Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Purple RGB and TTC Silent Brown stand out as compelling options for tactile switch enthusiasts. The Cherry MX Purple RGB, developed in collaboration with keyboard aficionado Glarses, offers a refined tactile experience characterized by a short, medium-strength bump, making it an engaging choice for both typists and gamers seeking a balanced actuation. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown switches provide a comfortable typing experience with a light to medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, all while boasting a notably muted sound profile that appeals to those who prefer a quieter workspace. While the Cherry MX Purple excels in delivering a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Silent Brown enhances typing comfort and discretion. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB and TTC Silent Brown switches showcase notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly impacts their auditory profiles and overall performance. The Cherry MX Purple RGB utilizes a nylon top housing, a material renowned for its softer properties. This gives the switch a deeper and fuller sound character, as nylon absorbs and dampens sound waves, resulting in a more muted, rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity. This characteristic leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, which is not only crisper and more resonant but also enhances the clarity of key presses, especially beneficial for users who prioritize auditory feedback while typing.
On the other hand, both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and TTC Silent Brown share a similarity in their bottom housing materials, with both using nylon. This commonality means that they will elicit a deep, full-bodied sound profile during key presses. Given that the bottom housing has a more direct impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches will provide users with a consistent, muted feedback during usage. Therefore, while the top housings create distinct sound experiences, the shared nylon in the bottom housings unifies their acoustic characteristics, ensuring a certain level of coherence in how they feel when bottomed out.
Aesthetically, the differences in housing materials also reflect on the potential RGB lighting capabilities of both switches. The Cherry MX Purple RGB, with its translucent nylon top housing, can accommodate RGB lighting effectively, creating an optimized lighting effect for enthusiasts looking to enhance their keyboard aesthetics. Meanwhile, the TTC Silent Brown, with its polycarbonate top housing known for its clarity, also promotes effective RGB lighting visibility due to its transparency. Thus, while the materials differ, both switches cater to visual preferences in a way that aligns with their respective acoustic properties and user experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, both switches exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that users can expect a similar light feel when triggering a keystroke. This characteristic makes both switches suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming, appealing to those who prefer less strain on their fingers. However, while the MX Purple RGB does not have a specified bottom out force, the TTC Silent Brown has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This means that the Silent Brown requires more force to press all the way down, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier feel. Consequently, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is the lighter option overall, while the TTC Silent Brown is heavier, making it important for users to choose based on their preference for feel and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, one can observe a notable difference. The Cherry MX Purple RGB has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that if you prefer a more traditional feel with a generous depth, the Cherry MX Purple RGB would be the more suitable choice, offering a more pronounced tactile response. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown, with its shorter distance, caters to those who favor quicker actuation, making it potentially more appealing for gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, your preference will depend on whether you seek a deeper, more substantial key feel or a snappier, less abrupt travel experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB switches provide a distinct auditory feedback characteristic of tactile switches, but specific descriptions of their sound profile are not defined. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switches are noted for their muted sound, which means they produce a softer and quieter keystroke compared to traditional mechanical switches. This makes the Silent Brown particularly appealing for those who desire a quieter typing experience while still enjoying the tactile feedback that mechanical keyboards provide. The muted quality may enhance focus in shared workspaces or home environments.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches offer a refined tactile experience with a short yet medium-strength bump that is designed to engage typists effectively. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switches provide a buttery smooth experience, making the keystrokes feel fluid and effortless. They are described as having a mild and polished feel, which contributes to a gentle typing experience that is accessible to a broad range of users. This smooth finish, achieved potentially through high-quality materials or factory lubing, reduces friction and enhances overall comfort while typing.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and TTC Silent Brown switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the MX Purple RGB offers a more pronounced tactile bump and traditional feedback, the Silent Brown excels in providing a soft, muted auditory experience along with a buttery smooth feel. Choosing between them ultimately depends on whether one prioritizes a crisp tactile response or a quieter, more refined typing experience. Regardless, both switches promise a satisfying experience in their own right, tailored to different typing environments and user preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a refined tactile experience with a short, responsive bump that has been crafted for enthusiasts, the Cherry MX Purple RGB would be an ideal choice. Its tactile feedback is designed for those who enjoy a more pronounced and distinct feel while typing, making it suitable for both gaming and intense typing sessions. However, if you seek a quieter environment or work in shared spaces where noise levels are a concern, the TTC Silent Brown is the way to go. Known for its muted sound profile and buttery smooth keystroke, this switch offers a more comfortable typing experience with light-medium resistance, ideal for lengthy typing tasks or casual gaming. Ultimately, consider your setting—whether you need something that stands out audibly and tactically or something that combines a gentle touch with less noise—and that will guide you to the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
