TTC Flaming Pink vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Pink and Gateron Mars present two distinct options for users seeking a linear feel. The TTC Flaming Pink is celebrated for its smooth, responsive action and satisfying bottom-out sound, which adds a touch of auditory pleasure to both gaming and typing tasks. With its bright yet subdued acoustic profile, these switches are often described as clacky and silky, making them ideal for users who enjoy a balanced sound without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, Gateron Mars switches stand out due to their innovative design, utilizing a unique POK stem and a combination of Nylon and POM in their housing. While they may lack the distinct sound profile of the Flaming Pink, the Gateron Mars focuses on offering a reliable and consistent performance that caters to those who prefer a more understated typing experience. Both switches cater to different user preferences, whether you seek a slightly lively sound for a vibrant ambiance or a more muted, yet dependable response. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Pink and Gateron Mars switches, one can observe distinct differences that significantly influence their sound profiles and overall characteristics. The Flaming Pink uses a polycarbonate top housing known for its rigidity, which contributes to a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. The inherently stiff nature of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant sound, especially beneficial in setups that utilize RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the visual experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mars employs nylon for its top housing, a material recognized for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and rounder audio quality. The softer nylon dampens sound waves more effectively than the harder polycarbonate, leading to a notably varied typing experience.
Examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals an interesting contrast as well. The Flaming Pink utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which shares the same sound-absorbing properties as the Mars's top housing. Consequently, the Flaming Pink benefits from a warmer and fuller sound profile owing to the nylon’s acoustic characteristics. Conversely, the Mars features a POM bottom housing, which also contributes to a deeper and muted sound profile. POM's unique qualities create a distinct auditory experience that differs from nylon. In essence, while both switches offer elements that lead to deeper sounds, their fundamental materials—nylon vs. POM—result in varying sound nuances that contribute to the overall performance of the switches.
Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housings in both the TTC Flaming Pink and Gateron Mars switches is crucial to the overall typing experience. The Flaming Pink, with a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, produces an engaging combination of a crisp release sound paired with the warmth of the bottom-out sound. In comparison, the Mars, with its nylon top and POM bottom, creates a uniformly deeper sound that may appeal to those who prefer a more muted auditory response. Therefore, although both switches offer engaging auditory feedback, their differing materials play a vital role in shaping their unique sound characteristics, demonstrating that even with disparities, one can still achieve satisfying results through the thoughtful selection of housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, the actuation force reveals some subtle differences that can influence user preference. The Flaming Pink switch features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a lighter switch. In contrast, the Gateron Mars has a slightly heavier actuation force at 45 grams, though its bottom out force remains unspecified. As such, the Flaming Pink will provide a lighter feel, making it more suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming, as users can press down with less effort. Conversely, the Gateron Mars—with its heavier actuation force, albeit unknown bottom out force—may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, if you enjoy a softer touch for prolonged use, the Flaming Pink is the optimal choice, while the Mars may be better for those who appreciate a bit more resistance.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that they have identical distances from the top to the bottom when pressed. This similarity in travel distance means that users can expect a comparable feel and actuation experience when using either switch, making them equally responsive in terms of key press travel. With this shared specification, typists and gamers alike will enjoy similar tactile feedback and performance characteristics, regardless of the choice between the two switches.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 linear switch offers a bright and slightly clacky sound profile, characterized by its crisp and percussive quality, which contributes to a more engaging typing experience. Users can expect a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the auditory feedback typically desired in mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Gateron Mars switch remain unspecified, leaving an element of mystery in its acoustic presentation. Since the sound produced by a switch can be significantly affected by various factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap materials, users seeking a specific auditory experience may find their acoustic preferences further influenced by these external elements.
When it comes to the tactile feel, the Flaming Pink shines with its silky smoothness, allowing for an exceptionally fluid typing experience. The minimal resistance during key presses and releases is crafted to facilitate rapid typing and engaging gameplay. Contrastingly, the Gateron Mars switch lacks an explicit description of its tactile properties, presenting another unknown for potential users. Those who prioritize a seamless feel may gravitate towards the Flaming Pink, while the Mars's characteristics remain open to interpretation until more information is available.
In summary, the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch stands out with a notable clacky sound and a silky feel that caters well to both gamers and typists alike. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switch leaves some uncertainties, particularly in its sound and feel. If users choose the Flaming Pink, they are guaranteed a refined audio and tactile experience, while choosing the Mars switch could provide a unique alternative that may or may not meet similar subjective qualities. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences, with the Flaming Pink offering a more defined experience and the Mars switch inviting exploration through its undisclosed characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and what you're looking for in a typing experience. If you prefer a light actuation with a smooth, silky feel and a clacky sound profile that makes your keystrokes enjoyable and responsive, the Flaming Pink switch would be an excellent choice. It's particularly well suited for both gaming and day-to-day typing, making it a versatile pick for any user who values tactile feedback combined with auditory satisfaction. On the other hand, if you're drawn to innovative designs and unknown characteristics, you might find the Gateron Mars intriguing, especially if you're interested in experimenting with different switch materials and construction. While the sound profile of the Mars is not explicitly defined here, its unique POK stem and special housing could offer a different tactile experience worth exploring. Ultimately, it’s about what aspects of the typing experience matter most to you—whether it's the pleasure of a satisfying sound and silky feel with the Flaming Pink or the potential uniqueness of the Mars.
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