TTC Flaming Pink vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Pink and the Outemu Brown offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Flaming Pink is celebrated for its smooth, linear action and satisfying sound, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who appreciate a quick and responsive keystroke without the distraction of tactile bumps. In contrast, the Outemu Brown switch provides a tactile feedback, allowing users to feel a noticeable bump at the actuation point, which can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction for those who prefer a more traditional typing experience. Each switch has its own appeal: the Flaming Pink is ideal for fast-paced gaming sessions where speed is crucial, while the Brown excels in providing feedback for meticulous typing tasks. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Pink and the Outemu Brown, it's noteworthy that both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. The advantages of this material are evident in both models, as polycarbonate contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This result stems from polycarbonate's stiffness, which promotes a clear and resonant tone upon keystrokes. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of both switches, making them particularly suited for use with RGB lighting. As such, users of both the Flaming Pink and the Brown can expect similar auditory experiences due to the shared material in their top housings.
In terms of their bottom housings, however, the Flaming Pink and Outemu Brown remain consistent in their use of nylon, another classic switch housing material. The characteristics of nylon introduce a softer, more absorbent quality to the switches, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. With nylon's inherent sound-dampening properties, both switches deliver a rounder and duller acoustic output compared to those with a harder plastic bottom housing. This aspect not only enhances the overall typing experience but also provides a pleasant contrast to the sharper top housing sound produced by polycarbonate. As a result, users can expect a blend of auditory profiles with a richer sound quality when pressing down on either switch.
When considering the overall performance, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both the TTC Flaming Pink and Outemu Brown leads to a unique typing experience that balances a crisper sound from the top with a fuller response from the bottom. The interplay between the two materials means that while the top housings reflect the clearer and higher-pitched characteristics of polycarbonate, the bottom housings' nylon contributes to a more rounded output during typing. Users will appreciate the nuanced differences in sound and feel as they engage with these switches, providing a satisfying typing experience across both models despite their distinct appearances.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch to the Outemu Brown tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Flaming Pink features a light actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Outemu Brown switch has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. This difference means that the Flaming Pink is suited for individuals seeking a smoother and less fatiguing experience, while the Brown provides the tactile feedback that some users find preferable. Consequently, while both switches offer distinct advantages, the Flaming Pink is clearly the lighter option, whereas the Brown is the heavier switch, appealing to different preferences in key feel and feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Flaming Pink switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Brown switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Flaming Pink switch offers a shorter travel distance, which can appeal to those who prefer quicker response times, such as gamers who benefit from rapid key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown's longer 4.0 mm travel distance provides a more traditional feel, which some users might find more satisfying due to the deeper engagement. Ultimately, choosing between them will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus a more tactile depth.
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 Brown comes in at $3.10 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
The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch produces a bright yet not overly loud sound profile, making it suitable for environments where noise sensitivity is a concern. Its satisfying bottom-out sound contributes to a pleasant auditory experience without being intrusive. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch does not have specific sound characteristics mentioned, which leaves its acoustic qualities a bit of a mystery. However, in general, tactile switches like the Brown tend to offer a more subdued sound profile compared to linear switches, making them a good fit for quieter settings.
When it comes to feel, the Flaming Pink switch is known for its smooth and responsive action, providing a fluid typing experience that many users appreciate, especially in gaming scenarios where quick response times are crucial. Tactile switches like the Outemu Brown typically feature a noticeable bump in their actuation point, which provides feedback to the typist. However, without specific feel qualities for the Brown, one might not be able to describe the tactile experience impactfully, but it is generally understood that users find such switches suitable for both typing and casual use due to their balanced feel.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flaming Pink and Outemu Brown switches cater to different preferences, appealing to users looking for varying types of feedback and sound. While the Flaming Pink focuses on smoothness and auditory satisfaction, the Outemu Brown offers that classic tactile experience, although its specific details remain unknown. Both can deliver satisfactory performance depending on user preferences, and ultimately, the best choice hinges on the typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, consider the nature of your typing habits and personal preferences. If you prefer lighter, smoother keystrokes and value a responsive feel that enhances rapid typing and gaming sessions, the Flaming Pink switch is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram actuation force allows for effortless typing and a satisfying sound profile that makes it versatile for both gaming and everyday tasks. However, if you enjoy a more tactile experience and appreciate the feedback that comes from a medium-heavy switch, then the Brown switch may be more suitable for you. The 65-gram bottom-out force provides a sturdier typing experience that many find comfortable for long hours of typing, especially if you prefer to feel that distinct bump with each keypress. Ultimately, the choice hinges on your typing style: opt for the Flaming Pink for speed and smoothness or the Brown for tactile feedback and a heavier feel.