TTC Flaming Pink vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly impact your typing and gaming experience. Two popular contenders are the TTC Flaming Pink and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, both linear switches that cater to different preferences. The TTC Flaming Pink is celebrated for its smooth responsiveness and satisfying bottom-out sound, delivering an engaging and premium feel suitable for a variety of uses, from gaming to everyday typing. Its sound profile strikes a balance, being bright yet not overly loud, which can appeal to users looking for a lively experience without excessive noise. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear introduces a unique innovation with its whisper-quiet topping-out sound paired with a clacky bottom-out feel. This allows for a silky smooth typing experience, described as subdued yet mildly snappy, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter environment without sacrificing the tactile enjoyment of keystrokes. While both switches are linear and provide a smooth typing experience, their sound profiles and overall feel diverge, catering to different user preferences. 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
N/A
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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Pink and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches share a commonality in their top housing material, which is composed of polycarbonate. This shared component significantly influences the acoustic properties of both switches, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a clearer and more resonant output, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate the articulate sounds of their keystrokes. Furthermore, the translucency of this material enhances the aesthetic appeal of both switches, particularly in setups incorporating RGB lighting, where the illumination can shine through to create an eye-catching display.
Contrastingly, the bottom housings of both switches utilize nylon, a material known for its distinctive acoustic characteristics. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This quality plays a crucial role in shaping the overall audio experience of the switches. During typing, the bottom housing has a more pronounced effect on the bottom-out sound and feel, contributing to a more subdued and rounded auditory feedback. As a result, while both switches feature a defining clarity from their polycarbonate tops, they also deliver a warmer sound from their nylon bottoms, allowing users to experience the benefits of both sound profiles.
Ultimately, while the TTC Flaming Pink and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches exhibit similarities through their top housing materials, the interplay between the polycarbonate top and the nylon bottom creates a nuanced auditory experience unique to each switch. The combination of a crisp high-end from the polycarbonate top and a more resonant low-end from the nylon bottom results in a well-rounded sound profile. Users of either switch can expect a similar clarity from the tops; however, the distinct sound produced during keypresses will also depend on the soft, sound-absorbing nature of the nylon bottoms. This blend of materials ensures that both switches cater to a range of preferences, making them appealing options for different types of users.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Flaming Pink features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a gentler typing experience, such as those in need of prolonged use during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has an undefined actuation force, but it has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, which offers a more substantial feel during each keystroke. This means that while the Flaming Pink is easier on the fingers, perfect for extensive typing, the Jwick Semi-Silent may appeal to those looking for a firmer push. Overall, for lighter and more casual typing experiences, the Flaming Pink is the better choice, while the Semi-Silent Linear provides a medium weight for users who desire a stronger tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, the Flaming Pink offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This 0.1 mm difference may seem minimal, but it can influence the overall typing experience significantly. For those who favor quicker response times and a more responsive feel, the Flaming Pink switch would be the preferred choice due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, individuals who appreciate a more substantial depth when pressing keys may find the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear more appealing, offering a deeper tactile experience. Ultimately, the selection between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and the desired typing feedback.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Flaming Pink and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches, both offer unique auditory experiences tailored for different preferences. The Flaming Pink switch has a bright yet not overly loud sound profile, featuring a satisfying bottom-out sound that strikes a balance between pleasant and performance-oriented. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear is characterized by a subdued and neutral sound that produces a whisper-quiet topping-out sound, which is particularly appealing for those who prefer a more subtle auditory environment. While the Flaming Pink resonantly punctuates key presses, the Semi-Silent Linear targets users looking for minimal noise with a clack at the bottom, making it suitable for environments where silence is appreciated but not strictly required.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flaming Pink offers a smooth and responsive typing experience, but the specifics of its tactile response remain unspecified. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is designed to offer a mild and approachable typing experience, coupled with a snappy and buttery feel. This balance of qualities ensures that users can type quickly and accurately without feeling fatigued. The polished nature of the Semi-Silent Linear contributes to a refined key travel, resulting in a typing sensation that is both smooth and lively. Thus, while both switches aim for a fluid typing experience, the Flaming Pink may provide more pronounced responsiveness as suggested by its general description.
Overall, both the TTC Flaming Pink and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches present distinct yet complementary options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Flaming Pink leans towards a premium auditory experience with its satisfying sound, while the Semi-Silent Linear focuses on quiet operation with subtle acoustic feedback. When it comes to feel, the Flaming Pink seems to emphasize a smooth and engaging response, whereas the Semi-Silent Linear prioritizes a well-rounded typing experience through its varied dynamics. Ultimately, each switch caters to different user preferences, allowing newcomers to choose based on their specific sound and feel requirements.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the specific typing scenarios you envision. If you prefer a lighter touch and a more vivid typing experience, the Flaming Pink switch—with its 50-gram bottom-out force—delivers a wonderfully smooth and responsive feel, making it a fantastic option for gamers seeking quick actuation and a satisfying sound profile. Its bright yet not overpowering acoustics add a sonic charm that enhances both gaming and everyday typing tasks. On the other hand, if you need a bit more resistance to avoid accidental key presses, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, with its 62-gram bottom-out force, provides a comfortable medium touch that still feels silky smooth. The semi-silent nature of this switch caters well to quieter environments, striking a balance between a muted upping sound and a rich clacky bottom-out expression. This makes it an excellent choice for office settings or shared spaces, where minimizing sound is crucial without compromising on the tactile experience. In essence, select the Flaming Pink for a lively, engaging typing experience and the Semi-Silent Linear for a more subtle, refined, and versatile typing feel.