TTC Flaming Pink vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Pink and Gateron Zero Degree 0° both stand out for their unique characteristics and user experiences, despite both being linear switches. The Flaming Pink is celebrated for its smooth and responsive feel, coupled with a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the typing experience, whether for intense gaming sessions or everyday tasks. Its sound profile strikes a balance, providing a bright yet not overly intrusive auditory feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° takes the concept of silent typing to the next level with its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure. This switch offers an incredibly smooth and stable typing experience with a soft, elastic feel that minimizes sound, making it perfect for quiet environments. While the Flaming Pink excels in delivering auditory satisfaction alongside performance, the Zero Degree 0° prioritizes noise reduction and a gentle touch. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Pink and Gateron Zero Degree 0° both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a shared sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to this clarity, allowing for a more resonant quality that can enhance the typing experience. This choice of material also makes the switches ideal for RGB lighting applications, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to pass through effectively, creating an aesthetically pleasing glow. Both switches benefit from this similar architectural choice, leading to comparable sound and visual effects when utilized in a keyboard setup.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the TTC Flaming Pink and Gateron Zero Degree 0° employ nylon, a material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relative softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more efficiently than harder plastics, contributing to a sound that is rounder and less penetrating. Since the bottom housing is more influential on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, users can anticipate a consistent tactile experience between the two options when pressing down on the keys. As such, the nylon base complements the polycarbonate top, creating a well-rounded auditory profile for both switches that balances the clarity of the top with the warmth of the bottom.
Overall, while the TTC Flaming Pink and Gateron Zero Degree 0° share similarities in their top and bottom housing materials, the interplay between the housing types ultimately defines the user experience. Both switches feature the same polycarbonate top housing, ensuring they deliver a vibrant and clear sound. However, they also maintain identical nylon bottom housings, allowing both to produce the desired depth and fullness in sound. The combination of these materials ensures that users will receive a consistent and satisfying experience between the two switches, regardless of the subtle variances in design or branding.
Weight
The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch present some key differences in their actuation forces. The Flaming Pink boasts a light actuation force of 43 grams, while the Zero Degree 0° requires a slightly heavier force of 45 grams to actuate. This gives the Flaming Pink an edge for those who prefer a lighter switch, which can be more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In terms of bottom out force, the Flaming Pink also registers a relatively low force of 50 grams. However, the Zero Degree 0° lacks available data for its bottom out force, leaving its full range of resistance uncertain. As a result, users looking for a consistent and predictable typing experience may gravitate towards the Flaming Pink, which offers a complete understanding of its actuation and bottom out characteristics, while the Zero Degree’s performance remains somewhat ambiguous.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key fitted with either switch, users will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Consequently, those seeking a consistent tactile experience across both switches will find that their performance is nearly indistinguishable in terms of travel distance, providing similar results in key presses.
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 Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Flaming Pink switch delivers a bright yet not overly loud sound profile, creating a satisfying bottom-out that enhances the overall typing experience without being disruptive. This makes it suitable for both gaming and everyday use, allowing users to enjoy the feedback of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch is designed for silent operation, featuring an innovative self-padding design that significantly reduces noise. Its dual-rail structure ensures a stable performance while absorbing sound effectively, making it an excellent option for environments where quietness is essential.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Flaming Pink switch is known for its smooth, responsive characteristics. This makes for an enjoyable typing experience that balances speed and comfort, ideal for users who engage in both intense gaming sessions and prolonged typing tasks. Meanwhile, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch boasts a soft, elastic feel due to its unique design, which enhances stability and smoothness while minimizing feedback. This soft touch contributes to an overall pleasant experience, particularly for those who prefer a gentler keystroke.
In conclusion, both switches offer distinct advantages suited for different user preferences. The TTC Flaming Pink is excellent for those seeking a vibrant sound and a balanced feel, enhancing both gaming and typing experiences. Conversely, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° caters to users prioritizing silence and smooth performance without sacrificing comfort. Depending on what you're seeking in a mechanical keyboard, either option can lead to a fulfilling and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prioritize. If you enjoy a light switch with a responsive feel and a satisfying sound, the Flaming Pink switch, with its 50 grams of bottom-out force, might be the right choice for you. It delivers a smooth and satisfying typing experience that’s well-suited for both gaming and everyday tasks, striking a balance between tactility and acoustic pleasure without being too loud. On the other hand, if your goal is to achieve an ultra-quiet typing environment, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch is ideal for you. Its self-padding design and dual-rail structure effectively eliminate noise while still providing a soft and elastic feel, making it perfect for shared spaces or late-night work sessions where noise might be an issue. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, as well as your intended usage scenarios.
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