TTC Flaming Pink vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two distinguished options are the TTC Flaming Pink and the Outemu Lime, each catering to different typing preferences and styles. The Flaming Pink switch stands out with its smooth, responsive feel and delightful bottom-out sound, providing a premium experience for both gaming and daily typing tasks. Its clacky yet silky sound profile strikes a balance—offering satisfying auditory feedback without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switches shine with their lightweight design and subtle tactile bump, making them ideal for users who desire a gentle typing experience. Described as neutral and muted, these switches deliver a polished feel perfect for tactile enthusiasts who appreciate a softer touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to whether you lean towards a smooth, more auditory experience with the Flaming Pink or prefer a muted, tactile feel with the Lime. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Pink and Outemu Lime switches present a noticeable contrast in their top housing materials, which significantly affects their sound profiles. The Flaming Pink employs a polycarbonate top housing, recognized for its rigidity and clarity. This material produces a sharper and crisper sound, making it an excellent choice for users looking for a pronounced auditory feedback during typing. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances the RGB lighting effects, creating a vibrant and visually appealing keyboard experience. In contrast, the Outemu Lime utilizes a nylon top housing, which offers a different auditory experience altogether. The softer nature of nylon tends to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller audio profile that feels more muted when typing. As such, the primary difference in these top housings leads to divergent sound characteristics that will appeal to different typing preferences.
Both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, creating a sense of similarity in their sound profiles during key presses. The use of nylon, renowned for its sound-absorbing qualities, means that both the Flaming Pink and Lime switches will provide a dulled, rounded auditory feedback from the bottom housing. This consistent use lends a certain uniformity to the bottom-out experience of both switches; however, the softer nylon material might feel more pronounced in the Flaming Pink due to the contrasting sound produced by its stiffer polycarbonate top. Therefore, while users can expect a similar sound experience from the bottom housing across both switches, the varied feel and overall sound profile in the Flaming Pink may enhance its tactile feedback.
Ultimately, the combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in the Flaming Pink creates a distinct sound profile that contrasts with the Lime's entirely nylon composition. The Flaming Pink's sharper top housing lends clarity to the release sound, balancing against the deeper bottom-out tone produced by the bottom housing. On the other hand, the Lime achieves its fuller sound from both top and bottom nylon housings, creating a coherent auditory experience. While users might find a beautiful synergy in the Flaming Pink's combination of materials, they may prefer the seamless, rounded sound profile of the Outemu Lime. In essence, the selection between these two switches will ultimately boil down to user preference for either a crisper, more articulated sound or a softer, fuller auditory experience while typing.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch both demonstrate light actuation and bottom out forces, catering to users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. The Flaming Pink has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Lime switch is lighter with an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Outemu Lime requires less force to actuate and bottom out, making it the lighter option between the two. Users who favor a more subtle and softer typing experience would likely gravitate towards the Lime switch, while those who appreciate a slightly stronger push might prefer the Flaming Pink. The differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight the individual preferences in mechanical switches, with both offering a lightweight feel but differing in the level of force required.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Lime tactile switch measures a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Flaming Pink switch offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Lime switch. For those who prioritize responsiveness, the Lime's shorter travel distance may be advantageous, catering to gamers seeking quicker actuation. On the other hand, users who prefer a more substantial feel may appreciate the Flaming Pink's greater depth, avoiding the potentially abrupt sensation that can come with shorter travel. Ultimately, while both switches fall within the trend of compact designs, the Flaming Pink is the longer option, providing a more pronounced key press compared to the more rapid engagement of the Lime switch.
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 Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Flaming Pink and Outemu Lime switches, distinct differences emerge. The Flaming Pink switch produces a clacky sound characterized by its crisp and bright notes, delivering a sharp, percussive experience that many typists and gamers find satisfying. This sound adds a lively atmosphere during use, making it a great choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback. In contrast, the Lime switch is designed to be muted and has a more neutral sound profile, which minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. This softer sound makes it suitable for quieter environments, whether in shared workspaces or home settings, allowing for an experience that doesn’t disturb others nearby.
In terms of feel, the Flaming Pink switch is touted for offering a silky smooth typing experience, ensuring minimal resistance with each key press and release. This smoothness contributes to a fluid typing that can enhance speed and comfort during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Lime switch presents a more mild experience, being feathery light and approachable. With its gentle resistance and subtle tactile feedback, these switches are designed to minimize finger fatigue, making them appealing for extended typing sessions, whether for gaming, work, or study. The combination of being light and polished offers a refined feel that caters to both novices and seasoned typists alike.
In conclusion, while both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, they can provide great experiences depending on individual needs. The TTC Flaming Pink excels in offering a vibrant and responsive auditory experience paired with a smooth typing feel, while the Outemu Lime caters to those who prefer a softer sound and a gentle touch, emphasizing comfort and ease of use. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether one prioritizes auditory feedback and smoothness or prefers a quieter, light tactile experience suitable for prolonged use.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a smooth, responsive typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound that enhances your gaming and everyday activities, the Flaming Pink is an excellent choice. Its light 50-gram bottom-out force means you can type quickly without tiring your fingers, making it an appealing option if you enjoy rapid keystrokes and precision. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feel with a lighter 45-gram bottom-out force, the Lime switch is ideal. It provides a mild tactile feedback that strikes a balance between comfort and performance, along with a muted sound profile that allows for discreet typing, making it especially suitable for shared workspaces or quieter environments. Ultimately, if smoothness and auditory feedback are paramount to you, go for the Flaming Pink; if you’re looking for a subtle, gentle typing experience that prioritizes tactility and quietness, the Lime would be the way to go.
Mentioned in this article
