TTC Flame Red vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Flame Red and the Durock Light Tactile. The Flame Red switch is recognized for its mesmerizing light diffuser, making it the perfect choice for those who want a backlit, RGB keyboard. Typing on these switches offers a satisfyingly weighty smoothness accompanied by a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility, presenting a pleasant contrast to the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. The typing experience on the Light Tactile switch brings an angelic tactility combined with a jelly-like sound signature. While these initial observations provide a general overview of each switch, let's delve further to help you determine the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flame Red and the Durock Light Tactile differ in their housing materials, with the Flame Red featuring nylon top and bottom housings, while the Light Tactile has a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. These different materials result in variations in sound profiles and typing experiences.
The Flame Red's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing is especially beneficial for those who want to use RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for better illumination.
Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, regardless of whether you choose the Flame Red or the Light Tactile, you can expect similar sound characteristics and typing experiences in terms of the bottom-out sound.
It is worth noting that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in its overall performance. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing affects the sound when you release a key. Therefore, the choice of housing materials for each part can significantly impact the overall sound profile and typing experience of a switch, offering users a range of options to suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that they have distinct differences. The Flame Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Light Tactile's slightly heavier 52 grams. This means that the Flame Red requires less force to trigger a keystroke, providing a lighter and potentially more effortless typing experience. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Flame Red is also lighter at 54 grams, allowing for less resistance when pressing the keys fully.
On the other hand, the Light Tactile boasts a higher actuation force of 52 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. This indicates a more substantial typing feel, which can be preferred by individuals who enjoy a stronger push when typing. While the Light Tactile requires slightly more force to trigger a keystroke, it offers a more robust and tactile typing experience when fully pressing down on the keys.
Considering weight as an important factor for many users, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Flame Red switch. Its medium-light actuation and bottom out forces provide a comfortable and potentially longer typing endurance, making it suitable for extended work or gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel might favor the Light Tactile switch, with its medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces delivering a more pronounced keystroke feedback. It is worth mentioning that both switches offer unique characteristics, catering to users with different preferences, allowing them to achieve equally satisfying results based on their needs and preferences.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel. Therefore, both switches will provide similar results in terms of the tactile feedback you receive. Neither switch is shorter or longer than the other, as they both have an equal travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 Flame Red switch is known for its dazzling light diffuser, making it the perfect choice for those who prefer a backlit, RGB keyboard. When typing on the Flame Reds, users can expect a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch from Durock offers a gentle and angelic tactility, providing a pleasant contrast to the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. Typing on the Light Tactile switches gives a jelly-like sound signature.
In terms of sound, both the Flame Red and Light Tactile switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user or if you plan to use them at home or work. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, both the Flame Red and Light Tactile switches fall under the category of mild switches. These switches offer a gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The sound and feel of these switches are approachable to most users, as their qualities stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, meaning they have a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.
Overall, the Flame Red and Light Tactile switches have similar subjective qualities. They both offer a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience. The Flame Red switch has bonus visual appeal with its light diffuser, while the Light Tactile switch provides a unique and gentle tactility. If you are looking for a backlit, RGB keyboard, the Flame Red switches would be the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a softer and more gentle typing experience, the Light Tactile switches would be a great option. Both switches will deliver satisfying results to keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize visuals and a backlit, RGB keyboard, the TTC Flame Red linear switch would be the best choice for you. These switches are known for their dazzling light diffuser and provide a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile when typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentler tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch is the way to go. These switches offer a welcome contrast to the sharper tactile switches on the market and provide an angelic tactility when typing. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user and whether you use them at home or work. Additionally, both switches offer a mild typing experience and a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Flame Red and the Durock Light Tactile boils down to your preference for visuals and a linear switch or a gentler tactility and a tactile switch.
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