TTC Flaming Pink vs. TTC Iron
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the TTC Iron switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Flaming Pink and the TTC Iron both stand out as exceptional options for users seeking a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. The Flaming Pink switch is celebrated for its silky feel and satisfying bottom-out sound, striking a balance that caters to both gamers and everyday users alike. Its sound profile is bright yet not overly loud, making it a suitable choice for those who appreciate a subtle auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the TTC Iron offers a pronounced clacky sound signature that adds a distinct aural satisfaction to each keystroke. This switch is notably light and designed for swift actuation, enabling fatigue-free typing sessions, which can be appealing to both enthusiasts and casual users. While both switches deliver a smooth experience, their differences in sound profile and tactile feedback can influence your typing or gaming environment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
41g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Pink and TTC Iron switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence the sound profiles produced by each switch. The Flaming Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its stiffer composition that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This clarity is particularly enhanced when the switch is illuminated with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to pass through more effectively, creating an attractive visual effect. In contrast, the TTC Iron utilizes a top housing made from POM (polyoxymethylene), which is known for its ability to generate a deeper and more muted sound profile. As a result, while both switches offer distinct acoustic characteristics, the Flaming Pink’s polycarbonate top delivers a brighter sound, while the Iron’s POM contributes a warmer, more subdued tone.
When examining the bottom housings of the two switches, both the Flaming Pink and Iron utilize materials that cater to distinct auditory experiences. The Flaming Pink's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound waves and results in a rounder acoustic profile. In contrast, the Iron's POM bottom housing shares similarities in sound profile characteristics, producing a pleasing and unique auditory experience that leans towards the muted, deep end. Although both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings, the impact of these materials on the overall sound experience culminates in a harmonious blend, emphasizing the unique attributes of each switch.
Ultimately, the interaction between the different housing materials in both the TTC Flaming Pink and Iron switches reveals how their individual characteristics influence the overall sound and feel during use. Since the sound profile is influenced by both the top and bottom housings separately, users will experience the crisp resonance of the Flaming Pink when releasing a key, while simultaneously enjoying the depth of its nylon bottom. Conversely, the Iron's unique muted sound is rooted in both its POM top and bottom housings which combine to create a cohesive auditory experience. While both switches might cater to different preferences with their respective sound profiles, the fundamental design approach and careful selection of materials ensure a distinct experience rooted in the qualities each element brings to the table.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Pink and TTC Iron linear switches both exhibit relatively similar characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, though there are some notable differences. The Flaming Pink switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a light switch overall. In comparison, the Iron switch features a slightly lighter actuation force of 41 grams while maintaining the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches offer a soft typing experience ideal for extended use, the Iron is marginally lighter in terms of actuation force. For users who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the Flaming Pink's slightly heavier actuation can provide a satisfying resistance. Despite their differences, both switches share a bottom out force of 50 grams, ensuring that the experience of reaching the bottom of a keystroke feels consistent across both options.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Pink switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option when compared to the TTC Iron switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm may seem minimal, but it can impact the typing experience significantly. Gamers might lean towards the Flaming Pink for its quicker response time due to the reduced travel distance, while users who favor a more substantial and pronounced keystroke might prefer the Iron switch, appreciating the slightly deeper travel. While both switches fall within a modern range that courts responsive interactions, the Flaming Pink's shorter distance lends itself to those seeking a swift typing experience, whereas the Iron caters better to individuals who enjoy a more traditional 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 Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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 and TTC Iron switches both boast a clacky profile, marked by a sharp and snappy sound with crisp, bright, and percussive characteristics. However, the Flaming Pink is noted for its balanced sound, making it bright yet not overly loud, which might be more suitable for shared or quieter environments. In contrast, the Iron also features a clacky sound but can combine that with a neutral tone, allowing it to produce a moderate sound profile that meets the needs of both beginners and seasoned users alike. Overall, while both switches deliver a satisfying auditory feedback, the Flaming Pink leans towards a more refined sound experience compared to the Iron's broader sound spectrum.
Regarding feel, the Flaming Pink switch is celebrated for its silky smoothness, enhancing the typing experience with minimal resistance during key presses. This quality contributes to a fluidity that many users find appealing, especially for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the TTC Iron prioritizes an easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force for actuation, promoting comfort and reducing finger fatigue. Its mild characteristics contribute to an approachable typing feel, catering to users who seek a less demanding touch. Consequently, while both switches offer enjoyable tactile experiences, the Flaming Pink emphasizes a luxurious smoothness whereas the Iron focuses on lightness and ease.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flaming Pink and TTC Iron switches offer unique advantages that cater to different preferences. While they share similarities in sound quality, with both being described as clacky and delivering satisfying auditory feedback, the Flaming Pink stands out with its refined sound profile, providing a more subtle auditory experience. In terms of feel, the Flaming Pink is designed for a silky typing experience, while the Iron focuses on light actuation and gentle resistance for effortless typing. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on whether one prefers the smooth luxury of the Flaming Pink or the lightweight responsiveness of the Iron.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Flaming Pink and the TTC Iron linear switches ultimately depends on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a smooth, silky typing experience combined with a satisfying yet not overpowering sound, the Flaming Pink is an excellent option for both gaming and day-to-day typing. Its light actuation makes it particularly suited for fast-paced gaming, while its pleasant acoustics make it suitable for quieter environments where you might not want to disrupt others. On the other hand, if you appreciate a pronounced clacky sound profile and seek a more balanced, enjoyable typing experience that still emphasizes precision, then the Iron switch could be the right fit for you. Its easy-to-press action and mild characteristics allow for extended usage without fatigue, making it ideal for long typing sessions at work or home. In short, your choice hinges on whether you prioritize a smooth, discreet feel or a lively and responsive typing experience.
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