Outemu Lime vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Lime and the TTC Silent Red are two options worth considering. The Lime switches are known for their unique combination of being lightweight, tactile, and silent. They offer a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility, making them perfect for tactile fans seeking a smooth and quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Reds are ideal for those who prioritize a seamless typing experience without all the noise. With a muted sound profile, these switches are a great choice for office or shared living space use. They have a smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom, and even offer a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Lime and the TTC Silent Red switches differ in terms of their impact on the sound profile. The Lime switch features a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the Lime switch. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The relatively stiffer polycarbonate plastic enhances clarity and resonance, making it a popular choice for switches designed for RGB lighting.
Similarly, the bottom housing of both switches is made of nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. As a result, both the Lime and Silent Red switches offer a duller and rounder sound experience when compared to switches with harder plastics in their bottom housings.
However, it is important to note that if a switch has different top and bottom housing materials, the qualities of each material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, you will primarily feel the impact of the bottom housing, which directly influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Lime and TTC Silent Red switches use different housing materials for their top and bottom components, they exhibit similar results in terms of creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The Lime switch's nylon top and bottom housing provide a duller and rounder sound, while the Silent Red switch's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Even though the bottom housings are both made of nylon, their impact is primarily felt during key presses, while the top housing's influence is more noticeable when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is clear that the Lime is lighter in both aspects. The Lime has an actuation force of 35 grams, while the Silent Red requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the Lime has a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Silent Red is slightly heavier with a bottom out force of 63.5 grams.
For users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Lime switch would be a suitable choice as it requires less force to activate and bottom out. This makes it ideal for those who need to type for extended periods, such as individuals using a keyboard for work or engaging in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch offers a more substantial typing feel due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This can be preferred by users who enjoy a stronger push while typing.
While the actuation and bottom out forces of the Lime and Silent Red switches differ, it is worth noting that both switches fall within the medium range overall. This means that users can expect comparable results in terms of overall typing experience, even though the Silent Red does require slightly more force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired weight of keystrokes during use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, we can see that they have different distances. The Lime has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In terms of distance, the Silent Red has the longer travel distance compared to the Lime. 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional travel distance, while 3.0 mm is the shallowest. However, shorter travel distances have become more popular, especially among gamers who seek faster response times. In this case, if you prefer a more responsive switch, the Lime would be the shorter option. On the other hand, some individuals find that short travel distances feel too abrupt and prefer a switch with more depth. For those seeking a more substantial travel distance, the Silent Red would be the preferred choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 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, both the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch are described as muted, meaning they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. This makes them both suitable for office or shared living space use, where minimizing noise is important. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also dependent on other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps, so achieving similar results in sound may require considering those factors as well.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is described as featuring a mild and feathery typing experience. It offers a gentle typing experience with its light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The switch also has a subtle resistance and a polished finish, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is described as having a buttery and mild typing experience. It offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Similar to the Lime switch, the Silent Red also has a mild feel and a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch offer muted sound profiles and mild typing experiences. While the Lime switch emphasizes its feathery lightness and subtle resistance, the Silent Red switch highlights its buttery smoothness. Both switches have a polished finish for a sleek typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the desired level of tactility and the specific typing experience sought.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're a tactile fan looking for a light typing experience with just a touch of tactility, the Outemu Lime switches are the perfect choice. With their feathery light actuation force of 45 grams, these switches provide a gentle and comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Lime switches have a unique feature of being silenced, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. In terms of sound, the Lime switches have a neutral sound profile with a muted characteristic, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users, at home or work.
On the other hand, if you're searching for a switch that delivers a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, the TTC Silent Red switches are the way to go. With a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches provide a medium-heavy feel that is still approachable and comfortable for most users. The Silent Red switches offer a buttery and consistent feel from top to bottom, ensuring a satisfying typing experience. Moreover, their sound profile is muted, making them ideal for office or shared living space use.
Whether you prioritize a light typing experience with a touch of tactility, or a smooth and seamless typing experience with minimal noise, both the Outemu Lime and TTC Silent Red switches have their unique advantages. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your personal preferences and the specific environment in which you'll be using them. In the end, both switches offer high-quality performance and are excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
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