TTC Flaming Pink vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference, as illustrated by the TTC Flaming Pink and the Gateron Smoothie, both linear switches that offer distinct characteristics for different typing experiences. The TTC Flaming Pink is renowned for its smooth and responsive feel coupled with a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it a great option for users who appreciate a premium typing experience suitable for both gaming and everyday tasks. With its balanced sound profile, the Flaming Pink provides a bright but not overly loud acoustics, ensuring a delightful auditory experience without being distracting. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie stands out with its all-POM construction, offering a thocky sound signature and remarkable smoothness, which is particularly appealing to those seeking a more understated yet pleasurable touch. This switch is not only touted for its lightweight action but also shatters the price barrier, allowing users to enjoy high-quality performance without breaking the bank. While both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel, they each promise to enhance your typing experience. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Pink and the Gateron Smoothie, notable differences emerge that significantly influence the overall sound profiles of each switch. The Flaming Pink utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This combination results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it especially suitable for setups that utilize RGB lighting, as it enhances illumination through its clear design. In contrast, the Smoothie features a POM top housing, which is famed for producing a deeper, more muted sound. This difference in materials means that while both switches have distinctive tonal qualities, the Flaming Pink may brighten your typing experience, whereas the Smoothie may provide a more subdued auditory environment.
On the lower end of the switches, the TTC Flaming Pink incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which has been celebrated for fostering a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer characteristics allow it to absorb sound, contributing to a rounder, muted backdrop. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie employs POM for its bottom housing as well, which also delivers a muted sound profile but doesn't quite match the warmth of nylon. Although both materials contribute to a softer sound, the impact of the nylon housing on the Flaming Pink creates a more enveloping acoustic experience. Nonetheless, both switches present a pleasing auditory engagement, appealing to users who prefer a more conservative soundscape.
In summary, the distinct differences in material composition between the TTC Flaming Pink and the Gateron Smoothie lead to varied sound profiles that cater to diverse preferences in typing experience. While the Flaming Pink's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom create a brighter, fuller sound, the Smoothie's POM top and bottom provide a quieter, deeper sensation. However, both switches benefit from their respective combinations, demonstrating that even with different materials, the overall execution can yield similar auditory results. Consequently, users might find value in either switch depending on personal preference, as both present engaging and unique typing experiences despite their contrasting materials.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, we see some distinct differences in their actuation forces, which play a crucial role in the overall typing experience. The Flaming Pink features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a relatively light switch. In contrast, the Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, but the bottom out force remains unknown. This means that users of the Smoothie could potentially enjoy a comparable light feel, similar to the Flaming Pink, especially in the actuation phase. However, without knowing the bottom out force for the Smoothie, it’s challenging to assess the full range of feedback it provides during typing. For those who prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions, the Gateron Smoothie would be an excellent option, while the Flaming Pink still retains a soft touch with its slightly heavier actuation and defined bottom out force, appealing to users who desire a little more feedback during keystrokes. Overall, the TTC Flaming Pink is the heavier option, while the Gateron Smoothie can be seen as the lighter choice, providing subtle variations for users based on personal preference.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar feel and actuation experience when pressing down on the keys for either switch. This matching travel distance suggests that both switches will deliver comparable performance in terms of keypress depth, leading to a consistent typing experience regardless of the selected switch. As a result, those who prioritize travel distance in their keyboard switches can confidently choose either option without worrying about differences in actuation or key travel mechanics.
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 Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 switch is characterized by a bright yet not overly loud profile, delivering a satisfying bottom-out sound that strikes a balance between being noticeable and unobtrusive. This makes it particularly versatile for various environments, whether gaming late at night or typing during the day. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie offers a thocky sound signature, producing a deeper, richer tone that evokes a soft "knock" when pressed. Its low-pitched and subdued characteristics provide a more bass-heavy and mellow auditory experience, which makes it appealing for those who prefer a less intrusive sound while enjoying a tactile typing experience. Both switches can offer satisfying auditory feedback, but their sound profiles cater to different preferences.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Flaming Pink is known for its smooth and responsive characteristics, offering a premium typing experience suitable for gamers and typical users alike. The sensation when bottoming out is pleasantly satisfying, creating an encouraging feedback loop for typists. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie focuses on delivering a truly luxurious feel, described with terms like buttery, creamy, and silky. This switch facilitates a seamless keystroke experience, where each key press feels effortless and fluid. The combination of smooth stem movement and possibly lubricated components leads to a typing sensation that's akin to gliding across the keyboard. While the overall tactile characteristics may differ, both switches aim to provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
In summary, while the TTC Flaming Pink and Gateron Smoothie linear switches each bring their unique sound profiles and feel, they share the underlying goal of enhancing the typing experience. The Flaming Pink leans more towards a bright sound and smooth responsiveness, perfect for various uses, while the Smoothie excels in thocky sound and an exceptionally silky feel that elevates typing comfort. Ultimately, the similarity in their intended user experience means that regardless of the choice, one can expect a pleasurable interaction with either switch; the decision will largely hinge on personal preferences concerning sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider your personal preferences regarding typing and gaming experiences. If you prefer a lightweight switch with a responsive feel and a sound profile that is pleasing but not overly loud, the Flaming Pink is an excellent choice. Its 50g bottom-out force makes it suitable for quick key presses, ideal for both gaming and extended typing sessions. Conversely, if you are looking for a switch that delivers a richer sound profile with a deeper thocky tone, while also providing a buttery, creamy, and silky feel, the Gateron Smoothie might be the better fit for you. Its all-POM construction ensures remarkable smoothness and a low-pitched sound that can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your priorities, whether that be a lightweight and snappy response with the Flaming Pink or a smoother, thocky feel with the Smoothie.
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