TTC Gold Red vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Silent Green mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to consider their unique features and characteristics. The Gold Red linear switches are celebrated for their buttery smooth typing experience and light-medium level of resistance, providing a satisfyingly tactile feel. The snappy sound profile of the Gold Red adds a touch of personality without being too loud. On the other hand, the Silent Green linear switches are known for their silent operation, making them ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. The Silent Green switch also boasts a smooth feel, although it lacks the audible feedback of the Gold Red. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Red and the Outemu Silent Green, we can see that both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for better light diffusion, making it ideal for RGB lighting setups. However, while both switches share this material for the top housing, they differ in their bottom housing material. The Gold Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, while the Silent Green features a polycarbonate bottom housing, emphasizing a sharper and clearer sound profile.
Despite the similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Silent Green differ significantly in their bottom housing material. The nylon bottom housing of the Gold Red contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder overall tone. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Green maintains the switch's sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, emphasizing clarity and resonance. These differences in bottom housing material showcase how the choice of material can greatly impact the sound and feel of a mechanical switch.
Overall, the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Silent Green play a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, providing a common basis for a sharp and clear sound profile, their differing bottom housing materials create distinct characteristics. The Gold Red's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, while the Silent Green's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound profile. Understanding how these housing materials interact with each other can help enthusiasts tailor their keyboard setup to achieve the desired typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, we can see that the Gold Red is lighter in both aspects. The Gold Red has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Green has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The Gold Red is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, making it a more suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Green offers a slightly heavier typing experience, which may be preferred by users who like a bit more resistance when typing. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, so users can expect similar results in terms of overall typing experience despite the slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. 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. This results in a consistent typing experience for both switches, making them suitable for users who prefer a linear feel without any tactile feedback. The similar travel distance ensures that the keystrokes are equally responsive and comfortable for users of both switches, making it a matter of personal preference rather than a significant difference in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red for $3.28.
The Outemu Silent Green 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 TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile with a neutral tone, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is not available. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is described as mild, silky, subtle, and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. In contrast, details about the feel of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch are not provided. Both switches may offer a gentle typing experience, but the specific qualities of the Silent Green can't be compared without more information.
Overall, the TTC Gold Red linear switch appears to provide a buttery smooth typing experience with a snappy and modest sound profile, making it suitable for those looking for a smooth and refined typing experience with a touch of personality. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch remain unknown, if you are looking for a similar typing experience to the Gold Red, you may expect comparable results in terms of smoothness and resistance. It is always recommended to try out different switches to find the one that best suits your preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between TTC Gold Red linear switches and Outemu Silent Green linear switches, consider the level of resistance you prefer. If you prefer a lighter switch with a bottom out force of 50 grams and a buttery smooth typing experience, opt for the Gold Red. The snappy sound profile of the Gold Red adds a touch of personality without being too loud. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a bottom out force of 60 grams and a neutral sound profile, the Silent Green may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing feel, sound, and resistance level.