TTC Brother vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch to the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, the Brother stands out for its lightweight nature and satisfyingly crunchy sound, making it a top favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. With an actuation force of just 37g, the Brother offers a tactile experience that is both easy-to-press and stepped, striking a perfect balance between feedback and comfort. On the other hand, the Silent Green linear switch remains a mystery in terms of recognition, but is known for its silent operation. While the Brother appeals to those who enjoy a distinct clicky sound, the Silent Green may be preferred by those who prefer a quieter typing experience. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Outemu Silent Green, one can see that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on switches with polycarbonate top housings. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. By using the same housing material for the top housing, both the Brother and Silent Green switches are likely to produce similar sound profiles and aesthetics when in use.
However, the bottom housing materials of the two switches differ, with the Brother featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Silent Green utilizing a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon bottom housings are known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to their softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, polycarbonate bottom housings like the one found in the Silent Green contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, similar to their top housings. This contrast in bottom housing materials may result in a noticeable difference in sound and feel when typing on these switches, with the Brother offering a deeper and fuller sound compared to the sharper sound of the Silent Green.
Overall, the use of different housing materials for the top and bottom of the switches impacts the sound and feel of the typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing material, whether nylon or polycarbonate, will influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing material will have a more significant impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. By understanding the role that each housing material plays in the overall sound profile of the switch, users can better choose between the Brother and Silent Green switches based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Brother switch is unknown, while the Silent Green switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Brother switch for a more effortless typing experience, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel may opt for the Silent Green switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Green linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Silent Green switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Brother switch. The traditional travel distance for switches is 4.0 mm, with 3.0 mm being on the shallower end. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Brother switch a potentially more favorable option for them. However, some may find the shorter travel distance too abrupt and prefer the more substantial feel of the Silent Green switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and responsiveness.
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 Outemu Silent Green comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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
Both the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Brother switch provides a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature that is characteristic of clicky switches, while the Silent Green's sound profile is unknown. When it comes to feel, the Brother switch offers an easy-to-press experience with a light actuation force of 37g, making typing effortless and comfortable. On the other hand, the feel of the Silent Green switch is unknown. Overall, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a tactile bump and crunchy sound, the TTC Brother switch is an excellent choice. With the Silent Green switch, while the sound and feel are currently unknown, it may offer a different typing experience that some users may prefer. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, consider your preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel. If you enjoy a light and tactile typing experience with a satisfyingly crunchy sound and a gentle tactile bump, the Brother clicky switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force and a silent keystroke without the clicky sound, the Silent Green linear switch is the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what typing experience best suits your personal preferences and needs. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different typing styles, so choose wisely based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you.
Mentioned in this article
