TTC Flaming Pink vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and desired typing experience. On one hand, the TTC Flaming Pink switch stands out for its smooth and responsive feel that caters to both gamers and everyday typists alike, offering a delightful bottom-out sound that enhances the overall typing experience. Its bright, yet discreet sound profile is perfect for those who appreciate a quieter operation without sacrificing tactile feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, presents a compelling option with its unique composite materials that allow for a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, making it particularly enjoyable for users who appreciate auditory feedback. Additionally, HMX’s renowned factory lubrication further enhances the performance and durability of this switch. While both switches are linear in nature, their distinct characteristics and sound profiles cater to different user preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Flaming Pink Linear

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$4.29

$4.00 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The TTC Flaming Pink and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches share a remarkable similarity in their choice of materials, particularly with their top housing, both constructed from the same polycarbonate material. This decision in design yields a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches, highlighting the characteristics that polycarbonate offers. Its stiffer nature contributes to a clearer and more resonant auditory experience, making both switches highly compatible for users who prioritize sound clarity in their mechanical keyboards. The translucency of the polycarbonate also enhances the aesthetic appeal, especially for those who utilize RGB lighting, as it allows light to diffuse beautifully through the housing, creating a visually striking effect.

Contrasting with their top housings, the bottom housings of both the Flaming Pink and the Sunset Gleam are made from nylon, further demonstrating their similarity in material composition. Nylon, known for its softer texture, provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, which effectively absorbs sound waves, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience compared to harder plastics. This layering of materials contributes to a unique typing sensation where the qualities of the nylon bottom housing are perceived more during keystrokes. As a result, both switches deliver a balanced performance, aggregating the sharper sounds from the polycarbonate top with the enveloping tones from the nylon bottom.

If a user chooses to work with either the TTC Flaming Pink or the HMX Sunset Gleam, they can expect a consistent and satisfying typing experience due to the synergy between their materials. While the polycarbonate top enhances the clarity upon key release, the nylon bottom ensures the depth of sound during the actuation phase. This combination ensures that switch performance is not only defined by individual materials but also by their interaction. As a result, both switches deliver a harmonious sound profile and tactile experience, making them desirable choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. The Flaming Pink switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sunset Gleam switch features a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. Therefore, the Sunset Gleam is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Flaming Pink. Users looking for a switch that allows for prolonged typing or gaming sessions might lean towards either option due to their low weights, but those who appreciate a bit more feedback in their keystrokes may still find the Flaming Pink's slightly heavier characteristics more appealing, despite both being relatively light overall.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, the Flaming Pink measures at 3.6 mm while the Sunset Gleam is slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. Although both switches feature relatively short travel distances—beneficial for gamers seeking quick response times—the Flaming Pink offers a bit more depth in its travel, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial press. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam, with its marginally shorter distance, could cater to users who favor a more immediate actuation. Ultimately, the Flaming Pink is the longer option, providing a slightly more pronounced feedback, while the Sunset Gleam offers a marginally quicker response for those who like their keystrokes more abrupt.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the TTC Flaming Pink switch is characterized by a bright yet not overly loud output, providing a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the overall typing experience. This makes it well-suited for both gaming and day-to-day typing without attracting unnecessary attention. In comparison, the HMX Sunset Gleam, or Duck Duck switch, produces a subtle top-out sound that transitions into a pleasing clack. HMX is known for its excellent factory lubrication, which likely contributes to a refined auditory experience. Both switches, while different in their sound signatures, offer a delightful auditory feedback, though the Flaming Pink leans toward a more restrained volume.

Regarding feel, the Flaming Pink switch is celebrated for its smooth and responsive nature, which ensures a pleasant typing experience whether you’re gaming or typing up documents. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam offers its own distinct feel, bolstered by the carefully chosen materials and factory lube, which likely enhances the smoothness and responsiveness of the switch. Those who prefer a buttery smooth action might find both switches equally satisfying, though the Flaming Pink may edge out when it comes to the overall responsiveness.

In summary, both the TTC Flaming Pink and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches present unique qualities tailored for achieving a pleasant typing experience. While the Flaming Pink offers a bright and restrained sound paired with a wonderfully smooth feel, the Sunset Gleam introduces subtle auditory elements and refined tactile feedback, drawing upon HMX's reputation for quality. Ultimately, whether you opt for the Flaming Pink or the Sunset Gleam, you'll find yourself with switches that promise enjoyable performance, allowing you to customize your mechanical keyboard experience to your liking.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the TTC Flaming Pink and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a smooth, responsive feel with a satisfying bottom-out sound that caters well to both gaming and everyday tasks, the Flaming Pink may be the better choice for you. Its slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, combined with its well-balanced sound profile, provides an enjoyable experience without being overly noisy, making it suitable for various environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtler yet satisfying clack with an even lighter actuation force of 48 grams, the HMX Sunset Gleam could be the ideal switch for your setup. With its excellent factory lube and unique blend of materials for a smooth top-out experience, the Sunset Gleam caters to those who prioritize a more tactile feedback during their typing. Ultimately, consider your specific uses, whether you lean towards a quieter environment or a more pronounced sound, and your preferred feel in a switch to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Flaming Pink Linear

$4.29

$4.00 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more