TTC Light Cloud V2 vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the TTC Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, you're faced with two excellent options for a quiet and smooth typing experience. The light cloud V2 is praised for its refined and delicate typing feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a lightweight and nuanced switch. On the other hand, the silent red offers a seamless and muted typing experience, perfect for office or shared living spaces. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, but the light cloud V2 is categorized as mild, muted, neutral, easy-to-press, feathery, while the silent red is categorized as buttery, mild, muted, polished. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and specific typing needs. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the TTC Silent Red, one major difference is the material used in the top housing. The Light Cloud V2 features a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Silent Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in materials affects the overall sound experience of typing on the switches, with the Light Cloud V2 offering a duller and rounder sound compared to the clearer and resonant sound of the Silent Red.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Light Cloud V2 and the Silent Red utilize nylon material. This means that when it comes to the sound profile and feel of bottoming out the switch, both switches will have a similar deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic that absorbs more sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a consistent typing experience across both switches, regardless of the differences in their top housing materials. This similarity in material highlights the importance of bottom housing in creating a comfortable typing experience, as it has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the TTC Silent Red will come down to personal preference in terms of the sound profile and typing experience one prefers. While the Light Cloud V2 offers a more muted and round sound profile with its nylon top housing, the Silent Red provides a sharper and clearer sound with its polycarbonate top housing. However, both switches share a commonality in their nylon bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing experience in terms of the deeper and fuller sound profile associated with nylon material. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a softer, duller sound or a sharper, crisper sound while typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Light Cloud V2 has a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it lighter compared to the Silent Red, which has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it heavier. The Light Cloud V2 provides a medium typing experience in terms of force, while the Silent Red offers a medium-heavy feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may choose the Light Cloud V2 for extended typing sessions or gaming, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Silent Red. In both cases, users can expect similar actuation results given the equal actuation force of both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for typing feel and force.
Travel distance
The TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch both offer shorter travel distances compared to traditional switches, with the Light Cloud V2 measuring at 3.5 mm and the Silent Red at 3.7 mm. While the Light Cloud V2 has a slightly shorter travel distance, both switches offer a quick and responsive typing experience favored by gamers. Those who prefer a more immediate key press may lean towards the Light Cloud V2, while individuals who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes may opt for the Silent Red. Overall, both switches provide similar results in terms of travel distance, offering a choice between a slightly shorter or slightly longer key press experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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
In terms of sound, both the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the TTC Silent Red switches are described as muted, producing softer and quieter sounds compared to regular mechanical keyboard switches. This makes them ideal for settings where noise may be a concern, such as offices or shared living spaces. The sound profile of a switch is also influenced by other factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used, so personal preferences and setup may also play a role in the perceived sound level.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Light Cloud V2 is described as offering a mild and easy-to-press typing experience with a feathery touch. These qualities make it comfortable for extended typing sessions and reduce finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch is described as providing a buttery and polished typing feel, offering a smooth and refined keystroke experience with reduced friction. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by providing a comfortable and consistent feel from top to bottom.
In conclusion, both the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the TTC Silent Red linear switches offer a muted sound profile and a smooth typing experience. While the Light Cloud V2 emphasizes a lightweight and feathery feel, the Silent Red focuses on a buttery and polished typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound levels, typing feel, and overall typing experience desired. Regardless of the choice made, both switches are designed to provide a pleasant and comfortable typing experience for users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch or the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you prioritize a delicate and nuanced typing experience with a lightweight nature, then the TTC Light Cloud V2 is the way to go. On the other hand, if you seek a smooth and seamless typing experience with a muted sound profile that is perfect for office or shared living spaces, the TTC Silent Red is the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a light and refined typing feel or a smooth and quiet typing experience. Both switches have their unique strengths, so consider your typing habits and environment before making your selection.
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