TTC Gold Red vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch. The Gold Red is a linear switch known for its buttery smooth typing experience and light-medium resistance, providing a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality without being too loud. On the other hand, the Silent Grey offers a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke for satisfyingly silent typing sessions. While the Gold Red appeals to those who prefer a neutral and subtle typing experience, the Silent Grey is perfect for those who prioritize a silent and tactile feel. 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
50g
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
Standard
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 Red and the Outemu Silent Grey both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, creating a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall appearance of the switch. While both switches share the same material for the top housing, the unique design and construction of each switch may still result in slightly different sound profiles.
Contrasting with the polycarbonate top housing, the Gold Red and Silent Grey employ nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that can be more pleasing to some users. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Overall, while both switches utilize similar materials for their housing, the difference in the top and bottom housing materials can lead to varying sound profiles and typing experiences. The split in qualities between the top and bottom housing allows for a unique combination of crispness and fullness in sound when typing on these switches. Whether you prefer a sharper and clearer sound with the Gold Red's polycarbonate top housing or a deeper and fuller sound with the Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their unique housing materials.
Weight
The TTC Gold Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, which has a higher actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Gold Red switch will require less force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Gold Red switch also has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Grey switch has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Silent Grey switch will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Gold Red switch would be a better option. On the other hand, users who prefer a more tactile and heavier typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Silent Grey switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches allows for a consistent typing experience in terms of the depth of the key press. Whether you choose the TTC Gold Red or the Outemu Silent Grey, you can expect to get similar results in terms of the travel distance when typing.
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 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched typing experience, with a neutral sound profile that is pleasing without being too loud. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch provides a quiet typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a more subtle and discreet sound while typing. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Gold Red providing a slightly more noticeable sound and the Silent Grey offering a quieter option for those seeking a more discreet typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Red linear switch provides a mild and silky typing experience, with subtle resistance and a polished finish that enhances the overall smoothness of typing. This switch offers a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users, making it a versatile option for different typing preferences. The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, on the other hand, offers a highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. This switch is perfect for users who enjoy a more tactile feel while typing, providing a satisfying tactile sensation with each key press.
Overall, both the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold Red switch provides a slightly more audible typing experience with a smooth and polished feel, the Silent Grey switch offers a quieter and highly tactile typing experience for those who prefer a more discreet and satisfying feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer great options for a personalized typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a noticeable sound profile or a more tactile typing feel.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a smooth and light typing experience with a snappy sound profile, the TTC Gold Red linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom-out force. Whether you prioritize a buttery smooth feel or a satisfying tactile feedback, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Consider these factors carefully to choose the switch that best suits your needs and enhances your typing experience.
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