TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Outemu Silent Grey each offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The TTC Gold Brown Pro is favored for its subtle tactile feedback, presenting a gentle bump that allows typists to engage fully with their work while remaining undistracted by overt auditory or tactile signals. Its low-pitched and silky feel makes it an excellent option for those who value a more discreet yet satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey provides a more pronounced tactile bump, giving a satisfying resistance that some users find deeply enjoyable, all while maintaining a notably quiet operation. This combination of a smooth keystroke and high tactility makes the Silent Grey ideal for typists who prefer a more pronounced response without the noise often associated with mechanical switches. Both switches have their merits depending on your typing style and environment; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Outemu Silent Grey, one finds striking similarities, particularly in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches capitalize on the benefits of polycarbonate, which is known for providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This effect is largely due to polycarbonate’s stiffer nature, promoting clarity and resonance during keystrokes. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for users who favor RGB lighting, as it enhances the aesthetic appeal by allowing light to shine through vibrantly. With both the Gold Brown Pro and the Silent Grey featuring polycarbonate top housings, users can expect a similarly striking illumination when using these switches in a lit environment.
On the opposite end, both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and Outemu Silent Grey utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is renowned in the keyboard world for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributable to its softer composition that dampens the impact of keystrokes. As a result, when typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing, users will experience a duller yet rounder sound compared to those switches with harder materials. The use of nylon in both switches fosters a sense of consistency in the tactile feedback and auditory experience, making both an appealing choice for users looking for that comforting tactile response during extended typing sessions.
Since both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Outemu Silent Grey share the same type of materials not only in their top housings but also in their bottom housings, the resulting performance can be quite comparable. The polycarbonate top amplifies the brightness and clarity of keystrokes, while the nylon bottom contributes to the richness and softness of the auditory output. Users can thus predictably anticipate similar results in terms of both sound profile and overall tactile feedback, allowing for a cohesive typing experience across both switch options. In essence, while each switch may carry its unique branding and design elements, the material choices firmly align to create a unified auditory experience.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch both offer distinct actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different preferences. The Gold Brown Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Silent Grey requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This makes the Gold Brown Pro the lighter option, which may be preferable for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it can reduce finger fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Brown Pro is listed as unavailable, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison in this aspect. In contrast, the Silent Grey has a defined bottom out force of 65 grams, classified as medium-heavy. This suggests that while the actuation forces differ, users of the Silent Grey will experience a firmer bottoming out feel, which some may find more satisfying for a substantial typing experience. Overall, those seeking a lighter switch may favor the Gold Brown Pro, while those looking for a stronger feedback should lean toward the Outemu Silent Grey.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch differ in their travel distances, with the Gold Brown Pro measuring 3.8 mm and the Silent Grey at 4 mm. This means that the Silent Grey offers a longer travel distance, providing users with a more pronounced keypress feel, which some may find desirable for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Gold Brown Pro may appeal to gamers who prioritize faster response times for their inputs. While both switches have their merits depending on user preference, the distinct difference in travel distance suggests that users seeking a more responsive and quicker actuation may prefer the Gold Brown Pro, while those favoring a deeper, more substantial key press would likely gravitate towards the Silent Grey.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 considering sound, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch is known for its thocky, low-pitched profile, delivering a deep and rich auditory experience that is both satisfying and subtle. It produces a neutral sound that is well-suited for a variety of environments, making it ideal for both home and office use. This means you can expect a keystroke that doesn’t draw attention to itself, allowing for an immersive typing experience. In contrast, details about the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Grey switch are unknown, making it difficult to compare directly. However, from its description, we can infer that it is designed to provide a quiet typing atmosphere, further supporting the notion of a subdued sound profile akin to that of the Gold Brown Pro.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is lauded for its polished and silky texture, allowing for a smooth and refined typing experience. The mild and subtle tactile feedback provided by these switches makes them approachable for both new and experienced users, creating a comfortable typing environment ideal for extended use. The stepped nature of this switch adds to its charm, offering just the right amount of tactile response without feeling overwhelming. Unfortunately, the feel characteristics of the Outemu Silent Grey switch remain unknown, leaving a gap in direct comparison. However, its labeling as a tactile switch suggests it likely offers a satisfying typing experience, though the degree and nature of that feedback are unclear.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Outemu Silent Grey exhibit an affinity for quiet and tactile experiences, though the Gold Brown Pro stands out due to its well-defined sound and feel characteristics. While the Gold Brown Pro offers a profoundly polished and nuanced typing experience with a pleasing audio signature, the specifics of the Silent Grey’s performance remain ambiguous. Therefore, while you may potentially achieve a similar quiet typing environment with the Outemu Silent Grey, the TTC Gold Brown Pro provides a more detailed and refined tactile experience that many users seek in a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider your personal preferences and typing environment. If you value a more subtle tactile experience that allows for immersion in your work, the Gold Brown Pro is an excellent choice. Its gentle feel, polished smoothness, and low sound profile make it particularly suitable for shared spaces, enabling you to type quietly without drawing attention to each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback coupled with a satisfying yet silent typing experience, the Silent Grey is the way to go. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force and satisfying bump make it ideal for typists who enjoy a more defined response without the associated noise. Therefore, whether you prioritize subtlety and silence or pronounced tactile feedback, these switches cater to different needs; choose one that aligns best with your typing style and environment.
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