TTC Flaming Pink vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Flaming Pink and Durock Piano linear switches present two compelling options, each with its own unique characteristics. The TTC Flaming Pink is celebrated for its smooth action and responsive feel, providing a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances both gaming and everyday typing experiences. It strikes a balance with a bright yet not overpowering sound profile, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback without excessive noise. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switches boast a proprietary material blend that offers users an exceptionally pleasant typing experience, characterized by a gliding push feel and a rich, deep sound signature. This "bassy," "frictionless," and "silky" switch caters to typists who prioritize an immersive and refined tactile sensation. Both switches are excellent choices, but they cater to different preferences in sound and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Pink and the Durock Piano exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence the sound profiles and aesthetic experiences of each switch. The Flaming Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, which contribute to a sharper, crisper sound profile. This material's reflective qualities enhance RGB lighting effects, lending a visual appeal that pairs elegantly with a high-frequency acoustic response. In contrast, the Durock Piano employs a proprietary POM blend for its top housing. While less information is available about this blend, it is recognized for producing a uniquely satisfying sound profile. Thus, the Flaming Pink's polycarbonate housing favors brighter sound and visual effects, while the Piano's POM blend emphasizes a distinct tonal quality that may not be as bright but can still offer depth.
In the bottom housing, both switches rely on softer plastic materials but differ in composition. The Flaming Pink utilizes nylon, a classic choice known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper, rounder sound profile. This characteristic helps in providing a cushioned typing experience, allowing for smoother keystrokes that reduce the sharpness resulting from the top housing. Conversely, the Durock Piano again opts for a proprietary POM blend, which also promises a deep sound profile, although it may interact differently with the overall dynamics of the switch due to its unique formulation. Consequently, while both switches use softer housing materials for the bottom, the Flaming Pink’s nylon offers a traditional approach to sound absorption, while the Piano's POM blend introduces a contemporary twist.
Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housing materials of both switches sculpt the overall acoustic experience when typing. While the TTC Flaming Pink prioritizes clarity and brightness through its polycarbonate top and soothing depth from its nylon bottom, the Durock Piano balances these qualities by employing a harmonious POM blend in both top and bottom housings. This creates a refined experience that merges satisfaction with a deeper tone. To achieve similar results, one could tune the switch design by carefully selecting the right materials for both the top and bottom housing, thereby balancing sound profiles and ensuring a pleasing acoustic experience regardless of individual material preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Durock Piano linear 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 suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where comfort is paramount. In contrast, the Durock Piano lacks a specified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a medium-heavy resistance that appeals to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Due to these characteristics, the Flaming Pink switch is lighter overall, while the Durock Piano switch presents a heavier feel. This difference in switch weight and force requirements suggests that users prioritizing ease of use and prolonged typing comfort may lean toward the Flaming Pink, whereas those seeking a stronger tactile response may favor the Piano.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it becomes clear that the Flaming Pink measures 3.6 mm, while the Piano has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. Consequently, the Flaming Pink offers a shorter travel distance, catering to those who prefer quicker key presses for responsive gaming or typing. In contrast, the Piano's longer travel distance provides a sensation of more depth, which may appeal to users who enjoy a fuller tactile experience with their switches. Given these differences, users seeking faster response times would be inclined to choose the Flaming Pink, while those who appreciate a more traditional and substantial feel might opt for the Piano.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 switches produce a bright yet not overly loud sound profile that strikes a balance between being noticeable and discreet. This characteristic allows for a satisfying typing experience without overwhelming your surroundings. In contrast, the Durock Piano switches are known for their deep, creamy sound signature, which can be described as bassy. The rich, lower frequency sound they generate during key presses adds a certain warmth, contributing to a more immersive auditory experience. Ultimately, while the Flaming Pink provides a crisp yet controlled sound, the Piano offers a fuller tonal profile, and both sounds can be influenced by factors such as the desk setup and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flaming Pink switches offer a smooth and responsive typing experience that excels in both gaming and day-to-day tasks. Users can expect a clean bottom-out feel that enhances their performance levels. Conversely, the Durock Piano switches stand out for their frictionless and silky feel, providing an incredibly smooth and effortless typing experience. This fluid key travel results in minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys, which can contribute to a sense of comfort during extended typing sessions. While both switches deliver favorable tactile experiences, the Flaming Pink emphasizes responsiveness while the Piano focuses on the ultimate smoothness and fluidity.
Considering all the information, the TTC Flaming Pink and Durock Piano linear switches cater to different preferences, yet both promise a stellar typing experience. The Flaming Pink offers a bright sound and responsive feel, making it versatile for various applications, while the Piano stands out with its deep, bassy sound and exceptionally smooth action. Whether you lean towards the crispness and responsiveness of the Flaming Pink or the luscious depth and frictionless glide of the Piano, either choice can elevate your mechanical keyboard experience in meaningful ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Flaming Pink and the Durock Piano linear switches ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and desired sound experience. If you favor a lighter switch that offers a smooth and responsive feel with a pleasant, subdued sound, the Flaming Pink is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram actuation force makes it particularly suitable for fast-paced gaming sessions, as well as casual typing, without causing fatigue over extended use. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with medium-heavy resistance and a deep, creamy sound profile, the Durock Piano switches would be the way to go. Their 63.5-gram bottom-out force provides a satisfying tactile experience, especially for those who enjoy a more deliberate typing style. Additionally, the Piano's frictionless and silky characteristics contribute to an enjoyable experience, making them ideal for typing long documents or coding tasks where a more pronounced sound may enhance focus. Ultimately, your choice between these two exceptional switches should reflect your specific needs—whether you're chasing the smooth, light touch of the Flaming Pink or the rich, satisfying weight of the Piano.
Mentioned in this article
