TTC Flaming Pink vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to popular options like the TTC Flaming Pink and the Outemu Red, both of which are linear switches favored for their smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes. The TTC Flaming Pink is celebrated for its premium typing experience, characterized by a satisfying bottom-out sound and a bright yet not overly loud sound profile, making it a versatile choice for gaming and everyday typing alike. On the other hand, the Outemu Red, while similarly linear, is known for its affordability and decent performance, appealing to budget-conscious users looking for reliable gaming capabilities. Both switches offer unique benefits—the Flaming Pink with its refined acoustic profile and the Outemu Red with its cost-effectiveness. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 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 Red switches, one immediately notices the use of polycarbonate for the top housing in both switches. This commonality lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is noted for its stiffness. This characteristic results in a clear and resonant sound signature that accentuates the acoustics of the switch. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for setups utilizing RGB lighting, allowing light to diffuse beautifully through the clear housing. Thus, anyone using these switches in a backlit keyboard setup will benefit from a visually appealing RGB effect while enjoying a similar auditory experience thanks to the shared top housing material.
On the other hand, the bottom housings for both the Flaming Pink and Outemu Red switches are made of nylon, a material traditionally known for its ability to produce deeper and fuller sound profiles. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, contributing to a rounder and more muted acoustic feedback. In this case, while both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top, the nylon in the bottom housing serves a distinct purpose. It has a more significant influence on the switch's bottom-out sound and tactile feel, differentiating how these switches respond during typing, even if they might share similar auditory qualities at the top end.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both the Flaming Pink and Outemu Red switches creates a balanced auditory experience by leveraging the strengths of each material. The shared polycarbonate top housing provides a consistent clarity and crispness to sound when keys are released, while the nylon bottom housing offers a fuller and deeper response when the keys bottom out. This duality in housing materials means that users can expect a cohesive sound experience across the board, despite the distinct characteristics each material contributes at different stages of the keystroke. Overall, switching between these two types would not result in drastically different auditory outcomes due to this careful blend of materials, ensuring that users achieve an enjoyable typing experience no matter which switch they choose.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Flaming Pink switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, resulting in a more effortless keystroke, while the Outemu Red requires a slightly heavier 46 grams to actuate. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Flaming Pink is 50 grams, which is again lighter than the Outemu Red's 62 grams. This means that the Flaming Pink provides a gentler typing experience, making it ideal for long typing sessions or extended gaming, whereas the Outemu Red offers a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a firmer response. In summary, if you seek a lighter option for comfort over long periods, the TTC Flaming Pink would be preferable, while the Outemu Red caters to those who favor a heavier, more tactile experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distances means that the Flaming Pink switch is more responsive, making it a suitable choice for gamers who favor quicker key presses and swifter response times. In contrast, the Outemu Red offers a deeper feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. While both switches offer linear characteristics, the Flaming Pink's shorter travel distance allows for quicker activation, whereas the Red's longer travel distance provides a more traditional, deeper feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for either responsiveness or depth in 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 Red 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 sound profile that is bright yet not overly loud, striking a balance that enhances the typing experience without becoming distracting. The satisfying bottom-out sound offers a pleasant auditory feedback that many users find rewarding during both gaming and everyday typing tasks. In comparison, the Outemu Red linear switch’s sound qualities are unknown, but it’s important to remember that sound perception can vary significantly based on the keyboard and keycap combinations used.
When it comes to feel, the Flaming Pink switch is recognized for its smooth and responsive character, making it well-suited for a variety of typing and gaming activities. This smoothness contributes to a luxurious typing experience, allowing for effortless key presses and quick actuation. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Red switch remains unspecified. As such, one can expect that if the feel matches the Flaming Pink’s smoothness, you would enjoy a similarly seamless experience, though the specifics cannot be determined without additional information.
Overall, while the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch shines in both sound and feel, offering a premium experience for users, the Outemu Red linear switch leaves some questions unanswered, particularly regarding its sound and tactile qualities. If you're looking for a proven option, the Flaming Pink may be ideal with its well-defined characteristics, while the Outemu Red could also provide a satisfactory experience provided it aligns closely in feel and sound. Ultimately, the best choice would depend on individual preferences regarding switch sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, your choice should stem from your personal preferences in typing feel and actuation force. If you're looking for a switch that offers a light bottom-out force of 50 grams, smooth responsiveness, and a satisfying sound profile, the Flaming Pink switch would be an excellent option. It's particularly suited for those who enjoy both gaming and everyday typing, as it strikes a balance between performance and comfort. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more resistance and a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, the Outemu Red might be more to your taste. While the Red switch doesn't have as many standout features in terms of sound and feel, its slightly heavier actuation can provide a more deliberate typing experience for some users. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value a lighter, more responsive feel with the Flaming Pink or a sturdier, slightly heavier engagement with the Outemu Red.
Mentioned in this article
