TTC Iron vs. Outemu Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Iron and Outemu Red both fall into the linear category, yet they cater to slightly different preferences and experiences. The TTC Iron stands out with its light actuation and distinct clacky sound signature, delivering a unique auditory pleasure alongside its buttery smooth travel for fatigue-free typing sessions. This makes it particularly appealing for users who appreciate both tactile feedback and an engaging typing experience—perfect for enthusiasts and daily typists alike. On the other hand, the Outemu Red, while sharing the linear feature set, lacks a specific sound profile to highlight, resulting in a quieter and more subtle performance. This makes the Outemu Red a great choice for those who prioritize a more discreet typing experience, such as in shared workspaces or for late-night gaming sessions. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Iron Linear

Outemu Red Linear

$5.40

$4.30 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Iron and the Outemu Red switches, significant differences emerge that influence their sound and tactile experience. The TTC Iron features a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which provides a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Outemu Red’s polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound, resulting in a more resonant auditory experience. This distinction in materials directly affects the acoustic characteristics of the switches; the softer POM produces a mellower sound, whereas the stiffer polycarbonate amplifies higher frequencies, leading to a crisper overall output. Therefore, users seeking a muted sound might prefer the TTC Iron, while those looking for clarity and brightness may opt for the Outemu Red.

Examining the bottom housings reveals further contrasts between the two switches. The TTC Iron employs a POM bottom, which, like its top counterpart, fosters a unique sound that is deeper and more muted. Conversely, the Outemu Red is equipped with a nylon bottom housing, known for its absorption of sound, resulting in a full and rounded auditory experience. While the POM material in the Iron might provide consistency in sound across the switch, the nylon composition of the Outemu Red promotes a distinctly softer profile. This separation of materials in the bottom housing plays a crucial role; it primarily influences the impact of the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback, with nylon offering a more cushioned feel compared to POM.

Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the TTC Iron and the Outemu Red lead to varied auditory and tactile experiences. However, both switches share the potential for pleasing results, albeit through different sound profiles. If consumers desire the qualities of both materials, combining the distinct characteristics of POM with those of nylon can allow for a versatile switch experience, resulting in an interesting balance between subdued and crisp sounds. By understanding the way top and bottom housing qualities interact, users can tailor their choice based on their preference for sound and overall typing feel, ensuring satisfaction regardless of the choice between the two.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Iron linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Iron switch has a lighter actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Outemu Red switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams and exhibits a bottom out force of 62 grams, resulting in a firmer typing experience that some users may prefer for a more substantial feel. Overall, the TTC Iron is the lighter option, while the Outemu Red appeals to those who favor a heavier touch. Therefore, users looking for a more delicate keystroke should gravitate toward the Iron, while those desiring a stronger push should consider the Red.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Iron linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, a notable difference exists: the TTC Iron has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Red measures at 4 mm. This means that the Iron switch offers a shorter travel distance, which can contribute to a more responsive feel, particularly favored by gamers who seek quicker actuation for faster response times. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Red switch at 4 mm may provide a more substantial typing experience that some users prefer for its depth and feedback. Therefore, if you prioritize rapid keystrokes and immediate feedback, the TTC Iron would be the better option, whereas the Outemu Red might appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced key press. Overall, the TTC Iron switch allows for a snappier feel due to its shorter travel distance compared to the longer travel of the Outemu Red.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to the sound profile, the TTC Iron linear switch stands out with a pronounced clacky signature that creates a sharp and snappy sound with each keystroke. This crisp and percussive auditory feedback adds an engaging element to the typing experience, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate a rich auditory dimension. In contrast, the Outemu Red switch lacks any specific sound characteristics described, which typically positions it within a more neutral sound range. Thus, while the Iron offers a more expressive and lively sound with each press, the Red would likely present a quieter, less distinctive audio experience that can be suitable for diverse environments, depending also on your keyboard setup and keycap materials.

In terms of tactile feedback and overall feel, the TTC Iron provides an easy-to-press experience that requires minimal force to actuate. This design ensures a smooth and gentle typing experience, helping to reduce finger fatigue during long sessions. Coupled with its mild resistance, the Iron linear switch strikes a balance that fosters comfort without overwhelming the user with excessive feedback. The Outemu Red switch does not have specific tactile qualities described, suggesting it may offer a basic linear feel without any notable distinctions. Consequently, while the TTC Iron seeks to maximize comfort and responsiveness, the Outemu Red likely delivers a straightforward experience that may not provide the same level of engagement.

In conclusion, the TTC Iron linear switch is designed to deliver an enjoyable typing experience with its clacky sound signature and easy-to-press feel, making it a compelling choice for both casual and dedicated users. On the other hand, the Outemu Red linear switch falls more into the realm of neutrality, providing a quiet and uncomplicated feel that can suit everyday usage without drawing attention. If you prefer a more dynamic and engaging keyboard experience, the Iron would serve you well; however, for subtler environments or simply uncomplicated functionality, the Red might meet your needs adequately. Both switches will perform well, but the completion of your typing experience will largely depend on your personal preferences and the specific attributes you value most.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Iron linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, your choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a lighter switch that encourages quick and effortless typing, the TTC Iron is your best bet. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for fast-paced typists or gamers who require rapid key presses with minimal finger fatigue. Additionally, the pronounced clacky sound adds an enjoyable auditory element to your typing experience that many users appreciate. Conversely, if you prefer a medium resistance and don’t mind a slightly heavier feel, the Outemu Red with its 62-gram bottom-out force may suit you better. While it lacks the distinctive audio quality of the Iron, it offers a more neutral experience, making it versatile for various tasks from gaming to everyday typing. In summary, choose the TTC Iron for a lightweight, sound-rich experience, and opt for the Outemu Red if you lean towards a more balanced feel with moderate resistance.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Iron Linear

$5.40

$4.30 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Red Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more