TTC Flaming Pink vs. Gateron Type S
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Gateron Type S switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Flaming Pink and Gateron Type S both stand out as excellent linear options, each catering to different preferences in the typing experience. The TTC Flaming Pink switch is renowned for its smooth and responsive feel, accompanied by a moderately satisfying bottom-out sound that makes it suitable for both gaming and everyday typing. Its bright yet soft sound profile ensures a pleasant auditory experience without being overly intrusive. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S offers a more robust keystroke with a heavier 65g bottom-out force, ideal for those who appreciate a weightier feel when typing. This switch features a neutral sound signature that leans towards a deeper, more subdued acoustic experience, making it a choice for users who prefer a less pronounced auditory feedback. Both switches provide unique advantages—Flaming Pink for its engaging feel and sound, and Type S for its sturdy and refined 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
18mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Pink and the Gateron Type S switches, several distinctions emerge, particularly in their top housings. The Flaming Pink utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that is known for its stiffness, producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's translucency enhances the aesthetic appeal of RGB lighting setups, making it a fitting choice for visually striking keyboards. In contrast, the Gateron Type S features a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its softer and sound-absorbing characteristics. The nylon's ability to create a fuller and deeper sound profile underscores a stark difference in auditory experience between the two switch types.
However, both switches share similarities in their bottom housing materials. Both the Flaming Pink and the Type S use nylon as their bottom housing. This choice in material contributes to a deeper and rounder sound profile for both switches, highlighting the comforting acoustic characteristics associated with nylon. The dampening effect of the softer nylon is likely to mitigate keystroke noise, a quality that many typists and gamers appreciate. In this aspect, both switches promise a robust, richer acoustic experience at bottom out, regardless of the differences observed in the top housings.
Ultimately, the duality of materials gives each switch its unique voice. The Flaming Pink's polycarbonate top adds clarity and brightness to the sound profile, particularly when releasing the key, while the nylon bottom enhances the overall depth and fullness during keystroke actuation. In contrast, the Gateron Type S's nylon top maintains a consistent sound character, leaning towards a more subdued tone throughout the keystroke process. Therefore, while the switches utilize different materials for their top housings, the common use of nylon in the bottom housing will yield a similar auditory experience when pressed down, focusing on the characteristics influenced by the softer material. This combination ensures that users will experience both switches as distinct yet complementary regarding their sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Flaming Pink switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option, which can be ideal for users who type for longer periods or require less pressure during gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Type S switch features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback. Consequently, individuals seeking a lighter touch will favor the Flaming Pink, whereas those desiring a heavier push should opt for the Type S. This clear distinction allows users to select a switch that aligns with their typing preferences, whether they seek comfort for long durations or a more robust feel while typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, the Flaming Pink offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Type S has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Flaming Pink the shorter option, which can lead to quicker response times and a more snappy feel that many gamers may favor. Conversely, the Gateron Type S, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced keypress and a deeper feel, often associated with a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches might depend on whether you value speed and responsiveness (favoring the Flaming Pink) or prefer a more traditional, deeper keystroke (leaning towards the Type S).
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 Type S comes in at $4.70 per 10 switches.
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, producing a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the overall typing experience. This makes it a versatile choice suitable for gaming and everyday use without becoming intrusive in quiet environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S switch boasts a neutral sound signature that balances depth and subtlety effectively. With its subdued acoustics, the Type S produces a dampened sound that isn't completely silent, making it similarly unobtrusive. Both switches provide an enjoyable auditory experience, though the Flaming Pink may have a slightly more prominent sound when bottomed out.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Flaming Pink switch is praised for its smooth and responsive actuation, allowing users to type with ease and precision. This quality makes it particularly appealing for gamers and typists alike who value quick feedback and a seamless typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Type S offers a weightier keystroke due to its 65g bottom-out force, which may cater to those who prefer a more substantial tactile experience. While the exact feel of the Flaming Pink isn't detailed, the inherent smoothness of both switches suggests that they will provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with a different emphasis on actuation pressure.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flaming Pink and Gateron Type S linear switches deliver notable sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Flaming Pink offers a bright and engaging sound along with a smooth, responsive feel, while the Type S focuses on a balanced, subdued sound and a weightier actuation force. Ultimately, whether one opts for the Flaming Pink or the Type S, they can expect a high-quality typing experience, though the nuances in sound and feel may guide a newcomer towards the switch that better suits their personal typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, you should consider your preferences for feel, sound, and actuation force. The Flaming Pink is an excellent choice if you prefer a lighter keystroke with a 50g bottom-out force, which makes it ideal for extensive typing sessions and fast-paced gaming, where a quick response is crucial. Its smooth, responsive feel combined with a satisfying sound profile offers a delightful typing experience, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday use. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with more resistance, the Gateron Type S, with its 65g bottom-out force, might be more appealing. Its weightier keystroke can provide a more substantial feedback, which many users find gratifying and beneficial for preventing accidental key presses. Additionally, the Type S offers a neutral yet deeper sound profile that’s more subdued, making it ideal for office environments or quieter settings where you want to minimize noise distraction. Thus, your selection should resonate with your typing habits: lean towards the Flaming Pink for a lighter, smoother experience, and opt for the Gateron Type S if you desire weightier feedback and a more muted sound.
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