Cherry MX Silent Red vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Silent Red and the TTC Silent Brown. The MX Silent Red is a linear switch that offers a similar feel to the MX Red but with the added benefit of operating silently, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown is a tactile switch that provides a comfortable typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump and a muted sound profile. While the MX Silent Red is known for its slightly heftier feel and low-pitched sound, the Silent Brown offers a light-medium level of resistance and a buttery typing experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences, so it's important to dive deeper beyond these generalities to determine which switch best suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
In comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red and TTC Silent Brown housing materials, it is clear that the nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, while the polycarbonate top housing of the TTC Silent Brown produces a sharper and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer composition. The use of polycarbonate in the Silent Brown switch allows for a more clear and resonant sound, particularly enhancing the effects of RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a similar deep and full sound profile due to its sound-absorbing properties, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
When considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches, it is important to note that the characteristics of the top and bottom housings will influence different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing, whether made of nylon or polycarbonate, will have a greater effect on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing will play a more significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. This split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a balanced combination of qualities in each switch, resulting in a unique typing experience that is tailored to the preferences of the user.
Overall, the choice between the Cherry MX Silent Red and TTC Silent Brown housing materials ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of the sound profile and feel that each user seeks in their typing experience. While the MX Silent Red's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, the TTC Silent Brown's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound that may be more desirable for some users. Both switches share the benefits of a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a sound profile that is rich and immersive, making them both viable options for those seeking a quieter typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Silent Brown switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the bottom out force of the MX Silent Red is unavailable. The MX Silent Red will likely have a lighter bottom out force compared to the Silent Brown due to the absence of information on its bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the MX Silent Red may be more suitable, while the Silent Brown would be a better choice for those who enjoy a more substantial push feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is slightly shorter than the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their quick response times. Choosing between the two would come down to personal preference - whether you prefer the slightly shorter and more responsive feel of the Cherry MX Silent Red or the slightly longer and more substantial press of the TTC Silent Brown. Overall, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, so you can expect comparable results when using either one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and the TTC Silent Brown switches offer a muted typing experience, making them suitable for quieter environments. The MX Silent Red has a low-pitched thocky sound, which provides a deep and satisfying tone, while the Silent Brown produces a more general muted sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two would come down to personal preference in terms of sound.
Moving on to feel, the MX Silent Red is described as having a textured feel, which may provide a bit of friction when typing. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switches offer a buttery and polished typing experience, with smooth and fluid keystrokes. The Silent Brown switches also have a mild tactile bump that adds to the overall typing comfort. Again, the decision on which switch to choose would depend on the individual's preference for typing feel.
Overall, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and TTC Silent Brown switches offer great options for those looking for a quieter typing experience. While the MX Silent Red leans towards a slightly heavier feel and a low-pitched thocky sound, the TTC Silent Brown provides a more buttery and polished typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a rounded tactile bump. In choosing between the two, it ultimately boils down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Rest assured, both switches will deliver a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch or the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences for typing experience and noise level. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience and enjoy a slightly heavier feel without sacrificing the linear switch characteristics, the Cherry MX Silent Red would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a comfortable typing experience and a lighter-medium resistance, along with a muted sound profile, then the TTC Silent Brown would be the better option. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so make your decision based on what suits your typing style and environment best.
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