KTT Cream Yellow vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the KTT Cream Yellow and the TTC Silent Brown. These switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow is known for its clacky sound and bouncy typing feel, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switches provide a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. What sets them apart is the muted sound profile that adds a sense of polish. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Cream Yellow and TTC Silent Brown switches share the use of polycarbonate for their top housings. This material gives both switches a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to polycarbonate's stiffness and clear resonance. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and visual effects when using either the Cream Yellow or Silent Brown switches.
However, the two switches differ in their bottom housing materials. The Cream Yellow utilizes nylon, while the Silent Brown also incorporates nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users typing on the Cream Yellow switches can expect a deeper and fuller sound experience compared to the Silent Brown, where the sound may be slightly less pronounced due to the different bottom housing material.
When it comes to the overall impact of the housing materials, it is important to consider the combination of top and bottom. The Cream Yellow and Silent Brown switches differ in their use of materials for each housing, which affects the sound and feel of the switch. Pressing down on the switch will highlight the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users may notice variations in the typing experience between the Cream Yellow and Silent Brown switches, especially in terms of the bottom-out sound, depending on the specific combination of materials used in each housing.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Cream Yellow has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Brown's slightly lighter 45 grams. This means that the Cream Yellow requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Cream Yellow has a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Silent Brown has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that the Silent Brown has a more substantial typing experience, as it requires more force to fully press down.
For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cream Yellow would be a suitable choice, as its actuation force is lighter. This allows for longer periods of typing without causing excessive fatigue. On the other hand, those who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Silent Brown, with its heavier bottom out force.
In terms of overall weight, the Cream Yellow can be considered as the lighter option, given its lighter actuation force. This makes it suitable for those who prioritize extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. The Silent Brown, on the other hand, is the heavier option, as it requires more force for both actuation and bottoming out. This suits individuals who prefer a more forceful typing experience.
In summary, the Cream Yellow and the Silent Brown differ in terms of their actuation force and bottom out force. While the Cream Yellow is lighter in terms of actuation force, the Silent Brown provides a heavier and more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Cream Yellow being the shorter option. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, in recent times, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you value responsiveness, opting for the Cream Yellow with its shorter travel distance might be more suitable. On the other hand, some individuals find short travel distances to feel too abrupt, preferring a more substantial depth. In such cases, the Silent Brown switch with its slightly longer travel distance could be the preferred choice.
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 Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
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, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. This sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch offers a muted sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to a regular or clacky switch. The muted switches aim to minimize the typically associated noise of mechanical keyboards. However, it's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch offers a uniquely bouncy typing experience. These switches have a lively feel, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation and giving you a rebound when pressed. On the contrary, the Silent Brown switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This switch provides seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensations. In addition, the Silent Brown switch is also described as mild, indicating a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. The smooth and refined finish of the Silent Brown switch, referred to as polished, ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Cream Yellow and Silent Brown switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Cream Yellow switch provides a clacky and bouncy typing experience, known for its sharp and snappy sound. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch offers a more muted sound profile, along with a buttery and polished feel, providing smooth and effortless keystrokes. While these switches offer different qualities, it's important to note that individual preferences may vary. By considering factors such as desired sound profile, typing feel, and personal preference, you can choose the switch that best meets your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a distinctively clacky sound combined with a bouncy typing feel, then the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its shortened bottom-out distance, long-pole stem, and lengthened spring, this switch provides a uniquely resonant audio feedback and a lively typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, along with a muted sound profile, then the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is the way to go. These switches offer a buttery, mild, and polished feel, giving you a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and a sleek typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preferences for sound and feel, so consider what type of typing experience you value the most when making your decision. In the end, both switches offer their own unique benefits, so you can't go wrong with either choice.
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