TTC Flaming Pink vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Pink and the TTC Silent Red both stand out as exceptional linear options but cater to different user preferences and environments. The Flaming Pink switch is celebrated for its smooth, responsive feel and a satisfying bottom-out sound, striking a balance that appeals to both gamers seeking an engaging experience and typists desiring premium comfort during everyday tasks. Its bright yet not overly loud sound profile allows it to shine in various settings. On the other hand, the Silent Red is specifically designed for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, making it an ideal choice for office environments or shared spaces. With its muted sound profile, the Silent Red offers a buttery smooth and consistent feel, complemented by a padded bottom-out sensation that enhances comfort. While both switches provide a pleasing tactile experience, they cater to diverse needs—one reveling in sound and presence, the other prioritizing silence and subtlety. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Pink and TTC Silent Red switches share notably similar housing materials, utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom. The use of polycarbonate in both models contributes to a sound profile characterized by its sharpness, clarity, and resonance. This stiffer plastic allows sound waves to travel more effectively, resulting in a higher-pitched and crisper auditory experience. The translucency of the polycarbonate also makes both switches particularly well-suited for RGB lighting applications, enhancing their aesthetic appeal. As both switches employ the same top housing material, users can expect comparable sound properties when using these switches, providing a uniform experience in terms of sound clarity.
In stark contrast to the polycarbonate top housings, the nylon bottom housings introduce a different sound characteristic to the typing experience. Both the Flaming Pink and Silent Red feature nylon as the material for their bottom housings, which is renowned for its ability to absorb sound. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as the softer nylon material quiets and dulls the note frequencies generated during keystrokes. Therefore, while the top housings of both switches deliver crisp and high-pitched sounds, the nylon bottoms soften these sounds, creating a unique, combined auditory effect that enhances the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in both the Flaming Pink and Silent Red offers a balanced approach to sound. While the polycarbonate contributes to clarity and brightness, the nylon introduces depth and warmth, creating a tonal dichotomy that appeals to different preferences. As a result, users can expect a consistent auditory experience in the upper sound spectrum due to the identical top housings while still experiencing rich and varied sound profiles influenced by the nylon bottom housing. This interplay between materials not only facilitates a unique and enjoyable typing experience, but also suggests that both models will appeal to individuals who appreciate nuanced sound qualities in mechanical switches.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch offer distinct typing experiences, predominantly reflected in their 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 more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or casual gaming. In contrast, the Silent Red switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a more pronounced bottom out force of 63.5 grams, catering to those who enjoy a firmer keystroke and a more substantial typing feel. This difference indicates that the Flaming Pink is more ergonomic for long periods of use, while the Silent Red may appeal to users seeking more feedback and resistance when typing. Thus, while both switches aim to provide a linear experience, the Flaming Pink stands out as the lighter option, making it ideal for those favoring a less strenuous actuation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Flaming Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Red features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Flaming Pink offers a shorter travel distance, making it more suited for users who favor quick response times, such as gamers. Conversely, the Silent Red’s longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing the keys, resulting in a deeper typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for either responsiveness or hearty depth in keyboard feel.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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
The sound profile of the TTC Flaming Pink switch is characterized by its bright yet not overly loud quality, providing a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the typing experience without being disruptive. This tonal quality makes it suitable for both gaming and everyday tasks, allowing users to enjoy the audibility of each keystroke while still maintaining a level of discretion in various environments. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red is designed for those who prioritize quietness, featuring a muted sound that significantly reduces noise. This makes the Silent Red ideal for office settings or shared living spaces where sound levels need to be kept to a minimum. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, catering to different user preferences regarding sound.
Regarding feel, the TTC Flaming Pink switch is celebrated for its smooth and responsive action, providing a satisfying tactile experience during typing. While the specific descriptor for its feel wasn't provided, this smoothness typically leads to an engaged and fluid keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is described with several positive characteristics: buttery, mild, and polished. This means that Silent Reds offer a seamless and effortless typing sensation, giving users a refined experience with reduced friction. The padded bottom-out feel ensures maximum comfort, making it a great choice for extended typing sessions. Thus, while both switches deliver a smooth keystroke, the Flaming Pink may offer a more invigorating experience, while the Silent Red leans towards a more gentle and refined feel.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flaming Pink and Silent Red switches are excellent options, each appealing to different user preferences. The Flaming Pink offers a brighter sound and a smooth yet responsive feel, making it versatile for gaming and daily use. Alternatively, the Silent Red focuses on minimizing sound while providing an equally smooth and comfortable typing experience. Depending on your environment and typing needs, you can achieve a satisfying experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the TTC Flaming Pink and the TTC Silent Red linear switches ultimately hinges on your specific needs and environment. If you prioritize a light and responsive typing experience with a moderately satisfying sound, the Flaming Pink switches would be an excellent choice for both gaming and general use. Their 50-gram bottom-out force makes them particularly suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for quicker key presses without compromising on feedback. However, if you often find yourself in an office or shared living space and need a quieter option, the TTC Silent Red switches should be your go-to. With a medium-heavy 63.5-gram bottom-out force, they deliver a buttery smooth feel and minimal noise, making them perfect for long typing sessions where distraction might be an issue. Ultimately, assessing your environment and desired typing sensation will guide you in making the right switch choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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