TTC Neptune vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the TTC Neptune and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Neptune and Outemu Silent Grey are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches offering unique typing experiences. The Neptune stands out for its innovative internal structure, providing a smooth and almost frictionless glide combined with a springy resistance similar to chewy delights like mochi. This switch offers a textured pleasure with a muted sound signature, making every keystroke refined and effortless. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is known for its quiet and highly tactile typing experience, featuring a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke for a satisfying and silent typing session. While the Neptune excels in providing a "matte" feel with its ultralight design, the Silent Grey offers a more traditional tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
41g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Neptune and the Outemu Silent Grey switches offer distinct sound profiles and characteristics. The Neptune's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Silent Grey's polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, polycarbonate is more commonly used in clear housings, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Neptune's polycarbonate bottom housing and the Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing offer differences in sound profiles, with nylon providing a deeper and fuller tone due to its softer nature.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Neptune and the Silent Grey switches, both offer unique qualities that can impact the overall typing experience. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Silent Grey switch results in a clearer and more resonant sound profile, especially when keys are released. Conversely, the bottom housing of the Neptune switch, made of polycarbonate, contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound when keys are pressed down. The nylon bottom housing of the Silent Grey switch creates a duller and rounder sound profile, providing a different tactile feel compared to the Neptune's bottom housing.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Neptune and the Outemu Silent Grey switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, such as polycarbonate and nylon, users may prefer the deeper and more muted sound of the Neptune or the sharper and crisper sound of the Silent Grey. Understanding how each housing material impacts sound profiles and tactile feedback can help users make an informed decision when selecting switches for their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is clear that the Neptune is the lighter option with an actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Grey is heavier with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Neptune make it ideal for those who prefer a more gentle typing experience or need to type for extended periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Silent Grey provide a more substantial typing feel, which may be preferred by those who like a stronger push when typing. Both switches offer different experiences based on the force required, so users should choose based on their personal preferences for typing comfort and feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, we can see that the Neptune has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Silent Grey's 4 mm. This means that the Neptune will provide a slightly quicker key press experience than the Silent Grey. For those who prefer a faster response time, the Neptune may be the better choice. However, the difference in travel distance is minimal, so both switches will likely provide a similar typing experience overall. It ultimately comes down to personal preference - whether you prefer a shorter, snappier key press or a slightly longer, more deliberate key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
The Outemu Silent Grey comes in at $3.10 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 TTC Neptune linear switch is known for producing a low-pitched, muted, neutral, and subdued sound, giving off a thocky vibe. This combination creates a refined and unobtrusive auditory experience, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing environment. On the other hand, information on the sound quality of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is unknown. However, based on the description of being silent, it can be assumed that these switches offer a quiet typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Neptune switch is praised for its buttery, gummy, frictionless, mild, and polished feel. These descriptors point towards a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance, providing a satisfying tactile sensation with each keystroke. On the contrary, details about the feel of the Outemu Silent Grey switch are not provided. Nevertheless, given that it is described as highly tactile, it can be inferred that these switches deliver a tactile feedback that is satisfying to the touch.
Overall, the TTC Neptune linear switch stands out for its unique balance of smoothness, tactile sensation, and quiet sound profile, offering a textured typing experience that is both pleasurable and efficient. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch caters to those seeking a quiet and tactile typing experience without sacrificing satisfaction. While each switch has its own distinct qualities, both are designed to enhance the typing experience for users in different ways, allowing newcomers to find the perfect fit based on their preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a light, smooth, and almost frictionless typing experience with a muted sound profile, the Neptune would be the ideal choice. Its ultralight bottom out force of 50 grams and unique "matte" feel make typing effortless and enjoyable. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke for a satisfying and quiet typing experience, the Silent Grey would be more suitable. Its 65-gram bottom out force and quiet operation make it perfect for those seeking a tactile switch that minimizes noise. Ultimately, your decision should depend on whether you value a light linear switch like the Neptune or a medium-heavy tactile switch like the Silent Grey for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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