KTT Cream Yellow vs. TTC Flame Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the TTC Flame Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Cream Yellow and the TTC Flame Red, both of which fall under the linear switch category. Each switch offers its own unique features and advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and needs. The Cream Yellow stands out for its distinctive clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem. Additionally, its lengthened spring provides a bouncy typing feel, contributing to a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Flame Red not only impresses with its feel and sound but also with its eye-catching visuals. With a dazzling light diffuser, these switches are perfect for those who crave a backlit, RGB keyboard setup. Typing on the Flame Reds provides a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific requirements.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the TTC Flame Red switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Cream Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Flame Red utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that enhance the typing experience.
Both the Cream Yellow and the Flame Red switches feature nylon bottom housings. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches. Nylon's softness allows for a greater absorption of sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the sound produced when typing on both switches is more resonant and satisfying. The use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that the overall sound profile of the switches is consistent, adding to the typing experience regardless of the switch's top housing material.
When comparing the Cream Yellow and the Flame Red switches, it's important to note that the top and bottom housings have a significant impact on the overall sound profile and feel of each switch. Pressing down on either switch will primarily be influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the sound produced when releasing a key will be influenced by the top housing. Therefore, the choice of housing material in each switch contributes to a unique typing experience, with the Cream Yellow offering a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the Flame Red provides a deeper and fuller sound upon release.
In conclusion, the KTT Cream Yellow and TTC Flame Red switches offer distinct sound profiles based on the materials used in their top and bottom housings. The Cream Yellow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the Flame Red's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a consistent deep and resonant typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, there are both similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Cream Yellow requires 50 grams, while the Flame Red requires 45 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range. This means that users can expect a similar level of sensitivity when triggering a keystroke on either switch. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cream Yellow requires 58 grams, indicating a slightly heavier feel compared to the Flame Red, which requires 54 grams. This means that users who prefer a more substantial typing experience may find the Cream Yellow more suitable, while those who prefer a lighter touch might lean towards the Flame Red. It is worth noting that the differences in force required for bottoming out are relatively small, so users may still achieve similar results despite the variations. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for the weight and feel of the keys during typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Flame Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Flame Red switch slightly longer in terms of travel distance. The difference may seem small, but it can have an impact on the overall typing or gaming experience. A 4.0mm travel distance is considered the more traditional option, offering a deeper key press feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow's shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm may be appealing to gamers looking for quicker response times. It is worth considering personal preferences and the desired level of key press depth when deciding between these two switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 Cream Yellow switch is known for its distinctively clacky sound. When pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. This sound is achieved through its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which provides resonant audio feedback. The lengthened spring also contributes to a uniquely bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Flame Red switch has a more neutral sound profile. It is described as having a moderate sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes. The sound produced is neither too loud nor too quiet, making it a suitable option for beginners or advanced users, and can be used at home or work. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow switch is described as bouncy. It provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. This bounciness adds to the unique typing experience of the Cream Yellow switch. In contrast, the Flame Red switch offers a more mild and approachable typing experience. It falls into a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of feel. It is not too pronounced or aggressive in its feedback, providing a gentler typing experience that most people would find comfortable. Additionally, the Flame Red switch is also described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, comparing the subjective qualities of the KTT Cream Yellow and the TTC Flame Red switches, we can see that they offer different experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow provides a distinctively clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, while the Flame Red has a more neutral sound profile and offers a mild and polished typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, and the choice between the two depends on personal preferences. If you prefer a sharper and more lively typing experience, the Cream Yellow would be a good option. If you prefer a more approachable and smooth typing experience, the Flame Red would be a suitable choice.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a switch that provides a distinctively clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, the Cream Yellow switch is the way to go. It has a medium bottom out force of 58 grams and its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem contribute to a resonant audio feedback. Additionally, its lengthened spring provides a uniquely bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize visual aesthetics and want a switch that is perfect for a backlit, RGB keyboard, the Flame Red switch is the ideal choice. It has a medium-light bottom out force of 54 grams and offers a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile. Moreover, its dazzling light diffuser enhances the visual appeal of your keyboard. Ultimately, the Cream Yellow switch is known for its clacky sound and bouncy feel, while the Flame Red switch excels in providing a polished typing experience and visual aesthetics. Choose the switch that aligns with your preferences and requirements.
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