Cherry MX Black vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Black and the TTC Silent Brown. The Cherry MX Black is a linear switch that has been perfected by Cherry with their new Hyperglide tooling, offering a classic textured smoothness. Typing on these switches results in a familiar deep sound profile, and they are known for their low-pitched, textured, and stiff feel. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switches provide a different typing experience. They are tactile switches that offer a comfortable feel with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. What sets these switches apart is their muted sound profile, which many users appreciate. They are often described as buttery, mild, muted, and polished. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages, making it important to dive deeper beyond generalities to determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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 Cherry MX Black and the TTC Silent Brown switches differ in terms of their composition and the resulting sound profiles they create. The MX Black utilizes a nylon top housing, which gives it a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Silent Brown features a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, due to its translucency, polycarbonate is advantageous for switches that incorporate RGB lighting.
Both the MX Black and the Silent Brown switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed. Consequently, switches utilizing nylon bottom housing will exhibit similar characteristics in terms of the sound and tactile feedback experienced during key presses.
In switches where the top and bottom housings differ, the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. Pressing down on these switches will emphasize the qualities of the bottom housing, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a more pronounced impact on the sound when releasing a key. This means that the sound profiles and tactile experiences of the Cherry MX Black and the TTC Silent Brown switches will vary based on their respective housing materials, particularly in terms of the sound experienced when pressing or releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the MX Black switch is heavier in both aspects. The MX Black switch requires a hefty actuation force of 60 grams, while the Silent Brown requires a lighter force of 45 grams. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the MX Black switch requires a substantial force of 80 grams, whereas the Silent Brown switch requires a slightly lighter force of 63.5 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience and wish to type for extended periods, the Silent Brown switch would be a suitable choice with its lower actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial and forceful keystroke may opt for the MX Black switch, as it offers a heavier actuation and bottom out force.
Although the forces of the two switches differ, it is important to note that both switches can provide similar results. Both switches aim to deliver a smooth and consistent typing experience, with the only variation being the force required to activate and fully depress the keys. Ultimately, the decision between the MX Black linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience—whether one prefers a lighter touch or a more robust typing sensation.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the MX Black being slightly longer. However, shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Silent Brown with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, some people may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt and prefer a switch with a longer travel distance like the MX Black, which offers a more satisfying depth when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing style.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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 Cherry MX Black switches are best described as low-pitched. This means that they produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switches are known for their muted sound profile. These switches are designed to produce a softer and quieter sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. Overall, both switches offer different sound profiles, with the MX Black switches having a low-pitched sound and the Silent Brown switches providing a muted sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Black switches are textured and stiff. Textured switches have noticeable friction when pressed, which can be preferred by some users. However, others may prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. Additionally, the MX Black switches require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches, resulting in a stiffer feel when typing.
On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switches are described as buttery, mild, and polished. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The mild characteristic of these switches means that they offer a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Lastly, the polished nature of the Silent Brown switches indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Cherry MX Black and TTC Silent Brown switches offer different subjective qualities. The MX Black switches have a low-pitched sound and a textured, stiff feel. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switches have a muted sound profile and provide a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose the switches that align with their desired sound and feel. However, it is important to consider that individual results may vary depending on the keyboard and keycap choices.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are someone who prefers a heavier switch with a deep sound profile and a textured, stiff feel, then the Cherry MX Black linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. The MX Black offers a classic typing experience with its heavy bottom out force and recognizable sound. On the other hand, if you value a lighter switch with a muted sound profile and a buttery, mild, and polished feel, then the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch would be more suitable. The Silent Brown provides a comfortable typing experience with its medium-heavy bottom out force and satisfying rounded tactile bump. It also offers a quieter sound profile and a smooth and refined finish. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
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