TTC Flaming Pink vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Flaming Pink and the Outemu Gold present two distinct yet compelling options, appealing to different typing preferences and styles. The TTC Flaming Pink is celebrated for its smooth, linear action that provides a responsive feel with a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists alike who seek a premium experience without excess noise. In contrast, the Outemu Gold is a clicky switch that delivers tactile feedback with each keystroke, perfect for users who appreciate the auditory cues of typing and enjoy a more traditional mechanical keyboard feel. Ultimately, if you prioritize speed and silent smoothness, the Flaming Pink might be your best bet, while the Gold could be perfect for those who enjoy the distinct sound and tactile sensation of clicky switches. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
The TTC Flaming Pink and Outemu Gold switches share the same housing materials, featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the upper portion, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This firmness not only enhances sound clarity and resonance but also allows for vibrant illumination when RGB lighting is applied, as the translucency of polycarbonate effectively showcases the colors. As both switches employ the same polycarbonate material for their top housings, users can expect similar results in sound quality and aesthetics, making them suited for those who prioritize visual appeal alongside auditory performance.
The bottom housings of both the Flaming Pink and Gold switches are made from nylon, a material renowned for its ability to generate a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon means it absorbs more sound, which yields a duller and rounder auditory experience compared to the sharper qualities of polycarbonate. This characteristic significantly influences the overall typing experience; while the top housing contributes to the sound produced when releasing a key, the nylon bottom housing plays a critical role in determining the feel and bottom-out sound when a key is pressed. As both switches utilize the same nylon material for their bottom housing, users can similarly expect consistent tactile feedback and acoustics.
When considering the impact of the different materials on performance, it's essential to note that the combination of polycarbonate and nylon allows each switch's sound profile and tactile experience to be distinct yet complementary. The Flaming Pink and Outemu Gold will achieve a balanced sound character, with the polycarbonate delivering clarity during actuation and the nylon enriching the feel during bottom-out. Users who appreciate the nuances of keyboard acoustics and feedback will likely find satisfaction in both switches, as they boast an effective synergy of materials that results in a well-rounded typing experience. Overall, despite any minor differences in design or branding, the similarity in material composition allows for comparable outcomes in sound and feel across both models.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch to the Outemu Gold clicky switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces are evident. The Flaming Pink switch features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, which is particularly advantageous for long typing sessions or gaming. Conversely, the Outemu Gold switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel in their typing experience. As such, the Flaming Pink is lighter overall compared to the Gold, which may be preferable for users seeking comfort during extended use, while the Gold’s heavier forces cater to those who appreciate a firmer tactile response. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, the differences are quite clear. The Flaming Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gold features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Flaming Pink, with its shorter distance, may offer a more responsive feel, which could be more appealing to gamers seeking quick reactions. In contrast, the Gold's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a deeper and more satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth in typing experience.
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 Gold 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Flaming Pink switch is known for its balance of a bright yet subdued audio profile, achieving a satisfying bottom-out sound without being overly loud. This quality makes it versatile, appealing to users who want a pleasant acoustic experience without disturbing those around them. In contrast, the Outemu Gold switch does not have any prominent sound characteristics listed, leaving its auditory qualities somewhat ambiguous. It's worth noting that the sound produced by any switch can vary significantly based on the keyboard it’s used in and the type of keycaps applied, but the Flaming Pink's more defined sound profile may provide a clearer auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Flaming Pink switch is celebrated for its smooth and responsive action, contributing to a premium typing experience that is suitable for both gaming and everyday tasks. This smoothness is essential for users who value quick keystrokes and fluid typing. The Outemu Gold switch, however, does not have a defined feel mentioned, making it difficult to assess or compare its tactile feedback. For users who prioritize a seamless typing experience, the Flaming Pink certainly stands out, while those interested in the Gold may need to explore further to determine its tactile qualities.
In summary, the TTC Flaming Pink switch offers notable sound and feel characteristics that cater to users seeking a well-rounded typing experience, highlighted by its pleasant acoustic profile and smooth actuation. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold switch leaves various qualities unspecified, particularly its sound and feel, making it a more enigmatic option. Ultimately, while Flaming Pink provides a clearer picture of what to expect, the experience with the Gold switch remains uncertain until more details are available or personal testing can be conducted.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a smoother, more responsive typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the Flaming Pink is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for rapid key presses, which can enhance your gaming experience while still being comfortable for long typing sessions. Moreover, the Flaming Pink's satisfying sound profile is pleasant without being too distracting, making it suitable for both work and play. On the other hand, if you enjoy tactile feedback and a more pronounced sound with each keystroke, the Outemu Gold's 60-gram bottom-out force may be more appealing. Its medium resistance can provide a satisfying sensation as you type, especially if you appreciate the audible click that adds clarity to each key press. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize smoothness and lightness with the Flaming Pink or the tactile and audible feedback of the Outemu Gold in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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