TTC Flaming Pink vs. Outemu Crystal Brown

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Pink and Outemu Crystal Brown represent two distinct yet prevalent options, catering to different typing preferences. The Flaming Pink switch stands out with its linear design, providing a smooth and responsive feel that delivers an enjoyable typing experience. Ideal for both gamers and everyday typists, its satisfying bottom-out sound strikes a perfect balance—offering auditory feedback without being overly loud. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch is characterized by its tactile feedback, giving users a noticeable bump on actuation. This tactile response can enhance typing accuracy and is often favored by those who appreciate a more deliberate feel while typing, particularly for coding or long writing sessions. Each switch has its strengths: the Flaming Pink excels in fluidity and quietness, while the Crystal Brown enhances feedback and precision. However, 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

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$4.29

$4.00 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the TTC Flaming Pink and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which significantly influences their acoustic profiles. The use of polycarbonate in both switches results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. As a relatively stiffer plastic, polycarbonate ensures a clear and resonant sound that enhances the overall auditory experience. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate top allows for effective RGB lighting diffusion, making both switches visually appealing and functional in keyboard designs that prioritize aesthetics alongside performance. Given their similarity in materials, users can expect comparable sound characteristics between the two switches, particularly in the distinct tonal quality experienced when releasing a key.

On the other hand, the bottom housing of both the Flaming Pink and Crystal Brown switches is constructed from nylon. This choice of material introduces a significantly different sound profile compared to the top housing. Nylon's soft and flexible nature contributes to a deeper, fuller sound upon bottoming out—the moment when the key reaches its lowest point. It effectively absorbs additional sound, offering a duller and rounder typing experience. Consequently, while the top housing enhances the sharpness of sound, the nylon bottom housing guarantees a richer acoustic foundation, allowing users to enjoy a balanced auditory experience where both ends of the key switch contribute unique flavors.

In summary, despite the distinct sound profiles attributed to the top and bottom housings, users can anticipate a harmonious combination of characteristics in the TTC Flaming Pink and Outemu Crystal Brown switches. Both switches leverage the benefits of polycarbonate for crisp upper tones while relying on nylon to produce a rounded and softer feel during key presses. This blend results in a well-rounded typing experience that emphasizes a clear release sound combined with a rich bottom-out feel, making both switches appealing to typists who appreciate nuanced auditory feedback. As such, users can choose either switch depending on their aesthetic preferences without sacrificing the quality of their typing experience.

Weight

The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch exhibit different actuation and bottom out forces, influencing the typing experience. The Flaming Pink has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Crystal Brown requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes the Flaming Pink feel more effortless to press and potentially more suitable for prolonged typing sessions, making it a favorable choice for those seeking lightness. In contrast, the Crystal Brown, with its heavier actuation, provides a more substantial push feel that some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the Flaming Pink is the better option, while the Crystal Brown caters to those who appreciate a firmer keystroke.

Travel distance

The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a slightly greater travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Flaming Pink switch the shorter option, allowing for quicker actuation, which is ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the Crystal Brown switch, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel during keystrokes, catering to those who prefer a deeper typing experience that isn’t as abrupt. Thus, users can choose between the shorter Flaming Pink for enhanced responsiveness or the longer Crystal Brown for a more pronounced tactile feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the TTC Flaming Pink switch offers a bright yet not overly loud sound profile, creating a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the overall typing experience without being distracting or intrusive. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise levels should be managed, such as at work or in shared spaces. In contrast, there is no specific information available regarding the sound quality of the Outemu Crystal Brown switch, leaving its auditory characteristics somewhat ambiguous. However, it’s important to acknowledge that the sound produced by any switch can be influenced by multiple factors, including the keyboard construction, materials used, and the types of keycaps applied.

When considering the feel of these switches, the TTC Flaming Pink is renowned for its smooth and responsive action, providing a comfortable typing experience that is suitable for both gaming and everyday tasks. This makes it a versatile option for users who value quick key presses and fluid motions. Though the feel of the Outemu Crystal Brown switch is not detailed, typical tactile switches like this one usually offer a noticeable bump to indicate actuation, which can create a distinct typing sensation that many users appreciate for its feedback and precision. However, without specific details, we cannot make a direct comparison here.

In conclusion, the TTC Flaming Pink switch stands out for its smooth feel and satisfying sound, making it a well-rounded choice for both typists and gamers alike. While the Outemu Crystal Brown’s sound and feel remain unspecified, tactile switches typically provide a different typing experience that some users may prefer. Both switches can deliver satisfying results based on personal preferences, and factors such as the keyboard frame and keycap material will also play a significant role in achieving the desired experience.

Conclusion

In summary, when choosing between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you're looking for a switch that offers a light and smooth actuation with a pleasing bottom-out sound, the Flaming Pink is an excellent choice for both gaming and daily typing. Its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams means you'll experience less fatigue during long sessions, making it perfect for quick taps and rapid gameplay. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback that helps with typing accuracy and allows you to feel when the key has been actuated, the Crystal Brown with its medium-light force of 55 grams might suit you better. While it lacks the specific sound characteristics that define other switches, its tactile bump can enhance your typing experience, especially if you enjoy the sensation of feedback with each keystroke. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prioritize smoothness and lightness or tactile feedback and moderate resistance.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Flaming Pink Linear

$4.29

$4.00 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more