TTC Flame Red vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Flame Red, a linear switch, and the Outemu Silent Grey, a tactile switch, it's important to consider various factors before making a decision on which switch to choose for your mechanical keyboard. The Flame Red stands out for its stunning light diffuser, making it ideal for those who prefer backlit RGB keyboards. Typing on these switches offers a smooth and weighty feel with a clacky sound profile, providing a unique experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is best known for its quiet and highly tactile typing experience, featuring a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke for a satisfying yet silent touch. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, but ultimately the decision comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a keyboard switch. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Outemu Silent Grey differ significantly in terms of the materials used. The Flame Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Silent Grey features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The clear nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, offering a visually appealing option for those interested in aesthetics.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Flame Red and the Silent Grey share similar nylon material, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile as a result of the softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This consistency in bottom housing material ensures that the typing experience on both switches will have similar characteristics, with a duller and rounder sound profile that enhances the overall typing feel. While the top housing may differ between the two switches, the shared bottom housing material allows for a consistent typing experience despite any potential differences in sound output when pressing down on the keys.
Overall, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing materials in switches like the Flame Red and the Silent Grey comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. The nylon housing offers a softer, deeper sound profile that absorbs more sound, providing a more muted typing experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is more resonant and clear. Whether you prefer the duller and rounder sound of nylon or the crisper and sharper sound of polycarbonate, both housing materials have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, we see that the Flame Red is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, while the Silent Grey is heavier with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The Flame Red offers a medium-light typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent Grey provides a medium-heavy feel, giving users a more substantial typing experience. Those who enjoy a stronger push may prefer the Silent Grey, while those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Flame Red. Both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, providing users with a choice based on their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. As a result, users can expect similar typing experiences in terms of the feel and travel of the switches. Since both switches have an equal travel distance, there is no significant difference in this aspect between the TTC Flame Red and Outemu Silent Grey switches.
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 Grey 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 Flame Red switch offers a neutral profile with a moderate actuation force requirement and a suitable sound for various purposes. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch is known for its quiet and tactile typing experience, making it ideal for those who value a satisfying yet silent keyboard. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Flame Red switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, making it a gentle and smooth option that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. In contrast, the Silent Grey switch offers a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, delivering a highly tactile typing experience for those who enjoy a more defined feedback. The feel of a switch can greatly impact the overall typing experience and user preference.
Taking all available information into account, the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Flame Red excels in providing a weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, along with a mild and polished typing feel. On the other hand, the Silent Grey stands out for its quiet and tactile experience, characterized by a pronounced bump and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a dazzling light diffuser and a weighty smoothness, the TTC Flame Red linear switch would be the ideal choice for you, especially if you have a backlit RGB keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision between the two switches will depend on your preference for visual aesthetics, typing experience, and sound profile. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so be sure to consider what matters most to you when making your selection.
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