TTC Gold Silver vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Silver and Outemu Silent Grey offer unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Gold Silver is hailed for its rapid responsiveness, featuring a shortened travel distance that culminates in a solid bottom-out for a satisfying keystroke experience. In contrast, the Silent Grey provides a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke that appeals to those seeking a satisfying yet silent switch. While the Gold Silver excels in speed, sound, and fluidity, the Silent Grey prioritizes quietness and tactility. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
The TTC Gold Silver and the Outemu Silent Grey both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic material. This results in a more clear and resonant sound, making polycarbonate a popular choice for switches with RGB lighting. The nylon bottom housings of both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile, with nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Despite both switches sharing similar housing materials, the key difference lies in how the qualities of each material are distributed throughout the switch. The Gold Silver has a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, leading to a mix of sharp and deep sound profiles when typing. In contrast, the Silent Grey features polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings, resulting in a more consistent sharp and crisp sound profile throughout typing. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on the distribution of their housing materials.
Overall, the use of different materials in the top and bottom housings impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. This distinction allows for a more dynamic typing experience, with each switch offering a unique combination of sharpness, depth, and resonance based on the materials used in their housings.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is evident that the Gold Silver is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Silent Grey's 50 grams. On the other hand, the Silent Grey has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience compared to the Gold Silver, which has an unknown bottom out force. The lighter actuation force of the Gold Silver may be preferred by individuals who type for long periods or engage in extended gaming sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the Silent Grey may appeal to those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer different levels of force feedback, catering to the preferences of users seeking lighter or heavier typing experiences.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Gold Silver offers a slightly quicker key press due to the shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Silent Grey provides a bit more depth and tactility with its longer travel distance, which can be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke feel. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in choosing between the two.
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 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 Silver linear switch is characterized by a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deep and satisfying acoustic experience. This switch's neutral sound profile makes it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is designed to provide a quiet typing experience, without specific descriptors of its sound qualities provided. It is important to note that the sound of both switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When discussing the feel of the switches, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch is praised for its polished, silky, mild, and subtle characteristics, offering a refined and smooth typing experience with gentle resistance. This switch strikes a balance between smoothness and tactility, making it a versatile option for various users. Although specific feel descriptors are not provided for the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is known for its highly tactile nature, providing a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke for a satisfying typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch excels in providing a rapid and precise typing experience with a deep and satisfying sound profile, while also offering a polished and silky feel for a smooth and refined keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is a great choice for those seeking a quiet and tactile typing experience, without specific sound and feel descriptors provided. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences and typing needs, ensuring that users can achieve similar levels of satisfaction depending on their individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Silver linear switch or the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness, a smooth keystroke, and a resonant sound signature, the TTC Gold Silver switch might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, then the Outemu Silent Grey switch could be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on whether you value speed and precision or a satisfyingly silent and tactile typing experience. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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