TTC Flaming Pink vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the nuances in their design and performance can greatly influence your typing experience. The TTC Flaming Pink switch is celebrated for its smooth, responsive feel and satisfying bottom-out sound, providing a premium experience that's ideal for both gaming and everyday typing. Its balanced sound profile strikes a chord for those who appreciate a bright yet not overly loud keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch features a shorter travel distance, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a typing experience that bridges the gap between laptop keys and traditional mechanical keyboards. This switch is noted for its pleasant smoothness and clackiness, making it a favorite among users who enjoy a more tactile auditory feedback. While both switches cater to different preferences—one focusing on a smooth experience and the other on a snappier response—they each offer unique benefits that can enhance your overall typing experience. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Pink and Gateron Ink Yellow switches, it becomes clear that they diverge in their compositions, leading to distinctive auditory experiences. The Flaming Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, more resonant sound profile due to its stiffness. This makes it particularly effective for creating a clear, high-pitched sound, which can be especially emphasized when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucent nature. In contrast, the Ink Yellow utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which, although characterized as having a high-pitched sound, tends to be described as satisfying and clacky without being overly sharp. This difference indicates that while both switches achieve a higher pitch in sound, the Flaming Pink offers a crisper tone, whereas the Ink Yellow’s sound is clackier and richer in character.
On the flip side, the bottom housing materials of both switches demonstrate a more traditional approach in their compositions. The Flaming Pink employs nylon for its bottom housing, which is known for yielding a fuller and deeper sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound effectively, which contrasts the sharper sounds produced by the switch's polycarbonate top. Conversely, the Ink Yellow also features its proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing. While both switches are geared towards high-pitched sound profiles, the result of using the same INK blend in both the top and bottom housing for the Ink Yellow suggests a more cohesive auditory experience, as both components contribute similarly to the high pitch. In comparison, the Flaming Pink's nylon bottom housing adds a layer of depth, thereby creating a distinct sound dynamic that is different from the Ink Yellow's approach.
Ultimately, the differences in the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Pink and Gateron Ink Yellow switches reveal significant contrasts in auditory and tactile experiences. The Flaming Pink's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom combination creates a sharp, crisp sound when pressing down and a fuller sound upon bottoming out, promoting a unique experience that can be pleasing for certain users. In contrast, the Ink Yellow’s configuration with its INK blend top and bottom housing provides a consistent, high-pitched sound profile that prioritizes clackiness. While both switches deliver enjoyable keystrokes, the tactile feedback and tonal qualities derived from their material differences ultimately highlight the unique character and appeal of each switch. Therefore, both switches could achieve similar auditory results in the context of high-pitched tones, yet they offer different experiences that cater to distinct preferences in keyboard use.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Flaming Pink features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow has a medium-heavy actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a firmer push. This heavier feel can be preferable for users who appreciate the feedback of a stronger keystroke. Therefore, individuals seeking lighter switches should turn to the Flaming Pink for ease and comfort, while those desiring a more robust typing experience might find the Ink Yellow more suited to their tastes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Flaming Pink offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ink Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This minor difference may seem negligible, but it can influence the overall typing experience. The Flaming Pink's longer travel may provide a more traditional feel, which could cater to users who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow, with its shorter travel, may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times and a more immediate feel while typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two may hinge on personal preference for switch depth versus 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 Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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
The TTC Flaming Pink switch is noted for its well-balanced sound profile, delivering a bright yet not overly loud auditory experience that enhances the overall typing satisfaction. The sound is described as a satisfying bottom-out thock, contributing to a premium typing ambiance that remains suitable for both gaming and everyday tasks. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow has a notable clackiness, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp and percussive. While the Ink Yellow also maintains a neutral sound profile, the clackiness may provide a more engaging auditory feedback for users who enjoy that acoustic stimulation, making it appealing for varied environments.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Flaming Pink offers a smooth and responsive experience that many typists appreciate; however, specific details on its tactile feedback are absent. In contrast, the Ink Yellow provides a mild, polished feel characterized by gentle key presses and a smooth typing experience, aided by refined materials or factory lubrication. The polished finish ensures reduced friction and seamless travel, making these switches approachable for a wide range of users, especially those who prefer a well-rounded experience that isn’t too aggressive in terms of feedback.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flaming Pink and Gateron Ink Yellow provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Flaming Pink is favored for its pleasant sound and smooth feel, suitable for various tasks, while the Ink Yellow offers a crisp auditory experience with a polished tactile sensation. Choosing between them will ultimately depend on individual preferences for sound and feel; however, both switches promise quality experiences that can enhance your typing or gaming endeavors.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you are looking for a lighter switch with a smooth and satisfying feel that enhances your gaming or everyday typing experience without being overly loud, the Flaming Pink is an excellent choice. Its quick response time and premium sound profile make it ideal for those who enjoy fast-paced gaming or want a more tactile experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a clacky sound that strikes a balance between a traditional mechanical keyboard and a laptop feel, the Ink Yellow could be the better fit. This switch's medium-heavy bottom-out force and polished texture provide a gentle yet refined typing experience that's suitable for all-day typing at work or at home. In the end, consider what feels comfortable for you, whether you value a lighter, smoother typing experience or a more pronounced, clacky feedback.
Mentioned in this article
