TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer unique advantages catered to different preferences. The Gold Red Pro is celebrated for its versatility, providing a smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature suitable for various environments and activities. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey is favored for its quiet operation and tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who crave a satisfying yet silent typing experience. 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
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
18.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Outemu Silent Grey utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for switch housing materials that aim to showcase lighting effects. With similar characteristics in their top housing material, users can expect consistent and comparable results in terms of sound and aesthetics.
In contrast, the Gold Red Pro features a nylon bottom housing that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Silent Grey also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering similar acoustic qualities to the typing experience. Despite variations in their top housing materials, both switches share the characteristic of using nylon for their bottom housings, providing users with a consistent sound profile in terms of depth and richness.
When comparing the impact of the bottom and top housings on the overall sound and feel of the switches, it is evident that the qualities of each housing material are distributed accordingly. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when users press down on the switch, thanks to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. Conversely, the top housing has a more pronounced effect on the sound produced when releasing a key, delivering a clear and resonant sound profile attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Ultimately, these distinctions highlight the importance of housing materials in shaping the overall typing experience and sound characteristics of mechanical switches.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch reveals some notable differences. The Gold Red Pro has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, while the Silent Grey requires 50 grams to actuate. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro lacks a specified bottom out force, whereas the Silent Grey has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. In terms of weight, the Gold Red Pro leans towards a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue can be a concern. In contrast, the Silent Grey offers a more substantial typing feel with its heavier bottom out force, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Overall, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Gold Red Pro providing a lighter touch and the Silent Grey offering a heavier feel for typing enthusiasts.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the most common, the Gold Red Pro offers a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers may appreciate the faster response time of the Gold Red Pro, while those who prefer a more deliberate key press may lean towards the Silent Grey. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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 it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched typing experience with a neutral sound profile, perfect for a variety of environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch provides a quiet typing experience, making it ideal for those seeking a satisfying and silent keystroke.
In terms of feel, the Gold Red Pro switch is known for its polished and silky typing experience, providing a smooth and refined feel with minimal friction. It also offers a mild and subtle resistance, making it approachable to most users. On the contrary, information on the tactile feel of the Outemu Silent Grey switch is not available, but based on its silent nature, it likely offers a smooth and gentle tactile experience.
Overall, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch excels in versatility, delivering a neutral sound profile and a smooth, polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is perfect for those looking for a quiet typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users in various settings.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a smooth and versatile typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Gold Red Pro is an excellent choice for any setting. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet and tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump, the Silent Grey switch is perfect for those seeking a satisfying and silent typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the environment in which you plan to use the keyboard. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different user needs, so choose the one that best aligns with your preferences and typing style.
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