TTC Brother vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch offer two distinct typing experiences. The TTC Brother is revered for its clicky nature, offering a lightweight actuation of just 37g that provides a tactile experience without feeling burdensome. With a satisfyingly crunchy sound and a perfect balance of tactile feedback, it is a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch is known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. While the Brother offers a crunchy and easy-to-press feel, the Silent Yellow provides a smooth and linear keypress. 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
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Outemu Silent Yellow, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. The use of polycarbonate in switch housings creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, in terms of their top housing material, both the TTC Brother and the Outemu Silent Yellow yield similar results in terms of sound profile and aesthetics.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both switches utilize nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. As a result, typing on switches with nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound. Despite their differences in top housing material, the Brother and the Silent Yellow share characteristics in their bottom housing material, leading to a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can significantly impact the typing experience. While both the TTC Brother and the Outemu Silent Yellow share similar polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound profile, their use of nylon in the bottom housing creates distinct typing experiences. The Brother's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper sound profile compared to the Silent Yellow, which absorbs more sound for a rounder typing experience. Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in a switch influences the overall sound profile and feel of typing, highlighting the importance of material selection in switch design.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is clear that the Brother has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Silent Yellow's 65 grams, making the Brother better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Yellow is heavier at 80 grams, while the Brother's bottom out force remains unknown. For those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, the Silent Yellow would be the better option due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether the user prefers a lighter actuation force or a heavier bottom out force for their typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Brother switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Silent Yellow switch may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches offer different tactile experiences due to their varying travel distances, so the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more substantial key press feel.
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 Yellow 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch is known for its crunchy sound signature, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This characteristic is a hallmark of clicky switches and is sure to bring a satisfying auditory experience to users. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Brother is praised for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force with its light actuation of 37g. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, the Brother features a tactile bump that strikes a perfect balance between being noticeable without being overpowering. Unfortunately, there is no information available about the specific feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch.
In conclusion, while the TTC Brother clicky switch stands out for its lightweight, tactile feel and crunchy sound signature, the information available about the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is limited. Therefore, it is important to consider the specific qualities and preferences you have in a switch when making a decision. Whether you prefer a crisp and tactile typing experience with audible feedback or a smoother and quieter key press, both switches have their unique characteristics that can cater to different user preferences. Ultimately, trying out both switches firsthand on a keyboard is the best way to determine which one suits your typing style and preferences the most.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Brother clicky switch or the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a lightweight keypress with a satisfyingly crunchy sound and a balanced tactile feedback, the TTC Brother clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a silent typing experience without the audible click, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch would be more suitable for your needs. Consider your personal typing style and preferences before making a decision on which switch to go for. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on what you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
