TTC Flaming Pink vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Pink and the TTC Speed Silver each offer unique advantages that cater to different user preferences. The Flaming Pink switch is renowned for its smooth, responsive feel and a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it ideal for users who appreciate a balance between a premium typing experience and versatility for both gaming and everyday tasks. Its sound profile is bright yet not overly loud, providing an engaging auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Speed Silver switch is tailored for those who prioritize speed and precision, featuring a light-medium resistance and a reduced travel distance that allows for quick, effortless key actuation. This makes it particularly appealing for competitive gaming, where every millisecond counts, while its pristine sound profile strikes a chord with those who favor a clean auditory environment. Both switches have their merits, with the Flaming Pink excelling in overall satisfaction and versatility, and the Speed Silver catering to a fast-paced, precision-focused 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Pink and TTC Speed Silver mechanical switches, one aspect that stands out is the use of polycarbonate for the top housing in both switches. This choice leads to a similar sound profile characterized by sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory feedback. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, making it ideal for users who appreciate a distinct auditory experience while typing. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting to shine through, making both switches visually appealing in setups that incorporate illumination.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the TTC Flaming Pink and TTC Speed Silver are made from nylon, a material known for its unique sound properties. Nylon's relatively softer plastic composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller profile when typing. This seems to serve to complement the sharper notes from the polycarbonate top housing. While both switches share the same materials for their respective housings—polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom—the distinct qualities these materials bring to each switch create a compelling duality. In this case, the combination of the stiffer polycarbonate top and the softer nylon bottom allows users to experience a well-rounded sound profile that balances crispness with depth and warmth.
Ultimately, while the TTC Flaming Pink and TTC Speed Silver feature the same materials in their constructions, the interplay between the different housings—polycarbonate top and nylon bottom—results in a unified yet varied auditory experience. The characteristics of the materials dictate the sound produced during both the key press and the release, highlighting the importance of each housing type. Users can expect similar results in terms of brightness and clarity from the top housing of both switches, while the nylon bottom adds a richer undertone to the overall typing experience. This synergy between the materials ensures that regardless of the specific switch chosen, users benefit from a harmonious blend of sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Flaming Pink switch features a light actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it well-suited for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Speed Silver switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This difference translates to a more substantial typing experience for users who appreciate a stronger push feel. Ultimately, if users favor a lighter keyboard for comfort over long durations, the Flaming Pink is the better choice, while those seeking a bit more resistance and tactile feedback might prefer the Speed Silver.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Speed Silver linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Flaming Pink the longer option between the two. The differences in travel distance can significantly affect the typing experience; for those who favor quick responses, the shorter travel distance of the Speed Silver may be more appealing, delivering a snappier feel that is often preferred by gamers. Conversely, the Flaming Pink, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more substantial tactile feedback that some users find more satisfying and comfortable. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth in key travel.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 it comes to sound, the TTC Flaming Pink switch presents a distinctively clacky profile, characterized by a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that is both crisp and bright. This results in a satisfying bottom-out sound that can elevate the enjoyment of typing and gaming alike. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver switch is noted for its pristine sound profile, although specifics about its sound characteristics are not provided. Since sound is inherently influenced by factors like the keyboard build and keycaps, users may find that both switches can fit into different setups without significantly compromising on auditory feedback.
Regarding the feel, the Flaming Pink switch is recognized for its silky smoothness, which contributes to an exceptionally seamless typing experience with minimal resistance during key presses and releases. This quality is particularly appealing for users who prefer a consistently responsive action while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Speed Silver switch is described as offering a mild experience, presenting a gentler typing action that balances comfort and performance. Its light-medium resistance caters to a broader audience, striking a middle ground that many newcomers would find approachable.
In conclusion, the TTC Flaming Pink and TTC Speed Silver linear switches cater to different preferences but both offer compelling qualities for a tactile experience. If you favor a smoother feel and a more pronounced sound, the Flaming Pink would be your go-to, whereas the Speed Silver is ideal for those who prioritize speed and a subtler response. Ultimately, personal preference will dictate which switch aligns better with your typing or gaming needs, as both can provide unique yet enjoyable experiences tailored to different styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between TTC Flaming Pink and TTC Speed Silver switches really hinges on your specific needs and preferences. If you prefer a smoother and lighter typing experience, the Flaming Pink is an excellent option. Its 50-gram actuation force makes it ideal for long typing sessions and casual gaming, providing a silky feel that minimizes resistance and a clacky sound that adds an enjoyable auditory element. This switch shines in environments where you might want to enjoy a balance between everyday typing and gaming, offering a satisfying experience without being overly loud. On the other hand, if your priority is speed and precision, the TTC Speed Silver is the way to go. With a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams and a reduced travel distance, it's designed for rapid keystrokes, making it perfect for competitive gamers or anyone who requires quick response times. Its mild sound and feel cater to users who seek efficiency without sacrificing comfort. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you value a premium, versatile typing experience or if you lean towards quick, responsive action in your keyboard usage.