Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there is a wide array of options to choose from. Two popular switches, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the TTC Silent Brown, both fall into the tactile switch category. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is well-known for its distinct features, providing a rare and premium typing experience. With a sharp tactile feel and a medium-heavy weight, the Moyu Blacks offer a satisfyingly snappy and punchy sound while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown offers a comfortable typing experience, with a lighter level of resistance and a rounded tactile bump. The Silent Brown also boasts a muted sound profile, adding an element of tranquility to your typing sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the TTC Silent Brown differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) features a PBT top housing, which offers a neutral sound profile that is neither crisp nor dull. In contrast, the Silent Brown's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Brown is beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Silent Brown have different materials. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) utilizes a PBT bottom housing, which also offers a neutral sound profile. Similarly, the Silent Brown employs a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics like PBT. Therefore, the Silent Brown can provide a more muted and satisfying typing experience due to its nylon bottom housing.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the combination of top and bottom housing materials plays a significant role. The bottom housing, which impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, will reflect the qualities of the respective housing material. In contrast, the sound when releasing a key, known as the upstroke, will be influenced by the top housing material. Therefore, the choice of housing materials in a switch can result in substantial differences in both the sound and feel of typing. In the case of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the Silent Brown, while they may offer similar results in terms of a neutral sound profile from their respective PBT top housings, their different bottom housing materials will contribute to contrasting sound profiles and typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are notable similarities and differences. Starting with the actuation force, the Moyu Black requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Silent Brown requires slightly less at 45 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, providing a tactile response without being too demanding.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Moyu Black requires 67 grams of force to fully press down, while the Silent Brown requires slightly less at 63.5 grams. Both switches have a similar medium-heavy bottom out force, ensuring a satisfying typing experience without being too heavy for extended use.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Silent Brown more suitable with its slightly lower actuation and bottom out forces. This lighter touch could be beneficial for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel, the Moyu Black with its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces would be a better choice. However, it is worth noting that the differences in force requirements between these switches are relatively minor, so regardless of the choice, users can expect a similar overall tactile experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4.0mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8mm. Both of these switches provide a tactile experience, where you can feel the switch as it is pressed down. 4.0mm is considered to be a more traditional travel distance, while 3.8mm falls on the shallower side. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the TTC Silent Brown a potential choice for them. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, and prefer switches with a longer travel distance like the Everglide Moyu Black. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness and depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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.
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a resonant typing experience. The sound profile is clean, sharp, and immersive, providing a higher-pitched auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switches have a muted sound profile. They produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It's important to note that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches offer an accented and sharp tactile experience. The tactile bump is strong and crisp, providing a prominent amount of feedback with each keypress. The feel is considered medium tactile, striking a balance between overwhelming and subtle tactility. Conversely, the TTC Silent Brown switches are described as buttery, mild, and polished. The keystrokes feel smooth, fluid, and uniform, offering an effortless typing sensation. These switches provide a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of their characteristics.
In conclusion, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches have a distinct and impactful typing experience with a sharp tactile feel and a resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a rounded tactile bump and a muted sound profile. Both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you're looking for a sharper and more pronounced tactile experience with a resonant sound, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a smoother and more gentle typing experience with a quieter sound, the TTC Silent Brown switches would be a great option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a premium typing experience with a distinct and impactful feel, then the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With its strong downstroke and even sharper upstroke bump, these switches offer a hypertactile sensation that creates a satisfyingly sharp and snappy sound. The Moyu Blacks are medium-heavy switches with an abrupt and accentuated bottom-out, providing a unique and premium typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a comfortable and quieter typing experience with a lighter level of resistance, then the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch would be a better fit. These switches offer a rounded tactile bump that provides a satisfying feel without being overwhelming. The Silent Browns have a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Additionally, they offer a buttery and polished feel, resulting in a smooth and effortless typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and TTC Silent Brown tactile switches depends on your personal preferences. If you value a sharper and more impactful feel with a resonant sound, the Moyu Blacks are a great option. However, if you prioritize comfort, quietness, and a smoother typing experience, then the Silent Browns would be the way to go. Overall, both switches offer their own unique advantages and it's important to consider your specific typing needs before making a decision. In the end, you can't go wrong with either choice as they both provide quality switches for a satisfying typing experience.