TTC Brother vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out: the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch. The TTC Brother is praised for its lightweight nature, requiring just 37g of actuation force, providing a tactile experience that is both satisfying and effortless. With a crunchy sound signature that delights clicky switch enthusiasts, this switch offers a balanced tactile bump that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a similar typing experience to the MX Red but with the added benefit of silent operation, making it ideal for quiet environments. While both switches have their strengths, such as the Brother’s crisp feedback and the Silent Red’s noise reduction, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches, it is clear that they both use nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon for their bottom housing. While the materials are the same in this aspect, the impact on the overall typing experience may vary slightly depending on other factors such as keycap material and switch design.
On the other hand, the top housing materials of the TTC Brother and Cherry MX Silent Red switches differ, with the Brother utilizing polycarbonate and the Cherry MX Silent Red utilizing nylon. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Cherry MX Silent Red results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The choice of top housing material can greatly impact the overall sound and feel of the switch, making it an important factor to consider for keyboard enthusiasts.
It is worth noting that the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials of a switch can be felt differently when typing. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. While the TTC Brother and Cherry MX Silent Red switches may have different housing materials, the overall typing experience may still be similar in terms of sound and feel due to the similar qualities nylon brings to the bottom housing in both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific characteristics each user values in a keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force of the Brother switch is lighter at 37 grams compared to the 45 grams required by the MX Silent Red switch. This means that the Brother switch would be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch and may find it easier to type for extended periods of time without fatigue. In contrast, the MX Silent Red switch would cater to those who prefer a slightly heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, so it is difficult to determine which one would provide a more satisfying typing experience in terms of bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether the user prefers a lighter actuation force or a heavier one for their specific typing needs.
Travel distance
The Brother TTC clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal choices for those looking for a more responsive typing or gaming experience. The slight difference in travel distance may not be significant enough to drastically impact the typing feel of each switch. However, if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Cherry MX Silent Red may provide a more satisfying typing experience compared to the Brother TTC switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar travel distance, resulting in comparable results for users seeking a swift and precise typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a unique and crunchy sound profile that is typical of clicky switches, making each keystroke satisfyingly audible with a crisp precision. In comparison, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch produces a much quieter and more muted sound, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. The MX Silent Red is characterized by a thocky and low-pitched sound that is less intrusive in noise-sensitive environments. If you enjoy a pronounced and loud typing sound, the Brother switch would be the better choice, while the MX Silent Red offers a more subtle and subdued typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch provides an easy-to-press experience with a light actuation force of just 37g, making typing effortless and comfortable. The tactile feedback from the Brother switch is described as stepped, offering a distinct feel during key presses. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is noted for its textured feel, which may provide a different tactile sensation compared to the Brother switch. The Cherry MX Silent Red is known for its slightly heftier feel, maintaining the characteristics of the popular MX Red switch but with a quieter operation. If you prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience, the MX Silent Red might be more suitable for your preferences.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offer contrasting qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Brother switch excels in providing a loud and tactile typing experience with its crunchy sound and easy-to-press feel, while the MX Silent Red caters to those who prefer a quieter and more subtle typing experience with its muted sound and textured feel. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, you can choose between the two switches to achieve the desired typing experience. If you enjoy a loud and tactile typing experience, the Brother switch would be an excellent choice, while the MX Silent Red is ideal for those who prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer high quality and reliable performance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
Therefore, when making a decision between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you value a satisfyingly crunchy sound and a tactile typing experience without the noise being a concern, the Brother clicky switch would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience in noise-sensitive environments but still want to maintain the classic feel of a linear switch, the MX Silent Red would be the ideal option for you. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different needs in the keyboard community.
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