TTC Gold Brown vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the TTC Gold Brown, a tactile switch, and the Cherry MX Silent Red, a linear switch. The Gold Brown switch is known for its balanced feel, offering a slight satisfying bump and moderate weightiness, while also producing a softer sound profile compared to many other switches. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red is a variant of the classic MX Red switch, providing a similar typing experience with a quieter sound profile, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. When choosing between these switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Cherry MX Silent Red, we find that both switches use nylon for their bottom housing. This means that typing on both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic properties that absorb more sound. However, the Gold Brown utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the MX Silent Red features a nylon top housing, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in top housing material will impact the sound when pressing and releasing a key on each switch.
While both the Gold Brown and MX Silent Red switches use nylon for their bottom housing, their top housing materials set them apart in terms of sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown produces a clearer and resonant sound, ideal for those who prefer a sharper typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red creates a softer and more muted sound, perfect for users looking for a quieter typing experience. Despite the similar bottom housing material, the top housing materials of these switches greatly influence the overall sound and feel of typing on each switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown and the Cherry MX Silent Red will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The Gold Brown's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, while the MX Silent Red's nylon top housing provides a softer and more rounded sound. Both switches share the benefits of using nylon for the bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Whether you prefer a more resonant typing experience with the Gold Brown or a quieter typing experience with the MX Silent Red, both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Gold Brown requires more force to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gold Brown has a bottom out force of 63 grams while the MX Silent Red's bottom out force is unknown. Overall, the Gold Brown switch is heavier in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the MX Silent Red. This makes the Gold Brown switch more suitable for users who prefer a firmer typing experience. Conversely, the MX Silent Red switch may be more appealing to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the MX Silent Red the shorter option compared to the Gold Brown. The difference in travel distance may not seem significant, but for those who are sensitive to keypress depth, it can make a noticeable impact on typing or gaming experience. Gamers who prefer faster response times may lean towards the shorter travel distance of the MX Silent Red, while those who enjoy a deeper keypress may opt for the Gold Brown. Both switches offer a balance between key travel distance and feedback, but the slight variance in distance can cater to different preferences. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference in terms of keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 Gold Brown tactile switch provides a balanced and moderately soft sound profile that is suitable for various environments. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offers a significantly quieter and more muted sound due to its design specifically aimed at reducing noise. The Gold Brown has a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches, while the MX Silent Red produces a thocky, low-pitched sound, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown switch offers a mild and satisfying typing experience with a slight bump and moderate weightiness, providing a balanced and approachable feel for most users. It is described as buttery and accented, providing a smooth and effortless keystroke with a prominent amount of tactility. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as having a textured feel, indicating noticeable friction when pressed. This may be preferred by some users but can differ from the smoother typing experience of the Gold Brown.
Overall, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold Brown provides a balanced and satisfying typing experience with a softer sound profile, the MX Silent Red is designed for quieter operation in noise-sensitive environments. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and the specific typing environment.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a balanced and moderately weighted tactile switch with a softer sound profile, the TTC Gold Brown would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent typing experience with a slightly heavier feel but still want a satisfying keypress, the Cherry MX Silent Red would suit your needs perfectly. Consider your preferences for sound and feel when making your decision between these two switches, as they both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown and the Cherry MX Silent Red will depend on your individual typing style and environment requirements.
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