TTC Flame Red vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that cater to different preferences and styles. The TTC Flame Red switch stands out not only for its typing experience but also for its striking visual appeal, featuring a dazzling light diffuser that enhances the aesthetics of any backlit or RGB keyboard. Users can enjoy a weighty smoothness with a mild, clacky sound profile, making it a delightful choice for those who appreciate tactile feedback as well as a vibrant display. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green switch, while lacking prominent standout features, offers a quiet linear typing experience that can be ideal for users in shared workspaces or for late-night gaming sessions where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Each switch presents its unique benefits—whether it’s the Flame Red’s engaging visuals and satisfying acoustics or the Silent Green’s serene operation. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the TTC Flame Red and the Outemu Silent Green switches, a notable distinction lies in the materials used for their respective housings. The TTC Flame Red features both a nylon top and bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, effectively absorbs sound waves, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience that some users find particularly pleasant for typing. This cohesive material choice for both the top and bottom housings means that the acoustic signature remains consistent throughout the switch, allowing for a seamless typing experience characterized by richer sound modulation.
In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which distinctly influences the resulting sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a sharper and crisper auditory feedback, making each keystroke more pronounced in clarity and resonance. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for those who prefer the tactile feel of their switches complemented by a more articulated sound. The use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings, similar to the consistency found in the Flame Red, allows the Silent Green to maintain a uniform sound and feel, albeit with a considerably different tonal output.
Despite their differing housing materials, both switch types can create satisfying typing experiences for users looking for distinctive sound profiles. The TTC Flame Red, with its nylon construction, will yield a solid blend of warmth and depth, while the Outemu Silent Green, with polycarbonate, offers a brighter and more vibrant response. Users who prioritize ambient sound quality may gravitate towards the Flame Red, whereas those seeking clarity and resonance will likely prefer the Silent Green. Regardless of material, both switches can deliver a gratifying tactile experience, albeit through very different auditory pathways, highlighting the impact of housing materials on keyboard performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that they will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the force needed to register a keystroke. However, the bottom out forces differ: the Flame Red switch features a bottom out force of 54 grams, while the Silent Green switch has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. This difference means that the Silent Green switch offers a more substantial push feel when bottoming out, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Consequently, the Flame Red is the lighter option overall, making it potentially better suited for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Silent Green caters to those desiring a bit more resistance and feedback in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in terms of the distance traveled from the top to the bottom of each switch. This similarity ensures that users will experience comparable keypress responses and feedback when using either switch, providing a consistent typing experience. Since both switches have the same travel distance, individuals looking to achieve similar results in their typing or gaming performance can confidently choose either option without concern for differences in travel length.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Flame Red linear switch is characterized by a neutral sound profile, making it versatile enough for various settings, whether at home or in the office. This balanced sound allows it to appeal to both beginners and advanced users alike, as it doesn't have any harsh or overly loud characteristics that might cause distraction. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch lacks any specific sound profile details, leaving its auditory experience less defined. As sound can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps, both switches may perform differently depending on the chosen setup.
In terms of feel, the Flame Red excels with a mild, polished experience. It offers a gentle and approachable typing sensation that ensures a smooth key travel due to its refined finish, which may come from quality materials or factory lubrication. This creates an overall pleasurable experience that is accessible to nearly all users, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. The Silent Green, however, has no specific feel characteristics listed, leaving its tactile experience more ambiguous. Depending on user preferences, the Flame Red is more likely to provide a consistently enjoyable feel.
In conclusion, while the TTC Flame Red offers a well-rounded combination of neutral sound and a pleasant, polished feel, the Outemu Silent Green lacks specific defining qualities. If you want a reliable experience, the Flame Red shines with its mild, smooth operation and suitability for both work and play. By choosing either switch, you may achieve a satisfactory typing experience, but the Flame Red is certainly the more defined and reliable option for those seeking specific auditory and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch ultimately depends on your individual preferences and typing environment. If you appreciate a moderate actuation force with a touch of visual flair for your backlit or RGB keyboard, the Flame Red is an excellent choice, providing a smooth and polished experience that's suitable for both casual and focused typing. Its neutral sound profile, coupled with a lighter bottom-out force, makes it versatile for various settings, from home to office use. On the other hand, if you prefer a firmer typing experience with a slightly greater resistance, the Silent Green may be more to your liking, assuming you're not particularly wedded to aesthetics or sound characteristics. However, it's worth noting that the Silent Green doesn't stand out as much in terms of unique features, which could make it less appealing if you're looking for a standout switch. Overall, consider the setting in which you'll be using the keyboard and your personal comfort with actuation forces to make the best choice between these two switches.