TTC Flaming Pink vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly enhance your typing or gaming experience. The TTC Flaming Pink switch offers a smooth, responsive feel and a satisfying bottom-out sound that strikes a balance between auditory feedback and tactile pleasure, making it ideal for both gaming enthusiasts and everyday typists who appreciate a lively, yet refined sound profile. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is designed for those who prioritize a quieter typing environment, featuring a plush, cushy bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback, perfect for shared spaces or late-night typing sessions. While the Flaming Pink provides a more vibrant auditory experience, the Silent Ink Black focuses on a muted, elegant interaction with the keyboard. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Pink and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches, we can observe both similarities and differences that contribute to their sound profiles. The Flaming Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its crisp and resonant qualities, resulting in a higher-pitched sound that comes across clearly when keys are released. This characteristic makes polycarbonate ideal for setups with RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the visual effects of the lights. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black employs a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which also delivers a pointed and high-pitched sound, though it is described as being slightly more subdued and less sharp compared to the Flaming Pink. Both switches, therefore, provide a relatively high sound profile in their top housings, albeit with subtle tonal differences that influence the overall auditory experience.
The bottom housing of both switches presents a more pronounced contrast in materials. The TTC Flaming Pink utilizes nylon, a classic choice known for its softer texture, which tends to absorb sound rather than amplify it. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when the key bottoms out, creating a rounded auditory experience. Conversely, the Gateron Silent Ink Black also features a proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, characterized by a high-pitched and clacky sound. This means that while both switches employ different materials for their bottom housings, the Silent Ink Black may provide more direct feedback in terms of sound and clarity upon bottoming out. Thus, the differences in the bottom housings significantly affect how each switch feels and sounds when pressed down.
In totality, the interaction between the unique top and bottom housing materials in each switch generates a distinct typing experience. While the Flaming Pink and Silent Ink Black share similarities in their top housing profiles, allowing for high-pitched sound effects, they diverge in the characteristics of their bottom housings, which greatly influences the bottom-out experience. The nylon of the Flaming Pink provides a deeper and more muted sound, while the Silent Ink Black's INK blend maintains a sharper, clacky finish. Ultimately, this means that despite their commonalities, the variations in housing materials result in a diversified auditory and tactile experience for users, with each switch shining in its own right depending on the typing preferences of the user.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different typing preferences. The Flaming Pink has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who appreciate a softer touch during long typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel and tactile feedback while typing. As a result, the Flaming Pink is better suited for prolonged use due to its lighter weight, while the Silent Ink Black delivers a firmer typing experience, favored by those who enjoy the sensation of a stronger push. Thus, if you desire a lighter and more effortless typing experience, go for the TTC Flaming Pink, whereas if you prefer a more robust feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is the recommended choice.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference highlights that the Flaming Pink is indeed the shorter option, appealing to those who favor quicker response times, which is often preferred by gamers. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black, with its 4 mm travel distance, provides a more traditional and deeper feel that some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Consequently, if you opt for the Flaming Pink switch, you can expect a snappier actuation, whereas the Silent Ink Black is likely to offer a more substantial keypress experience.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 considering the sound profile of the TTC Flaming Pink switch, it is characterized by a bright yet not overly loud tone, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday typing. This switch produces a satisfying bottom-out sound, delivering an auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience without being intrusive. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black provides a much more muted sound, designed specifically for quieter typing environments. This switch minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, producing a softer, more subdued audible feedback that allows for discreet usage. Both options cater to different preferences: the Flaming Pink for those who enjoy a slight audio response and the Silent Ink Black for those desiring a more silent experience.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flaming Pink boasts a smooth, responsive typing experience that provides a satisfying tactile response with its linear actuation. This responsiveness makes it well-suited for fast-paced gaming as well as comfortable for typing long documents. The Gateron Silent Ink Black, on the other hand, excels with a silky and polished feel that minimizes resistance during key presses, enhancing the overall typing smoothness. This buttery-smooth action is further complemented by its cushioned bottom-out sensation, allowing for a gentle and pleasant typing experience without the jarring feedback sometimes associated with other linear switches. While both switches offer a degree of smoothness, the Flaming Pink may feel more direct and immediate, whereas the Silent Ink Black emphasizes a softer, more luxurious touch.
In conclusion, the TTC Flaming Pink and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches cater to distinct preferences in sound and feel. The Flaming Pink provides a bright auditory feedback with a smooth response, ideal for those who enjoy a lively typing sound. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black is tailored for quiet environments, featuring a muted sound profile and a silky-smooth feel that minimizes noise and maximizes comfort. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will hinge on whether you prioritize a slightly more audible and responsive typing experience or a tranquil, cushioned sensation during use.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you value a lighter keystroke and enjoy a smooth, responsive typing experience with a satisfying bottom-out sound, then the TTC Flaming Pink is an excellent choice for both gaming and everyday tasks. Its sound profile strikes a balance, providing a bright yet unobtrusive auditory feedback that enhances your typing without being excessively loud. On the other hand, if you're in a quieter environment or sharing a space where noise is a concern, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is your go-to option. With its medium-heavy actuation force and muted sound, it offers a pillow-like bottom-out feel that minimizes noise while maintaining a silky and polished typing experience. In summary, choose the Flaming Pink for a lively feel and sound, and opt for the Silent Ink Black if silence and comfort are your top priorities.
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