TTC Flaming Pink vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the TTC Silent Brown 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 TTC Silent Brown each bring unique characteristics to the table that cater to different preferences. The Flaming Pink switch, known for its smooth and responsive feel, offers a premium typing experience with a satisfying bottom-out sound that strikes a balance between being vibrant yet not overly loud. This makes it an excellent choice for both gamers seeking quick actuations and typists looking for a fluid keystroke experience. In contrast, the Silent Brown switch provides a tactile feedback sensation with a light to medium resistance, featuring a rounded bump that enhances typing accuracy without the loud noise typically associated with more traditional tactile switches. Its muted sound profile makes it ideal for shared workspaces or quiet environments. Both switches offer exceptional qualities, one leaning towards a more dynamic and lively experience, while the other focuses on comfort and subtle responsiveness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
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
3.80 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Pink and TTC Silent Brown both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes to a similar auditory experience when typing. The polycarbonate material is known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer nature. This characteristic leads to more clarity and resonance in the sound output. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting, enhancing aesthetic appeal for users who prioritize visual effects in their keyboard setups. As a result, both switches share sound profile qualities rooted in the same top housing material, promising a consistent acoustic performance when discussing the sound of the key release.
In contrast, the bottom housing of these switches diverges in the same way their names suggest. Both models feature nylon as the material for the bottom housing, allowing for a richer and more rounded sound experience. Nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This quality makes the sound produced upon bottoming out on the keys distinctly different from that produced by the top housing. In this case, both switches benefit from the classic qualities of nylon, reinforcing a unified typing experience through the tactile feel and sound of the keystroke, even if their names imply different auditory associations.
When assessing the overall impact on the sound and feel of each switch, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon materials in both the TTC Flaming Pink and TTC Silent Brown demonstrates how housing materials work together to shape the user experience. While they share similarities in their top housing, both switches rely on their nylon bottoms to provide a unique sound profile, with the Flaming Pink potentially skewing brighter and the Silent Brown offering a more subdued feel. This interplay between the top and bottom housing allows for a versatile typing experience where users can appreciate the advantages of each material while engaging with the keyboard. Ultimately, despite their differences and thematic names, both switches have the potential to deliver an exceptional typing experience grounded in material science.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch exhibit differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, which can significantly impact the typing experience. The Flaming Pink switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it well-suited for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Silent Brown switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a more substantial bottom out force of 63.5 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more robust and tactile feel while typing. Thus, the Flaming Pink is the lighter option and is ideal for those who prioritize comfort over longer periods, whereas the Silent Brown, being the heavier switch, provides a more substantial pressing experience. This difference means that while both switches can facilitate efficient typing, the overall feel and feedback during use will vary depending on the user's preferences and typing style.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Flaming Pink the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers who favor quicker keypress reactions. On the other hand, the Silent Brown’s longer travel distance might be more suitable for users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback, aligning with traditional preferences for depth in keypresses. Thus, while both switches cater to different user preferences, the Flaming Pink offers a faster response, while the Silent Brown provides a more substantial feel with its increased travel distance.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 presents a bright yet controlled audio profile that isn’t overly loud, producing a satisfying bottom-out sound that is pleasing for both gaming and typing. This makes it versatile for various environments, striking a balance that enhances the overall typing experience without being disruptive. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch features a muted sound profile, designed to minimize noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This quieter nature makes it an excellent choice for those seeking an unobtrusive typing experience, lending itself well to shared workspaces or quieter environments.
When it comes to feel, the Flaming Pink switch is celebrated for its smooth and responsive keystroke, offering a fluid action that many users find enjoyable during both long typing sessions and intense gaming. While it lacks a tactile bump, this smoothness allows for rapid key presses without feeling hindered. The Silent Brown switch, on the other hand, provides a tactile experience characterized by its light to medium resistance and a satisfying rounded bump that gives feedback on key actuation. Users often appreciate this tactile sensation, along with the polished feel that comes from its smoother travel, creating a comfortable typing experience that strikes a balance between engagement and ease of use.
Overall, those who prioritize a smooth and lively typing experience might lean towards the TTC Flaming Pink switch, while those seeking a more tactile feedback accompanied by quieter keystrokes might prefer the TTC Silent Brown. Both switches cater to different preferences, but they also offer qualities that can lead to similar typing results based on an individual’s needs and the setup they use, such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for a switch that delivers a light, fast keystroke with a satisfying sound, making it ideal for both gaming and daily typing, the Flaming Pink would be your best bet. Its smooth action and moderate sound profile allow for a premium typing experience without being excessively loud, making it great for shared spaces. Conversely, if you prefer a more tactile typing experience with a noticeable bump, combined with a muted sound, the Silent Brown is the way to go. Its heavier actuation force and polished feel provide comfort during extended typing sessions, making it suitable for office environments or quiet settings where noise is a consideration. In summary, consider whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a tactile, quieter experience, and let that guide your switch selection.