TTC Flaming Pink vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between TTC Flaming Pink and Gateron Weightlessness can significantly impact your typing experience. The Flaming Pink switches are celebrated for their smooth, responsive feel and satisfying bottom-out sound, making them an excellent choice for both gaming enthusiasts and casual typists seeking a premium typing experience. Their bright yet not overly loud sound profile strikes a balance that appeals to many users. In contrast, Gateron Weightlessness switches provide a tactile feel that ranges from subtle to moderate, offering a distinct tactile feedback that can enhance typing accuracy and comfort. Their balanced sound profile ensures that the tactile nature of the switches does not compromise the overall acoustic experience. Each switch offers unique advantages—whether you prefer the smoothness of a linear switch or the feedback of a tactile one. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
50g
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
3.40 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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flaming Pink and the Gateron Weightlessness, an intriguing dichotomy emerges primarily from the contrasting materials used for their top housings. The Flaming Pink features a polycarbonate top housing that is distinguished by its ability to create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the material's stiffer nature. This design choice leads to a more resonant sound, making the switch particularly appealing for users who value the clarity and crispness of their keystrokes. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for optimal diffusion of RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic experience for users who appreciate illuminated keyboards. In contrast, the Weightlessness employs a nylon top housing, a classic material known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer composition of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience that appeals to those who prefer a less pronounced sound when typing.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, contributing similar characteristics to the overall typing feel. The nylon bottom housing in the TTC Flaming Pink and the Gateron Weightlessness elicits a deeper, more cushioned sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that dampens vibrations. As such, while the Flaming Pink's top housing focuses on delivering higher-pitched clarity, the bottom nylon housing fosters a complementary sound quality, rounding out the overall acoustic experience. This mutual use of nylon in the lower housing promotes a consistent tactile feel across both switches, giving users a familiar sensibility whether typing on the Flaming Pink or Weightlessness.
Ultimately, the interplay of different materials results in unique auditory experiences for each switch. The TTC Flaming Pink's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing create a balance of clarity and depth, where high notes dominate when keys are released, while the Gateron Weightlessness relies on a more subdued sound profile throughout. Although both switches share a nylon bottom housing that promotes similar tactile and acoustic experiences, the distinction in their top housing materials results in distinct typing signatures—highlighting the importance of material choice in mechanical keyboard design. Users seeking vivid RGB effects and crisp sounds might lean toward the Flaming Pink, while those favoring rich, full tones may find the Weightlessness more appealing.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch present distinct differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the Weightlessness remains unavailable. The Flaming Pink offers a relatively light actuation force of 43 grams, complemented by a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer comfortable typing experiences over prolonged sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to users who favor a more substantial tactile feel; however, without a specified bottom out force, it's challenging to fully assess its depth of engagement. As a result, the Flaming Pink is the lighter option, while the Weightlessness feels heavier, catering to different preferences in typing intensity. Overall, the Flaming Pink excels in providing a softer touch ideal for extended usage, whereas the Weightlessness offers a firmer resistance for those who appreciate a stronger feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the Flaming Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Weightlessness has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Flaming Pink provides a greater depth when pressing down, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel under their fingers. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness, with its shorter travel distance, might be more favored by gamers who seek quicker response times and a more rapid keypress experience. Overall, if you enjoy a more pronounced key feel, the Flaming Pink is the better choice, whereas the Weightlessness may cater to those who prioritize speed and agility in their typing or gaming actions.
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 Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 TTC Flaming Pink linear switch provides a bright yet not overly loud sound profile that enhances the typing experience without being disruptive. Users often appreciate the satisfying bottom-out sound, which contributes to the overall tactile feedback of the keyboard. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offers a balanced sound profile that mirrors its tactile nature, creating a subtle auditory feedback that complements the switch's design. While both switches provide a pleasant auditory experience, the Flaming Pink may have a touch more clarity and prominence in sound than the more muted tones of the Weightlessness, but both are suitable for a variety of environments.
When it comes to feel, the Flaming Pink is celebrated for its smooth and responsive action, allowing for seamless typing and gaming sessions. This makes it particularly enjoyable for those who prioritize fast and fluid keystrokes. On the other hand, the Weightlessness switch features a subtle to moderate tactile bump, giving users a distinct yet not overwhelming feedback upon actuation. This tactile sensation can enhance precision in typing and gaming without sacrificing the overall fluidity of motion, making it a good choice for those who appreciate a bit of tactile engagement without heavy resistance.
In conclusion, the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch stands out for its smooth feel and satisfying sound profile, making it ideal for users who prioritize responsiveness and auditory enjoyment. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offers a balanced auditory experience with a gentle tactile feedback, catering to those who prefer a more subtle typing feel. Both switches have their unique strengths and can provide satisfying results depending on personal preferences, whether one values smoothness and sound or tactile sensation and balance. Ultimately, both options can deliver exceptional performance suited for different typing styles and gaming needs, allowing newcomers to choose based on their tactile and auditory preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you prioritize a smooth and responsive typing experience along with a lighter actuation force, the Flaming Pink is an excellent choice, particularly for gaming or fast-paced typing. Its satisfying bottom-out sound enhances the overall experience without being overly loud, making it suitable for both office and home environments. On the other hand, if you value a tactile bump that provides feedback during typing, the Weightlessness switch might be more to your liking. Its subtle to moderate tactile feel can help with typing accuracy, especially for those who enjoy a more traditional keyboard experience. Additionally, its balanced sound profile allows for a pleasing auditory feedback that complements the tactile sensation. Ultimately, assess your own typing style, sound preferences, and whether you desire a linear or tactile experience, and you’ll find the switch that best meets your needs.