TTC Flaming Pink vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Pink and Outemu Lotus are both compelling options for users who prefer a linear typing experience. The TTC Flaming Pink switches are celebrated for their smooth and responsive feel, complemented by a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances both gaming and everyday typing activities. Their balanced sound profile strikes a sweet spot, providing an enjoyable tactile feedback without being overly disruptive. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus switches, while lacking extensive acclaim, still offer a consistent linear response that many users appreciate for its straightforward functionality. Choosing the Flaming Pink may be ideal for those seeking a premium typing experience with a touch of auditory delight, while the Lotus can be a more budget-friendly choice for users who prioritize simplicity and reliability. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 the Outemu Lotus exhibit a notable difference in their top housing materials, which leads to distinct sound profiles that cater to varied user preferences. The Flaming Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to polycarbonate’s stiffer nature, producing clearer resonance. In contrast, the Outemu Lotus utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The choice of top housing material thus sets the tone for the overall auditory experience, emphasizing how the Flaming Pink is more suitable for users who prefer a bright and vibrant sound, while the Lotus caters to those who enjoy a warmer, more rounded sound.
Both switches, however, share the same material for their bottom housing, with both the Flaming Pink and the Lotus utilizing nylon. This similarity implies that the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing the switches will carry a comparable depth and resonance, as nylon is known to absorb sound, yielding a rich and full auditory experience. The qualities imparted by the nylon material will contribute significantly to the overall tactile response, making for a satisfying typing experience across both switches. Thus, while their top housings create differing sound profiles, the shared nylon bottom housing allows for a cohesive aspect of sound that strengthens the performance of both switches.
Ultimately, when comparing the TTC Flaming Pink and the Outemu Lotus, the contrast between their top housing materials plays a pivotal role in shaping their sound profiles. Despite their differences, the nylon bottom housings allow both switches to provide a uniformly full-bodied sound upon bottoming out, leading to a gratifying typing experience overall. Users seeking a balance between a bright release and a deep bottom-out sound may find these switches complementary to their needs. Therefore, while the Flaming Pink and Lotus diverge in their auditory characteristics due to their differing top materials, the shared qualities of their nylon bottom housings create an engaging commonality in performance.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch to the Outemu Lotus linear switch, there are notable differences and similarities in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Flaming Pink requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams compared to the lighter 35 grams of the Lotus, making the Flaming Pink better suited for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that they will deliver a similar feel when fully pressed down, regardless of the actuation force. The lighter actuation force of the Lotus may appeal to those who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to register keystrokes. In summary, while both switches bottom out at the same force, the Outemu Lotus is lighter in actuation force, appealing to users seeking ease of use, whereas the TTC Flaming Pink offers a firmer touch for those who prefer a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, we find that the Flaming Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lotus has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This distinction means that the Flaming Pink offers a more substantial depth when pressed down, appealing to those who prefer a more tactile experience. On the other hand, the Lotus, with its shorter travel distance, provides quicker actuation that may be favored by gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on individual preferences: the Flaming Pink is ideal for users who appreciate a deeper press, while the Lotus caters to those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their keystrokes.
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 Lotus 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch is recognized for its bright yet not overly loud profile, delivering a pleasant auditory experience that is neither intrusive nor muted. It produces a satisfying bottom-out sound that complements its smooth operation, making it a great choice for those who want a balance between aural feedback and a quiet environment. As for the Outemu Lotus linear switch, sound specifics are unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare its auditory characteristics with the Flaming Pink. However, switch sound can typically vary depending on the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When considering the feel, the TTC Flaming Pink switches excel with their smooth and responsive actuation, providing a premium tactile experience ideal for both gaming and daily typing tasks. This smoothness contributes to an effortless feel when keys are pressed, enhancing the overall typing experience. Unfortunately, information regarding the feel of the Outemu Lotus switches is lacking, so a direct comparison isn’t possible here. It’s important to note that feel can greatly differ based on personal preference and other factors like keyboard construction.
In conclusion, the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch stands out with its well-balanced sound and exceptional feel, making it a top choice for users who prioritize a premium typing experience. The lack of detailed audio and tactile characteristics for the Outemu Lotus linear switch leaves a gap in comparison, but it may still offer similar results in different contexts. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to individual preferences in sound and feel, with the Flaming Pink clearly providing an established standard for users seeking quality in both attributes.
Conclusion
To conclude, when it comes to choosing between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, your personal preferences and intended usage should guide your decision. If you're seeking a switch that offers a smooth, responsive feel with a satisfying bottom-out sound, the Flaming Pink is an excellent choice. It's particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a balanced experience in both gaming and everyday typing, thanks to its light 50-gram actuation force and pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more cost-effective option without any specific standout features, the Outemu Lotus may suffice for basic tasks. While it shares the same bottom-out force as the Flaming Pink, it may not deliver the same premium feel or auditory enjoyment. Ultimately, for a premium typing experience that excites your senses, the TTC Flaming Pink stands out, while the Outemu Lotus could fit your needs if you're prioritizing affordability over enhanced performance.
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