Keygeek Keylin vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Keygeek Keylin and the TTC Silent Red can significantly influence your typing experience. The Keylin stands out for its innovative mold design, which contributes to a premium feel characterized by rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness. This switch offers a more traditional linear experience that enthusiasts often value for its responsive yet tactile feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red caters to those who prioritize a quieter typing environment; its muted sound profile makes it an excellent option for shared spaces or office settings. Known for its buttery smoothness and padded bottom-out feel, it ensures that every keystroke is both soft and comfortable. Ultimately, while both switches provide a linear typing experience, their distinct attributes cater to different preferences—whether you’re seeking rich acoustics or a silent, serene typing atmosphere. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Keygeek Keylin and the TTC Silent Red switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which results in distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The Keygeek Keylin features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. This characteristic results in a duller and rounder sound profile, making it an appealing choice for users who prefer a muted auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red incorporates polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This stiffer material allows for a more resonant sound quality, often associated with a crisper typing experience. Consequently, users selecting between these two switches will note a significant difference in sound, depending on their choice of top housing material.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both models, emphasizing a consistency in the bottom-out feel across both switches. The shared use of nylon means that, upon bottoming out, users of both switches will have similar auditory feedback and tactile sensations. Regardless of the contrasting top housing materials, the nylon bottom housing ensures that the overall typing experience, particularly on bottoming out, remains consistent. Therefore, while the top housing distinctly influences the sound produced during key release, the nylon bottom housing of both switches unifies the experience at the moment each key is pressed down.
Overall, the contrasting materials in the top housings define the Keygeek Keylin and TTC Silent Red's character, with nylon favoring a softer sound profile and polycarbonate presenting a brighter, more resonant sound. However, this disparity is balanced out by the identical nylon bottom housings shared by both models, which lend a similar deepness to the typing experience in their bottom-out positions. Thus, users can expect a cohesive tactile feeling across both switches, even though the sound produced during key presses and releases may differ markedly due to the materials employed in the top housing.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in both actuation force and bottom out force that influences their overall feel and suitability for different users. The Keylin switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a softer touch and wish to type for extended periods without fatigue. In contrast, the Silent Red has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users may favor for its tactile feedback and resistance. As a result, the Keylin is lighter and ideal for prolonged use, while the Silent Red is heavier and better suited for users who appreciate a more robust keystroke. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on personal preferences regarding typing feel and the contexts in which you plan to use the keyboard.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, we see a notable difference in their specifications. The Keylin has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Red features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making the Silent Red the longer option by 0.1 mm. For users who prioritize responsiveness, the Keylin's shorter travel distance may provide a quicker actuation, which is particularly advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing may find the slightly longer travel distance of the Silent Red to be more satisfying. This distinction means that while both switches cater to different preferences, the Keylin will appeal to those looking for a more rapid key press, whereas the Silent Red may better suit individuals who enjoy a fuller key actuation experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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
When it comes to sound, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch delivers a premium typing experience characterized by rich acoustics, which suggests it might produce a more satisfying auditory feedback compared to typical linear switches. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is specifically designed for those who prioritize a quieter typing experience. With its muted sound profile, the Silent Red minimizes the mechanical noise commonly associated with keyboard usage, making it an ideal choice for office environments or shared spaces where noise reduction is essential. Therefore, while the Keylin may offer a more pronounced and pleasing sound, the Silent Red focuses on reducing noise to create a more discreet typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Keygeek Keylin switch is noted for its exceptional smoothness, which likely translates into a very satisfying tactile experience during typing. The Silent Red switches, on the other hand, offer a buttery feel with smooth, fluid keystrokes, giving users a seamless typing sensation. Additionally, the mild nature of the Silent Red ensures that its user experience is gentle, appealing to those who prefer a more approachable switch. With a polished finish, Silent Reds promise reduced friction and smooth key travel, providing a comfort factor from top to bottom. While both switches seem to emphasize smoothness, the key difference lies in how they cater to the preferences of the user, with Keylin leaning towards a more luxurious typing experience and Silent Red focusing on comfort.
Overall, when considering the Keygeek Keylin and TTC Silent Red linear switches, each offers a unique blend of sound and feel tailored to different user preferences. The Keylin switch shines with its rich acoustics and smooth operation, but the TTC Silent Red excels in providing a quiet, buttery typing experience that’s gently polished. Both options guarantee a satisfying experience, though the choice ultimately depends on whether you prefer a richer auditory feedback or a quieter, more enclosed typing environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences regarding typing feel, sound, and force requirement. If you appreciate a lighter touch and prefer a smoother and more premium typing experience, then the Keylin is the better choice for you. Its 48-gram bottom-out force complements a rich acoustic profile that can enhance your enjoyment while typing. However, if you’re situated in an environment where noise is a concern, or you prefer a firmer response, the TTC Silent Red will likely serve you better with its 63.5-gram bottom-out force. These switches offer a buttery, polished feel that is calmingly quiet, making them ideal for offices or shared living spaces. Therefore, if you prioritize sound efficiency alongside a comfortable typing experience, the Silent Red will be your go-to option. In essence, both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different user needs, so carefully consider which aspects are most important to you before making your final decision.
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