Cherry MX Orange vs. TTC Silent Brown

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and the specific typing experience one seeks. The Cherry MX Orange switch, a linear option, is renowned for its smooth keypress without tactile feedback, making it ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a continuous keystroke without any interruption. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown switch offers a tactile experience with a subtle bump that provides satisfying feedback during use, combined with a muted sound profile that makes it a great choice for quieter environments. While both switches present unique advantages—smoothness for the MX Orange and a balanced tactile feel for the Silent Brown—your ultimate choice should depend on whether you prioritize uninterrupted speed or a more tactile, yet subdued typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Orange Linear

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

$5.00

$3.68 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Orange and the TTC Silent Brown switches, significant distinctions emerge, particularly in the composition of the top housings. The MX Orange features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer plastic properties. This results in a typing experience that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, a material characterized by its stiffer nature, which contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound. Thus, while both switches deliver unique auditory experiences, the MX Orange offers a more muted and rounder sound compared to the crisper output of the Silent Brown.

When examining the bottom housings, both the MX Orange and TTC Silent Brown incorporate nylon as their material of choice. This alignment leads to a similarly rich typing experience, as the nylon’s softer properties contribute to a deeper and more full-bodied sound profile in both switches. The shared use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches creates consistency in the bottom-out experience when typing. As a result, users can expect a comparable tactile response and sound attenuation from either switch, irrespective of their differing top housing materials.

Taking into account the combined effects of both housing materials, the acoustics generated by these switches are influenced by their respective designs. The MX Orange benefits from a nylon top and bottom housing arrangement that emphasizes a deeper sound profile, while the TTC Silent Brown achieves a balance between the higher pitch of the polycarbonate top housing and the fuller sound from its nylon bottom housing. This interplay results in distinct auditory characteristics when pressing and releasing the keys. In essence, despite their differences, users can manipulate the sound dynamics of both switches by understanding the roles each housing material plays in shaping the overall typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Orange features an actuation force of 55 grams, while the TTC Silent Brown requires only 45 grams to register a keystroke, making the Silent Brown the lighter option. This difference means that typists who favor a lighter touch may find the Silent Brown more comfortable for longer typing sessions. However, the Cherry MX Orange surpasses the Silent Brown in terms of bottom out force, as the bottom out force for the MX Orange is unknown, while the Silent Brown has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This suggests that users seeking a substantial typing or gaming experience might gravitate toward the heavier feedback offered by the Silent Brown, particularly as it requires more force to press all the way down. Overall, the MX Orange might cater to those who prefer the mid-range weight while the TTC Silent Brown serves well for those seeking a lighter keystroke without compromising on the feedback of bottoming out.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, the MX Orange has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Brown measures at 3.8 mm. This means that the MX Orange switch has a slightly longer travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer a more pronounced key press. In contrast, the Silent Brown, with its shorter travel distance, offers a more responsive feel that might appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation times. While both switches provide distinct tactile experiences, if you lean toward a more robust depth with each keystroke, the Cherry MX Orange may be the better choice, whereas the TTC Silent Brown would be ideal for those who favor faster response without feeling too abrupt.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Orange switch stands out for its particular auditory profile, which is not explicitly described but is generally perceived as having a moderate sound level typical of linear switches. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown switch is characterized by its muted sound, producing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to more traditional, clacky mechanical switches. The Silent Brown manages to minimize the noise often associated with mechanical keyboards, making it an excellent choice for quieter environments where sound sensitivity is a consideration.

Regarding feel, the MX Orange switch is known for its smooth linear action, enabling a fluid keystroke experience without the interruption of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown provides a uniquely tactile experience with a light to medium resistance and a satisfying rounded bump, creating a distinct sensation during typing. This tactile feedback is particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a little more connection to their keystrokes, while the buttery and polished texture of the Silent Brown enhances the overall smoothness of the typing experience.

In summary, both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Cherry MX Orange is suited for users who prefer a smoother and quieter linear switch, while the TTC Silent Brown appeals to those looking for a tactile bump along with a muted noise profile. Your choice will depend on whether you prioritize the fluid motion of linear switches or the tactile feedback of a moderately resistant switch, each offering a unique typing experience that can ultimately enhance your keyboard use.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between Cherry MX Orange linear switches and TTC Silent Brown tactile switches largely depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience without tactile feedback or resistance, the Cherry MX Orange switches would be your best bet. They offer a seamless feel that could be particularly appealing for fast-paced gaming or if you need to type quickly without any distractions from switching resistance. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile bump that provides a satisfying tactile response along with a medium-heavy actuation force, the TTC Silent Brown switches would serve you well. Their muted sound profile makes them an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces where noise levels must be kept to a minimum. Ultimately, consider the type of work or gaming you engage in regularly: the Orange switches for swift, quiet keystrokes and the Silent Browns for a more tactile, feedback-oriented experience.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$5.00

$3.68 per 10

Learn more