TTC Gold Silver vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch to the Outemu Red linear switch, both offer distinctive qualities that may appeal to different types of keyboard users. The TTC Gold Silver is celebrated for its rapid responsiveness, providing a decisive and solid bottom-out with each keystroke. It delivers a smooth journey from press to bottoming out, harmonized by a resonant sound signature. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch lacks a specific standout feature, but it is known for its reliability and affordability. While the TTC Gold Silver is polished, thocky, low-pitched, and silky, the Outemu Red is a more neutral and subtle option. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your 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
45g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Outemu Red switches, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. This material helps create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for both switches. However, despite the similarities in the top housing material, the Gold Silver features a nylon bottom housing, while the Red also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing.
The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both the Gold Silver and the Outemu Red switches results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This means that the feeling and sound when bottoming out a key will be impacted by the bottom housing material, providing a different typing experience compared to switches with different bottom housing materials. While both switches share the same bottom housing material, they each have unique top housing materials that affect the sound profile when releasing a key.
Overall, the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Outemu Red switches show a mix of similarities and differences. Both switches use polycarbonate top housings to create a sharp and clear sound profile, especially favorable for RGB lighting effects. The use of nylon in the bottom housing brings a deeper and fuller sound when typing, with the softer material influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. While the top and bottom housing materials impact different aspects of typing experience, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetics with these switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, we can see that the Gold Silver has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Red's 46 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Silver is unknown, while the Red has a bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the Outemu Red switch requires a slightly stronger push to fully press down the key compared to the TTC Gold Silver. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gold Silver switch, as it has a lower actuation force. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Outemu Red switch with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer their own unique typing experience, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Gold Silver has a shorter travel distance compared to the Red switch, making it more suitable for those who prefer quicker response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch with a longer travel distance may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more substantial key press feel. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, with the Gold Silver being shorter and the Red being longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver for $2.90.
The Outemu Red 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
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch is renowned for its rapid responsiveness and decisive bottom-out, creating a satisfying sense of closure with each keystroke. This switch also produces a thocky and low-pitched sound, accompanied by a neutral tone that is suitable for various uses. The feel of the Gold Silver switch is polished and silky, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with mild and subtle characteristics that cater to a wide range of users. In comparison, the Outemu Red linear switch does not have specific descriptions available for its sound or feel. However, based on the features of the Gold Silver switch, it can be inferred that the Red switch may offer similar qualities in terms of speed, fluidity, sound, and feel. Ultimately, both switches may provide a comparable typing experience, with slight variations depending on personal preference and setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, consider the specific qualities each switch offers. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness, precise bottoming out, a resonant sound signature, and a smooth keystroke journey, then the TTC Gold Silver switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and are looking for a linear switch without specific descriptors for sound and feel, the Outemu Red switch could be a suitable option. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure you have the best mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
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