TTC Gold Brown vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Outemu Silent Ocean 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 Outemu Silent Ocean, a linear switch. The Gold Brown is renowned for its balanced feel, offering a slight bump and moderate weightiness that provides a satisfying typing experience. It also features a rounded sound profile that is softer compared to other switches, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean is a linear switch that is known for its silence, lacking any defined tactile bump or audible click. This makes it ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept low. However, beyond these generalities, it's important to delve deeper into the specific characteristics of each switch to determine which one best suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches both feature polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. In terms of sound, both switches will offer a clear and resonant tone thanks to the polycarbonate top housing.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Gold Brown and Silent Ocean switches differ with the Gold Brown utilizing nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a deeper sound profile. The use of nylon in the bottom housing allows for a different tactile and auditory experience compared to the polycarbonate top housing.
Ultimately, the choice of housing materials in a switch can significantly impact the overall typing experience. While both the Gold Brown and Silent Ocean switches benefit from the acoustic properties of polycarbonate in their top housings, the use of nylon for the bottom housings creates a distinct tactile and auditory response. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile from polycarbonate or a deeper, fuller tone from nylon, these two switches offer different options for customization based on housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Brown requires a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Silent Ocean's 45 grams. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Gold Brown is lighter at 63 grams while the Silent Ocean is slightly heavier at 65 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range of force, providing a balanced typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Silent Ocean for longer typing sessions, while users seeking a more substantial keypress may find the Gold Brown more suitable for a solid typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This results in a consistent typing or gaming experience regardless of which switch you choose. Both switches offer a moderate travel distance that provides a satisfying tactile response while also being relatively quiet. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is equal, making them both great options for users looking for a comfortable typing experience.
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 Outemu Silent Ocean 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
In terms of sound, the Gold Brown switch offers a balanced and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and users. It has a softer sound compared to most switches while still providing a satisfying bump feedback. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Ocean switch is not available, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Brown switch is described as mild, buttery, accented, and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with a smooth and fluid keystroke. The tactile feedback is prominent yet not overwhelming, providing a comfortable typing sensation. In contrast, information on the feel of the Outemu Silent Ocean switch is not provided, making it challenging to assess how it compares to the Gold Brown switch in terms of tactile experience.
Overall, the Gold Brown tactile switch is known for its balanced sound profile and comfortable typing feel, suitable for a wide range of users. While the information about the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is limited, it is important to consider individual preferences and needs when choosing between these two switches. If you are looking for a switch with a softer sound profile and medium tactile feedback, the Gold Brown switch may be a suitable choice. However, without more information on the Silent Ocean switch, it is difficult to provide a direct comparison between the two. Ultimately, trying out both switches or seeking more detailed information would be beneficial in making an informed decision based on your specific preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you prefer a balanced switch with a slight bump and moderate weightiness, the Gold Brown may be the better choice for you. The Gold Brown offers a softer sound profile that is still audible but not too loud. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a slightly higher bottom out force, the Silent Ocean may be more suitable. The Silent Ocean offers a smooth and silent typing experience without any tactile feedback. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
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