while their shared nylon bottom housing creates a unified foundation in sound. Users who favor a sharper and crisper response will likely gravitate towards the TTC Flaming Pink due to its polycarbonate top, while those who prefer a deeper and rounder experience will find the HMX Hibiscus appealing with its nylon top. Therefore, regardless of the top housing choice, the switches maintain a comparative auditory experience during the act of bottoming out, making the typing experience enjoyable on both ends. This synergy between the housings showcases how variations in material can distinctly alter a user’s interaction with mechanical switches while still allowing for a consistently pleasurable experience.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Pink and HMX Hibiscus linear switches both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable choices for users who favor a less strenuous typing experience. The Flaming Pink switch requires an actuation force of 43 grams and bottoms out at 50 grams, while the Hibiscus has slightly lower actuation and bottom out forces at 42 grams and 48 grams, respectively. This means that the Hibiscus switch is marginally lighter than the Flaming Pink, providing an even softer touch. Despite these slight differences, users can expect a similar typing experience overall due to their comparable weights. Those who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged use, such as during long gaming sessions or work, might lean towards the HMX Hibiscus for its slightly easier actuation, while those who enjoy a stronger push may find the Flaming Pink's force more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, the Flaming Pink features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the Hibiscus has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, categorizing it as the shorter switch. This slight difference in distance could influence user experience, particularly for those who prioritize response time, such as gamers who may find the Hibiscus’s shorter travel distance more suitable for rapid key presses. On the other hand, users who appreciate a more pronounced keypress might lean towards the Flaming Pink for its deeper feel. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different preferences in tactile feedback, they do share similarities in the context of modern switch trends that favor shorter travel distances for enhanced responsiveness.
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 HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
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 switch is known for its bright yet not overly loud sound profile, offering a satisfying bottom-out noise that complements its smooth operation. This makes it a viable choice for both gaming and everyday typing without being disruptive in quieter environments. On the other hand, the HMX Hibiscus switch boasts a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. This creates a more pronounced auditory experience that many may find enjoyable, especially in casual typing or gaming contexts where the sound feedback can enhance the overall experience. Ultimately, users can expect to achieve satisfying sound profiles from both switches, but the Flaming Pink will provide a subtler experience compared to the more vibrant sound of the Hibiscus.
When it comes to feel, the Flaming Pink switch excels with its smooth, responsive action that many users appreciate for both gaming and typing. The linear design ensures a consistent resistance throughout the keypress, providing a premium sensation under the fingers. Similarly, the HMX Hibiscus switch boasts an ultra-light actuation force that enhances its smoothness, surpassing 80% of all switches on the market. This can lead to a very light and effortless typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a switch that requires minimal force. While both switches deliver a pleasing tactile feedback, the Hibiscus may feel distinctly lighter and quicker, appealing to users who favor an ultra-light touch over the Flaming Pink's smooth consistency.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flaming Pink and HMX Hibiscus linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities that cater to varying preferences among users. The Flaming Pink provides a balanced, smooth feel with a subtle yet satisfying sound, making it suitable for versatile use. In contrast, the Hibiscus offers an ultra-light actuation force combined with a more pronounced sound signature, appealing to those who enjoy a little extra auditory feedback while typing. While they cater to different user preferences, both switches deliver quality experiences that can enhance your mechanical keyboard setup, achieving satisfying tactile and auditory results based on your personal choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, you should choose the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch if you desire a smooth and responsive typing experience that strikes a balance between gaming and general use. With its light 50-gram bottom-out force, it offers a satisfying sound profile that is bright yet not overwhelming, making it suitable for both long typing sessions and intense gaming without being too noisy. On the other hand, you might prefer the HMX Hibiscus linear switch if you value ultra-light actuation and a distinctly clacky and poppy sound. Weighing in at just 48 grams for bottom-out force, the Hibiscus excels in providing an exceptionally smooth experience while also delivering a crisp audio feedback that can enhance your enjoyment during both casual and competitive gameplay. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a balanced typing feel and moderate sound with the Flaming Pink or a lighter actuation combined with a more impactful auditory experience with the Hibiscus.
Mentioned in this article
