TTC Iron vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the TTC Iron and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Iron linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer distinct qualities to enhance your typing experience. The TTC Iron is renowned for its clacky sound signature and swift actuation, making it ideal for users looking for a precise and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey provides a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. Whether you prefer a light and clacky switch or a silent and tactile one, both switches have unique features that cater to different preferences. 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
41g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Iron and the Outemu Silent Grey switches offer contrasting sound profiles due to the differences in their composition. The POM top housing of the Iron produces a deep, muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Grey creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, giving it an additional aesthetic appeal compared to the opaque POM top housing of the Iron.
In terms of the bottom housing, the POM bottom housing of the Iron yields a similar deep and muted sound profile as its top housing, providing a consistent typing experience. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Grey contributes to a fuller and deeper sound, absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder tone. This difference in bottom housing material results in a distinct typing feel and sound profile for each switch, offering users a variety of options to choose from based on their preferences.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Iron and Outemu Silent Grey switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. While the POM and polycarbonate top housings offer contrasting sound characteristics, both switches provide a unique typing experience with their respective housing materials. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller tone, both options have their own advantages and qualities to consider. Ultimately, experimenting with both switches will allow users to determine which housing material best suits their individual needs and preferences.
Weight
The TTC Iron linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 41 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Iron has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the Silent Grey has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Iron switch, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Silent Grey switch, as it offers a heavier actuation and bottom out force. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individual preferences for typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
The TTC Iron linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Silent Grey has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Iron. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, but the Iron offers a slightly shorter experience. For those who prioritize quicker response times, the Iron may be the preferred choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a deeper keystroke may lean towards the Silent Grey for its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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 Iron linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, which provides a sharp and snappy noise with each key press, adding a satisfying auditory element to typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a quiet typing experience, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a more discreet sound profile. Both switches provide unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Iron delivering a more pronounced and lively sound, while the Silent Grey ensures a quiet and subtle typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Iron linear switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch provides a highly tactile typing experience with a noticeable bump and smooth keystroke. While the Iron offers a gentle and responsive typing feel, the Silent Grey delivers a satisfying tactile feedback for those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke sensation.
Overall, the TTC Iron linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel that cater to different typing preferences. The Iron excels in providing a clacky and lively sound signature, along with an easy-to-press typing experience, making it a suitable choice for those seeking precision and pleasure in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Silent Grey offers a quiet and tactile typing experience, with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke for those who prefer a more tactile feedback. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches provide unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Iron linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider the factors that are most important to you. If you value a light and clacky typing experience with swift actuation, the Iron switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Silent Grey switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing style and preferences, as both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing needs.
Mentioned in this article
