TTC Flaming Pink vs. Cherry MX Brown

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the TTC Flaming Pink and the Cherry MX Brown, each heralding distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch is celebrated for its smooth and responsive feel, providing a premium typing experience with a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it an excellent choice for both gaming and everyday typing tasks. This switch's auditory profile is bright yet not overly loud, creating a clacky and silky experience that many users find enjoyable. Conversely, the Cherry MX Brown switch embodies a sense of subtlety, offering a relatively light typing experience characterized by gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. Its textured and low-pitched sound makes it a favorite among typists who appreciate tactile feedback without excessive noise. While both switches have their merits—one emphasizing a fluid and dynamic feel, the other prioritizing a more muted, tactile experience—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

TTC Flaming Pink Linear

Cherry MX Brown Tactile

$4.29

$4.00 per 10

$4.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The TTC Flaming Pink and Cherry MX Brown switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which leads to distinct sound profiles during typing. The Flaming Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and ability to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for users who appreciate the clearer and more resonant sound that polycarbonate can offer, especially when RGB lighting is utilized, as the material's translucency allows for enhanced illumination. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown employs a nylon top housing that results in a deeper, fuller sound profile. Its softer nature absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience when keys are released. This crucial difference in top housing materials influences the overall acoustic feedback of each switch, affecting how users perceive their typing experience.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches are made of nylon, which standardizes their acoustic output in that respect. Since nylon is a classic switch housing material that absorbs sound effectively, both the TTC Flaming Pink and Cherry MX Brown will produce a similar deep and rounded sound profile at the moment of actuation. This commonality ensures that while the top housings create differing sounds on release, the bottom housings provide similar sound characteristics during the keypress, effectively portraying the solid typing experience each switch is designed to deliver. Consequently, if users are drawn to the tactile feedback of a switch, they might find that pressing either switch will yield comparable results due to the shared nylon material in the bottom housing.

Ultimately, the variation of the top housing materials contributes to a distinct sound signature for the TTC Flaming Pink and Cherry MX Brown switches. Users who prefer a crisp and bright sound will likely gravitate towards the Flaming Pink due to its polycarbonate upper, ideal for those who utilize RGB lighting. Conversely, those who favor a warmer, more muted sound profile will appreciate the Cherry MX Brown's nylon top housing. However, the shared nylon material in the bottom housings ensures a consistent experience in terms of sound absorption and typing feel. Thus, while the switches differ in sound on release, typists will encounter a familiar, deeper auditory response upon key actuation, showcasing the balance between material qualities and user preference.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying preferences among typists and gamers. The Flaming Pink switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the lighter option of the two. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown requires slightly more force with an actuation of 45 grams and a bottom out of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This means that while both switches offer a relatively gentle touch, the Flaming Pink is easier to press and thus ideal for those who value prolonged typing comfort or lengthy gaming sessions without fatigue. Conversely, if a stronger push feel is desired for a more substantial typing experience, the Cherry MX Brown may be more appealing, despite being slightly heavier in terms of force required.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, the Flaming Pink features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the Flaming Pink has a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive and better suited for fast-paced gaming, where quick key presses are essential. On the other hand, the longer 4 mm travel distance of the Cherry MX Brown may provide a more satisfying depth for users who prefer a more tactile experience with their keystrokes. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Flaming Pink would be the more appealing option, whereas the Cherry MX Brown would be ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced key feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Flaming Pink switch presents a bright and percussive audio profile characterized by a clacky resonance with each keystroke. This sharp sound can add an engaging auditory feedback that many typists and gamers find enjoyable, suitable for both intensive gaming sessions and casual typing. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switches deliver a more subdued low-pitched sound, which is considerably less intrusive. This mellow tone has a subtlety that can appeal to users who prefer a quieter typing experience, making the MX Brown a great option for shared workspaces or environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum.

Regarding feel, the Flaming Pink switches offer a silky typing experience with a notably smooth action, allowing for rapid and fluid key presses with minimal resistance. This characteristic is particularly appealing for users who prioritize fast-paced typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switches have a textured feel that introduces a faint tactile sensation with each key press, providing an element of feedback that some typists find satisfying. While this texture may be preferred by those who enjoy a slight friction during typing, it stands in stark contrast to the uninterrupted flow of the Flaming Pink’s silky action.

In summary, the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch boasts a clacky sound and a smooth, silky typing feel, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an engaging audio experience alongside effortless key presses. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Brown switches offer a more muted auditory experience paired with a textured tactile feedback, catering to users who appreciate subtlety. Ultimately, while both switches serve distinct preferences, they can collectively enhance the typing experience based on individual needs, allowing users to choose between a responsive, lively feel or a more subdued, controlled environment.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch primarily hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a light typing experience with a smooth and responsive feel, the Flaming Pink is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force means less effort is required to type or game effectively, making it ideal for extended use without fatigue. You'll also appreciate the clacky, bright sound profile that can add a sense of satisfaction to your typing, especially during gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile response with some feel to your keystrokes, the Cherry MX Brown is the way to go. With a slightly higher bottom-out force of 55 grams, this switch provides a pleasant feedback that can enhance your typing accuracy, particularly for tasks that require precision, like coding or writing. Its low-pitched sound is less intrusive, making it a great option for quieter environments, and the textured feel can help you maintain better overall control during typing. Ultimately, consider how you use your keyboard and what aspects matter most to you—whether it’s the smoothness and sound of the Flaming Pink or the tactile feedback of the MX Brown.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Flaming Pink Linear

$4.29

$4.00 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Brown Tactile

$4.00 per 10

Learn more