TTC Gold Red vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Silent Ocean both offer a linear typing experience. The Gold Red is favored for its smooth and buttery typing feel, coupled with a light-medium level of resistance. This switch also emits a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality without being overpowering. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean is known for its silent operation, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter 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
45g
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
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 TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Silent Ocean both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in switches. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Gold Red and Silent Ocean differ in their nylon bottom housing. 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 sound.
While both the Gold Red and Silent Ocean utilize polycarbonate top housings to create a similar sound profile, the difference in their nylon bottom housings sets them apart. The Nylon bottom housing of the Gold Red produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Silent Ocean's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound quality. The split qualities of the housing materials affect the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and Outemu Silent Ocean play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile of the switches. While they both use polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound, the distinction lies in their nylon bottom housing, where the Gold Red offers a deeper sound profile and the Silent Ocean provides a duller tone. Understanding the impact of housing materials on switch sound can help users select the ideal switch for their typing preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch offer distinct typing experiences. The Gold Red has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Silent Ocean has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a noticeably heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Those who enjoy a stronger push when typing may appreciate the Silent Ocean's medium-heavy force. When comparing the two switches, the Gold Red is lighter overall, while the Silent Ocean is heavier, offering users the option to choose based on their personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of the two switches, it can be noted that both provide a similar tactile experience for users. The travel distance of 4 mm allows for a comfortable keystroke while still providing the necessary feedback to the user. Whether using the Gold Red or the Silent Ocean switch, users can expect a consistent typing experience with a satisfying key travel distance. Ultimately, the similarities in travel distance between these two switches make them both reliable choices for those looking for a linear switch option.
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 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 TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, which is neutral and provides a deep, rich typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch's sound profile is unknown. Both switches will provide a quiet typing experience due to their linear design, making them suitable for shared spaces.
Moving on to feel, the Gold Red switch provides a mild and silky typing experience, with subtle resistance and a polished finish for smooth key travel. In contrast, the feel of the Silent Ocean switch is not explicitly described. Both switches are linear, offering a consistent feel without any tactile bump, which may appeal to users who prefer a smooth keystroke.
Overall, the TTC Gold Red and Outemu Silent Ocean linear switches both offer a smooth and quiet typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. While the Gold Red switch has a known sound and feel profile, the characteristics of the Silent Ocean switch remain unclear. Therefore, if you are looking for a linear switch with a balanced sound and feel, either option would provide similar results, with the primary difference likely being in personal preference or availability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a light-medium level of resistance and a buttery smooth typing experience with a snappy sound profile, the Gold Red switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a silent typing experience, the Silent Ocean switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so make sure to choose the one that aligns best with your typing style.
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