TTC Flaming Pink vs. KTT Mallo

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Flaming Pink and KTT Mallo offer distinct experiences catering to different preferences and typing styles. The TTC Flaming Pink, celebrated for its smooth linear action, delivers a responsive feel with a satisfying sound profile, making it an excellent choice for gamers who appreciate speed and fluidity in their keystrokes as well as everyday users seeking a premium experience. In contrast, the KTT Mallo stands out as a tactile switch, providing subtle feedback that enhances typing accuracy without overwhelming the senses. With its medium-light feel and neutral sound, the Mallo is ideal for typists who enjoy a balance of responsiveness and gentleness, ensuring a comfortable experience across various environments. While both switches have their strengths—one focusing on smoothness and the other on tactility—they cater to different needs and preferences. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Flaming Pink Linear

KTT Mallo Tactile

$4.29

$4.00 per 10

$5.50

$4.40 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The TTC Flaming Pink and KTT Mallo switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which seamlessly contributes to their shared sound profiles. The polycarbonate material is known for its stiffer composition, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. This characteristic makes each switch particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups due to the translucency of polycarbonate, allowing light to pass through effectively and create an aesthetically appealing glow. Therefore, when using either switch in an RGB environment, users can expect a similar visual and auditory experience, showcasing the advantages of polycarbonate in enhancing both the look and sound of the switch.

In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, elucidating another area of similarity. Nylon’s composition is softer than polycarbonate, which affects the overall sound profile by producing a deeper and fuller typing experience. The ability of nylon to absorb sound results in a duller, rounder auditory signature compared to its polycarbonate counterpart. While the top housing of each switch focuses on the clarity and brightness during key release, the bottom housing brings depth and warmth during the key press. This complementary dynamic underscores the importance of having specific materials in both housing locations to create a well-rounded typing experience.

Despite the differences in sound profiles attributed to the distinct materials used for the top and bottom housings, the shared attributes of the TTC Flaming Pink and KTT Mallo switches allow them to create a cohesive auditory experience for users. The polycarbonate tops ensure clarity and brightness when releasing the keys, while the nylon bottoms enrich the acoustic depth during key presses. Consequently, the combination of these materials in both switch models achieves a balanced and pleasant typing experience. Therefore, whether one chooses the Flaming Pink or the Mallo, they can expect to enjoy a blend of crispness on the way up and fullness on the way down, showcasing how specific material choices can achieve similar results in different configurations.

Weight

The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option for typists and gamers who prefer a more effortless keystroke experience. In contrast, the KTT Mallo tactile switch has an unknown actuation force but boasts a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorized as medium-light. While the actuation force of the Mallo is unspecified, the higher bottom out force suggests a slightly more substantial feel compared to the Flaming Pink, which provides a softer landing. Consequently, for users seeking a lightweight switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Flaming Pink is the better choice, while those who favor a firmer touch may prefer the more robust characteristics of the Mallo. Overall, if the actuation forces were comparable, both switches would offer a similar experience, though the Flaming Pink is definitively lighter in key feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, the Flaming Pink measures 3.6 mm, while the Mallo has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Flaming Pink a better choice for those who prioritize responsiveness in their key presses, as shorter travel distances typically allow for faster actuation, which is favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Mallo's 4 mm travel distance offers a more traditional feel and greater depth, providing a tactile experience that some users prefer over the rapid response of the Flaming Pink. Ultimately, if you're seeking a quicker actuation, the Flaming Pink is the shorter option, while the Mallo is the longer switch suited for those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Flaming Pink switch delivers a bright yet not overly loud audio profile. Its satisfying bottom-out sound offers a premium auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience for both gamers and typists, striking a balance that is pleasing to the ears without being intrusive. In contrast, the KTT Mallo features a more neutral sound signature, ensuring it neither dominates nor fades into the background. With its subdued character, the Mallo produces a soft dampened sound that makes it suitable for various environments, allowing users to type without drawing excessive attention. While both switches offer enjoyable sound experiences, the Flaming Pink leans slightly towards a more pronounced auditory feedback, while the Mallo provides a quieter, adaptable alternative.

In terms of feel, the Flaming Pink is characterized by a smooth and responsive action, making each keystroke feel seamless and effortless, ideal for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo offers a gentle tactility that is just noticeable enough to signal feedback without being overwhelming. With a medium-light actuation force, the Mallo is designed for comfort during extended typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue. The Mallo's stepped and subtle characteristics make it a gentler experience compared to the Flaming Pink's smoothness, which may appeal to users seeking different tactile sensations. While the feel of the Flaming Pink is distinctly smooth and responsive, the Mallo provides a softer, more balanced experience that is perfect for typists looking for nuanced feedback.

In summary, while the TTC Flaming Pink and KTT Mallo switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, both offer unique benefits. The Flaming Pink excels in providing a lively and satisfying auditory experience coupled with a smooth typing action, making it perfect for users who enjoy a more active feedback. Conversely, the Mallo stands out for those who prefer a neutral sound profile accompanied by gentle tactility that promotes comfort during long usage. Ultimately, the choice between them will come down to personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback, but both switches promise excellent performance suitable for various typing environments.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a smooth and responsive typing experience, especially for gaming or rapid tasks, the Flaming Pink switch—with its lighter 50-gram bottom-out force and satisfying sound—will serve you well. This switch makes it easy to execute quick key presses, reducing finger fatigue during marathon gaming sessions or long typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides some tactile feedback without being overpowering, the KTT Mallo should be your go-to. Its medium-light 55-gram force, gentle tactility, and neutral sound profile make it ideal for a variety of environments, whether you’re at home or in an office setting. The Mallo switch excels for typists who seek balance, offering comfort for prolonged use while still maintaining enough feedback to keep your typing experience engaging. Therefore, consider your specific needs—whether you lean towards the smooth, responsive feel of the Flaming Pink for dynamic activities or the nuanced performance of the Mallo for more general typing tasks—to make the best switch choice for you.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Flaming Pink Linear

$4.29

$4.00 per 10

Learn more

KTT Mallo Tactile

$5.50

$4.40 per 10

Learn more