TTC Gold Silver vs. Outemu Phoenix
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Outemu Phoenix switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, it's important to note their distinct characteristics. The TTC Gold Silver is renowned for its rapid responsiveness and shortened travel, resulting in a decisive and solid bottom-out with each keystroke. This switch offers a harmonious blend of speed, sound, and fluidity, making it an ideal choice for those seeking precision and efficiency in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix stands out for its unique under-skirt click mechanism, providing a crystal-clear and sparkling sound profile that is unmatched by other clicky switches. While the Gold Silver excels in its polished and thocky typing experience, the Phoenix offers a crunchy and polished 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Outemu Phoenix, both switches feature polycarbonate top housing which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to be used with RGB lighting. However, while the Gold Silver has a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound, the Phoenix features a polycarbonate bottom housing that maintains the sharper and crisper sound associated with polycarbonate.
In terms of design, the Gold Silver's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offers a unique blend of sound qualities. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing ensures a sharper and crisper sound. On the other hand, the Phoenix's consistent use of polycarbonate throughout its housing creates a more unified sound profile with sharpness and clarity. This difference in housing materials results in distinct typing experiences for users of each switch.
Overall, whether you choose the Gold Silver or the Outemu Phoenix, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with unique sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in the housing of both switches ensures a sharp and resonant sound, with the difference lying in the additional qualities brought by the nylon bottom housing of the Gold Silver. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, which has an unknown actuation force. The bottom out force for the Gold Silver switch is not available, while the Phoenix switch has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. Those who prefer a light touch when typing may find the Gold Silver switch more suitable for extended use, such as for work or gaming sessions. In contrast, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Phoenix switch for its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring users can find the ideal match for their typing style.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, while the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. The Gold Silver has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Phoenix, which may provide a slightly more tactile feel when pressing down on the keys. However, the difference in travel distance is minimal, so in terms of overall user experience, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference for the slight variation in travel distance.
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 Phoenix comes in at $4.15 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 offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying auditory experience with each key press. The neutral sound profile makes it versatile for various environments, whether you're typing at home or in a shared workspace. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch is described as crunchy, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, offering a unique and textured sound experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Gold Silver focusing on a deep and rich tone while the Phoenix provides a more tactile and crunchy auditory feedback.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Gold Silver and Phoenix switches are described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Gold Silver switch also features a silky and mild typing feel, with a subtle resistance that maintains a light touch suitable for various typing styles. Similarly, the Phoenix switch provides a polished feel, ensuring a sleek typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer a comfortable and smooth typing experience, with the Gold Silver leaning towards a gentler typing feel while the Phoenix focuses on a refined and smooth key travel.
Overall, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Silver excels in providing a deep and satisfying sound with a gentle and smooth typing experience, while the Phoenix stands out with its crunchy sound profile and polished key feel. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, providing a diverse range of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, whether you choose the Gold Silver for its thocky sound and mild feel or the Phoenix for its crunchy sound and polished key travel, you can expect both switches to deliver a premium typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, you should consider your priorities and preferences. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness, smooth keystrokes, and a resonant sound signature, the Gold Silver linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a unique clicky switch with a crystalline and sparkling sound profile, the Phoenix clicky switch may be more appealing to you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to whether you value speed and precision or a distinctive and satisfying clicky sound in your typing experience. Consider your typing style and preferences to determine which switch would best suit your needs.
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