TTC Flaming Pink vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options that cater to different user preferences are the TTC Flaming Pink and the Durock Sea Glass. The Flaming Pink switches are celebrated for their smooth and responsive feel coupled with a satisfying bottom-out sound, making them an ideal choice for both gamers and everyday typists who appreciate an engaging typing experience with a balanced acoustics. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switches offer a unique typing experience characterized by their light and airy feel, thanks to a proprietary material blend that results in a distinct dryness and wispiness while maintaining smoothness. With a relatively low actuation force of 62g, they provide a weightless sensation that can be appealing for those looking for a lighter touch. Both switches offer a pleasing sound profile, although the Flaming Pink is slightly brighter compared to the uniquely hollow sound of the Sea Glass. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a more conventional tactile experience or one that feels delightfully ethereal. However, let's dive 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When it comes to housing materials, the TTC Flaming Pink and Durock Sea Glass switches exhibit distinctive yet somewhat complementary characteristics that influence their sound profiles. The Flaming Pink's top housing is crafted from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that generates a sharper and crisper sound. This stiffness contributes to a clear, resonant audio quality, which pairs well with RGB lighting due to the material’s translucency. In contrast, the Sea Glass features a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing. While this blend does not produce the same piercing clarity as polycarbonate, it lends a pleasant bright sound that is less pronounced but still appealing. As a result, users who prioritize a sharper sound may gravitate toward the Flaming Pink, while those seeking a more rounded brightness might prefer the Sea Glass.
The bottom housings of these switches present a different story. The TTC Flaming Pink employs nylon, a classic material known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This soft plastic tends to dampen the impact of keystrokes, offering a rounder auditory experience. Comparatively, the Sea Glass also utilizes a blend of polymer nylon in its bottom housing, which aims for a balanced sound that treads the line between mellowness and brightness. Though both switches share nylon in their bottom housings, the Sea Glass's addition of UHMWPE introduces a unique quality, presenting a sound that is brighter without being excessively sharp. Thus, while both switches deliver a softer bottom-out sound, the Flaming Pink is likely to provide a more subdued and warm experience, whereas the Sea Glass will lean towards a more vibrant auditory feedback.
The separation of qualities influenced by the top and bottom housing of the TTC Flaming Pink and Durock Sea Glass is crucial for understanding their overall performance. When a user presses a key, the bottom housing materials influence the tactile feedback and bottom-out sound, with the Flaming Pink providing that classic deeper resonance and the Sea Glass delivering a pleasant brightness. Conversely, when releasing the key, the top housing takes center stage; here, the Flaming Pink's polycarbonate will yield a crisper and more articulate sound, while the Sea Glass will produce a smoother and less intrusive sound profile. Ultimately, while their housing materials differ, both switches can achieve enjoyable auditory results through the careful interplay of their unique materials, allowing users to choose based on their specific sound preferences and tactile desires.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Flaming Pink boasts a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a softer typing experience and longer sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a more considerable bottom out force of 62 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile feedback while typing. As a result, the Flaming Pink can be classified as the lighter switch, catering to typing comfort, while the Sea Glass offers a heftier feel for users seeking more resistance in their keystrokes. Overall, individuals can expect different typing experiences based on these force specifications, with the Flaming Pink encouraging prolonged usage and the Sea Glass providing more pushback during use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, the Flaming Pink measures at 3.6 mm, while the Sea Glass has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Flaming Pink offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers or those seeking quicker response times, as shorter distances allow for faster actuation. Conversely, the Sea Glass, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel that some users find preferable for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you value responsiveness and speed or a deeper and more pronounced key press.
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 Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 switches are known for their bright yet not overly loud profile, delivering a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the tactile experience without being distracting. This quality makes them suitable for both gaming and everyday typing. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switches produce a uniquely hollow sound signature, likely resulting from their proprietary material blend. While the Flaming Pink switches offer a more consistent auditory experience, the distinct dryness and wispiness of the Sea Glass sound may appeal to those who appreciate a lighter acoustic profile. Both switches will inevitably produce variations in sound depending on the keyboard and keycap choices, but the fundamentals of each switch offer a clear divergence in auditory experience.
When evaluating feel, the Flaming Pink switches provide a smooth and responsive typing experience, which is essential for both gaming and general usage. Their consistent performance allows for a comfortable interaction without any significant distractions, making them a versatile choice. In juxtaposition, the Sea Glass switches are characterized by their frictionless feel, suitable for users looking for a buttery-smooth typing experience. They also exhibit qualities like mildness, feather-lightness, and an overall easy-to-press nature that significantly reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. This variance in feel indicates that while both switches are smooth and pleasant to type on, the Sea Glass will provide an elevated sense of lightness and effortless engagement.
In summary, both the TTC Flaming Pink and Durock Sea Glass switches present unique and appealing features for different typing preferences. The Flaming Pink stands out with its controlled sound and responsive feel, making it a well-rounded option for a variety of use cases. On the other hand, the Sea Glass offers a distinctively airy and frictionless typing experience with a hollow sound, appealing to those who prioritize lightness and comfort. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your specific typing preferences, but both options deliver high-quality experiences in their own right.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Flaming Pink and the Durock Sea Glass linear switches, consider your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a lighter key feel with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, along with a smooth and responsive typing experience, the Flaming Pink is an excellent choice, especially for gaming or general use. Its bright yet moderate sound profile is suitable for environments where noise level is a concern, allowing for both an engaging auditory experience and a comfortable typing session. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly heavier feel with a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, the Sea Glass switches could better match your needs. Their unique blend of dry, wispiness combined with a frictionless nature provides an airy, almost ethereal typing sensation, making them excellent for those who prefer a more distinct tactile experience. Furthermore, the hollow sound signature of the Sea Glass adds an intriguing layer to your typing experience, appealing to users looking for something visually and acoustically striking. Ultimately, your choice should depend on whether you prioritize a lighter, softer typing experience or a more substantial, airy feel.