TTC Gold Red vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Silent Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, both of which are linear switches, it becomes apparent that each offers unique advantages for different types of users. The Gold Red is well-regarded for its buttery smooth typing experience and light-medium level of resistance, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow provides a quieter typing experience, making it ideal for those who value a noiseless environment. 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
2.20 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
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Silent Yellow, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting as its translucency allows for better illumination. However, the Gold Red and Silent Yellow differ in their bottom housing material, with the Gold Red using nylon. Nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound profile as it absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in bottom housing material may impact the overall typing experience and sound of each switch.
Despite both switches using polycarbonate for their top housing, the different bottom housing materials of the Gold Red and Silent Yellow can lead to varying typing experiences. The Gold Red's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound profile, while the Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing may offer a slightly different tactile feel when typing. The split between top and bottom housing qualities means that pressing down on the switches will showcase the characteristics of the respective bottom housing material, influencing the overall sound and feel of typing on each switch. This distinction highlights the importance of considering both top and bottom housing materials when selecting a switch for a mechanical keyboard.
While the differences in housing materials between the TTC Gold Red and Outemu Silent Yellow may impact the typing experience, the use of polycarbonate in both switches' top housings ensures a similar sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. The nylon bottom housings of the Gold Red and Silent Yellow, though offering contrasting sound profiles, provide a fuller and more absorbent typing experience. Ultimately, whether one prefers a sharper sound profile with the Gold Red's polycarbonate and nylon housing combination or a deeper sound with the Silent Yellow's nylon housing throughout, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
The TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch have notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Red has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Silent Yellow's heavier 65 grams. Similarly, the Gold Red has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Yellow's heavier 80 grams. This means that the Gold Red switch is lighter overall, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow switch is heavier, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Overall, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different needs and preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom, which is what you feel when you press down on a key. In this case, both switches offer the same experience in terms of travel distance. Therefore, whether you choose the TTC Gold Red or the Outemu Silent Yellow, you can expect similar results in terms of key travel.
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 Yellow 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 comparing the sound of the TTC Gold Red linear switch to the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is clear that the Gold Red switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile that adds a touch of personality to your typing experience. In contrast, the sound profile of the Silent Yellow switch is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of sound. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is known for providing a mild and silky typing experience with a subtle and polished feel. These qualities result in a smooth and refined typing experience that is comfortable for extended use. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow switch is unknown, making it challenging to compare the two switches based on feel alone. However, it can be assumed that both switches may offer a similar level of smoothness and comfort due to their linear switch design.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red linear switch stands out for its thocky sound profile and silky typing feel, making it a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch are unknown, it is likely that both switches will provide a similar level of typing comfort and smoothness due to their linear design. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, consider your preference for typing resistance and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a snappy sound profile, the Gold Red switch with its 50g bottom out force and thocky, low-pitched sound may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier typing experience with a silent operation, the Silent Yellow switch with its 80g bottom out force may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound characteristics. Evaluate your typing preferences carefully to determine which switch will best suit your needs.
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