KTT Cream Yellow vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options worth considering are the KTT Cream Yellow and the TTC Silent Red. The Cream Yellow switch is renowned for its distinctive clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem that provides resonant audio feedback. Additionally, the lengthened spring offers a uniquely bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Silent Reds are perfect for those seeking a smooth and seamless typing experience without the accompanying noise. With a muted sound profile, these switches are ideal for office or shared living spaces. They provide a smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom, with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. Both switches have their own strengths and advantages, however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.

By the numbers

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

TTC Silent Red Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Cream Yellow and TTC Silent Red both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the transparent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows for the illumination to shine through. Therefore, users can expect similar sound qualities and aesthetic benefits from the polycarbonate top housing in both switches.

On the other hand, the housing materials differ when it comes to the bottom housing. The Cream Yellow features a nylon bottom housing, while the Silent Red utilizes the same material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that is able to absorb more sound than harder plastics. Therefore, typing on switches with nylon bottom housing results in a duller and rounder sound. As such, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound from both the Cream Yellow and Silent Red.

It is important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housings play different roles in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the user presses down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound produced when the user releases the key. Ultimately, while the Cream Yellow and Silent Red share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect slightly different sound profiles based on the housing materials used in each switch.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow and the TTC Silent Red linear switches, there are some notable differences. The actuation force of the Cream Yellow is slightly heavier, coming in at 50 grams, whereas the Silent Red requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have a medium level of actuation force, making them suitable for those who prefer a balanced typing experience.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Cream Yellow requires 58 grams, while the Silent Red demands a slightly higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that the Silent Red has a heavier feel when pressing all the way down on the keys compared to the Cream Yellow.

Considering the weight aspect, those who enjoy a lighter typing experience might find the Silent Red more suitable for longer periods of usage, making it an ideal choice for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and pronounced keystroke may opt for the Cream Yellow with its heavier actuation force and bottom out force.

Overall, while the Cream Yellow and Silent Red linear switches differ slightly in their actuation and bottom out forces, they both fall within the medium range. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience, with the choice ultimately depending on personal preference for lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that there is a slight difference between the two. The Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Though both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are increasingly popular, the Silent Red offers a bit more depth. For gamers seeking faster response times, the Cream Yellow with its shorter travel distance may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on keys may find the Silent Red, with its longer travel distance, to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or key depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Cream Yellow switch is best known for its distinctively clacky sound. When pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch is designed to provide a muted sound profile. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch, making it perfect for office or shared living space use. It minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.

In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch offers a uniquely bouncy typing experience. It provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch is described as buttery. It provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the Silent Red switch has a mild characteristic, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced qualities. It is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This is achieved through either the materials used or factory lubing, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the Cream Yellow and Silent Red switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow switch produces a distinctively clacky sound and has a uniquely bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch provides a muted sound profile and a smooth, buttery typing experience. If you prefer a sharp and snappy sound with a lively feel, the Cream Yellow switch would be the better choice. However, if you prioritize a quieter sound and a seamless, effortless typing sensation, the Silent Red switch is the perfect option. Keep in mind that individual preferences may vary, and it is important to consider other factors such as keycap and board choices to achieve the desired typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a distinct and clacky typing experience, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is the way to go. It offers a shortened bottom-out distance and a long-pole stem, resulting in a resonant audio feedback that is crisp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, the Cream Yellow switch has a uniquely bouncy typing feel, thanks to its lengthened spring. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is the perfect choice. These switches have a muted sound profile, making them ideal for office or shared living spaces. They offer a smooth, consistent feel from top to bottom and provide a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. Overall, the Cream Yellow switch is best suited for those who prefer a clacky and bouncy typing experience, while the Silent Red switch is ideal for those seeking a quiet and buttery smooth keystroke.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more