KTT Lightning vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Lightning and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, two excellent options to consider are the KTT Lightning and the TTC Silent Brown. The Lightning switches are known for their "speed" qualities, making them a standout choice for gamers or anyone who values lightning-fast responsiveness. With a slick typing feel and a clacky sound profile, these linear switches are sure to please those who crave the satisfaction of quick keystrokes. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switches offer a different typing experience with a comfortable level of resistance and a rounded tactile bump. This makes them ideal for individuals who prioritize a satisfying tactile feedback while typing. Additionally, the Silent Brown switches boast a muted sound profile, making them a popular choice for those seeking a quieter keyboard experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Lightning and TTC Silent Brown switches both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This choice creates a similar sound profile for both switches, characterized by sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sounds. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, making it a practical choice for those who want to enhance their keyboard with lighting. In terms of aesthetics and acoustics, both switches provide similar results due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
In contrast, the KTT Lightning features a nylon bottom housing, while the TTC Silent Brown utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. This distinction affects the sound profile of the switches. With the nylon bottom housing, the Lightning switch elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Brown produces a sound profile that is likely to be sharper and more resonant due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate.
When typing on the switches, the differences in the bottom housing materials become noticeable. The impact and bottom-out sound and feel are primarily influenced by the bottom housing. Therefore, users of the Lightning switch will experience a deeper and potentially more satisfying typing experience, while the Silent Brown switch may provide a sharper and more precise typing sensation. However, the sound when releasing a key is influenced by the top housing material, which remains the same for both switches. Hence, the sound of key release will have similarities between the KTT Lightning and TTC Silent Brown switches.
Weight
The KTT Lightning linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch have different actuation forces and bottom out forces, leading to distinctive typing experiences. The Lightning switch has a relatively light actuation force of 43 grams, while the Silent Brown switch requires a slightly higher force of 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. However, the actuation forces of both switches are quite similar, resulting in similar results in terms of typing speed and responsiveness.
When it comes to bottoming out, the Lightning switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is relatively light and requires less pressure to fully press the key. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience. This heavier force may be preferred by users who desire a stronger push feel and a greater sense of key travel.
Considering weight can play a significant role in selecting the ideal switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the KTT Lightning with its lighter actuation and bottom out forces may be a suitable choice. This lightweight characteristic allows for comfortable and extended typing sessions, making it ideal for work environments or long gaming sessions. However, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the TTC Silent Brown switch with its heavier bottom out force. This added force provides a satisfying tactile feedback and can enhance the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the switch that best suits their typing needs.
Travel distance
The KTT Lightning linear switch features a travel distance of 3 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Lightning switch falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which has become increasingly popular in recent times, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. This shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses and enhanced responsiveness. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch with its slightly longer travel distance caters to those who prefer a more substantial key press. Some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and for them, the longer travel distance of the Silent Brown switch may provide a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference - for a more responsive feel, the Lightning switch with its 3 mm travel distance would be ideal, while those seeking a greater sense of depth may prefer the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Silent Brown switch. Both switches offer their own unique advantages, allowing users to customize their typing experience to suit their individual preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
The KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41 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 KTT Lightning linear switch has a clacky sound profile. This means that when the switch is pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, the Lightning switch has a high-pitched characteristic, resulting in a sharp and crisp sound. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a muted sound profile. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Overall, if you prefer a more pronounced and sharp sound profile, the Lightning switch would be the preferable choice. However, if you are looking for a quieter and more muted typing experience, the Silent Brown switch would be more suitable.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Lightning switch provides a subtle and polished typing experience. The switch has a gentle resistance, which is not feather-light but still maintains a light typing feel. Additionally, the Lightning switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This gives it a sleek and polished feel when typing. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch offers a buttery and mild typing experience. The switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, resulting in a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Similar to the Lightning switch, the Silent Brown switch also has a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but the Lightning switch has a slightly more refined and polished feel, while the Silent Brown switch offers a smoother and more effortless typing sensation.
Taking all the available information into account, the KTT Lightning linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch have their own unique qualities. The Lightning switch is best suited for situations where milliseconds can make a difference, providing a slick type feel with a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch offers a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, along with a muted sound profile. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences regarding sound and feel. However, if you are looking for a similar typing experience, both switches offer a polished feel and will provide satisfactory results.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the KTT Lightning linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and specific needs. If you prioritize speed and are looking for a switch that can give you an edge in competitive gaming or fast-paced typing scenarios, the Lightning switch is an excellent choice. With its light bottom out force of 50 grams, it offers a slick typing feel and a clacky sound profile, making it perfect for situations where milliseconds can make a difference.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a comfortable typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump, the Silent Brown switch is a great option. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it provides a light-medium level of resistance, which many find pleasant for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Silent Brown switch has a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it ideal for shared spaces or those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics and benefits. The Lightning switch excels in speed and clacky sound, while the Silent Brown switch offers comfort, tactile feedback, and a quieter typing experience. Consider your priorities and preferences to make the best decision based on your specific needs.
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