KTT Orange vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the KTT Orange and the TTC Silent Red. The KTT Orange switches are known for their bouncy type feel, featuring a long spring and a frictionless typing experience. With a low-pitched sound profile and excellent factory-lubing, these switches offer a refined and smooth key travel experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Reds are perfect for those who prioritize a quiet typing experience. With a muted sound profile and a smooth, consistent feel, these switches are ideal for office or shared living space use. They also provide a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Orange Linear

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Orange and the TTC Silent Red differ in terms of their bottom housings. The Orange utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. As polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, it produces a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the Orange's bottom housing is translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Silent Red opts for a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the KTT Orange and TTC Silent Red offer distinct acoustic experiences due to their differing bottom housing materials.

However, both the KTT Orange and the TTC Silent Red share the use of polycarbonate for their top housings. Polycarbonate is known to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its relatively stiffer nature contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, clear housing is often associated with polycarbonate. Consequently, both switches, despite their other discrepancies, benefit from the acoustic qualities and translucency provided by the polycarbonate top housing. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound profile and appearance when it comes to the top housing of the KTT Orange and the TTC Silent Red.

In terms of the overall impact on the typing experience, the bottom and top housings of a switch play distinct roles. The bottom housing, which in the case of the Orange is polycarbonate and in the Silent Red is nylon, primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. As such, the Orange's stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing may create a more pronounced and distinct sensation when typing. Conversely, the softer nylon bottom housing of the Silent Red absorbs more sound, resulting in a smoother and more muffled bottom-out experience. On the other hand, the top housing, which is polycarbonate for both switches, has a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the bottom housing differences contribute to varied typing experiences, the top housing's similarities ensure that users can expect comparable sound profiles when they let go of a key.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Orange linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Orange switch is slightly lighter at 46 grams compared to the Silent Red's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Orange switch is also lighter at 53 grams, while the Silent Red requires a heavier force of 63.5 grams to bottom out. Both switches fall within the medium range, but the Silent Red can be considered medium-heavy while the Orange is more medium-light.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the KTT Orange switch would be a suitable choice. Its actuation force and bottom out force are relatively low, allowing for comfortable and effortless typing. This lighter weight is especially beneficial for individuals who type for extended periods, such as those using a keyboard for work or engaging in long gaming sessions.

Contrarily, if a stronger and more substantial keystroke is desired, the TTC Silent Red switch would be the better option. With a slightly heavier actuation force and significantly higher bottom out force, this switch provides a more pronounced push feel. It is suited for individuals who appreciate a more tactile and robust typing experience.

Considering weight is an important aspect when choosing between these switches, as it directly impacts the overall typing experience. However, if an individual desires similar results, both switches offer a relatively similar actuation force and bottom out force. This means that while the Silent Red may require a slightly heavier force to bottom out, the actuation force is virtually the same as the Orange switch. So individuals who prioritize actuation force may find that both switches produce similar results.

Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Orange linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch depends on personal preferences and typing habits. Whether one favors a lighter or heavier typing experience, these switches offer different levels of actuation and bottom out forces to cater to individual needs.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Orange linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, we can see that the Orange has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Red has a slightly longer distance of 3.7 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, it is clear that the Silent Red provides a slightly deeper key press experience. For those who value faster response times, the Orange switch with its shorter travel distance may be the preferred option. Gamers, in particular, often opt for shorter travel distances to enhance their reaction speed. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial key press and find shorter travel distances too abrupt may lean towards the Silent Red switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Orange switch has a low-pitched profile, which means it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is described as muted, providing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to the feel, the KTT Orange switch is known for its bounciness, offering a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. Pressing these keys gives a lively feel and provides a rebound effect. Additionally, the switch is described as frictionless, ensuring an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. The TTC Silent Red switch, on the other hand, is described as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It delivers a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. It is also considered mild, offering a more gentle typing experience, and polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the KTT Orange and TTC Silent Red switches both offer subjective qualities that cater to different preferences. The Orange switch provides a low-pitched sound profile and a bouncy, frictionless feel, while the Silent Red switch offers a muted sound profile and a buttery, mild, and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound, feel, and other factors such as the keyboard hardware and keycaps. It is important to carefully consider all available information and preferences to make an informed decision.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a smooth and quiet typing experience, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is the way to go. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it offers a consistent and comfortable feel from top to bottom. The Silent Red switch is known for its muted sound profile, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces. It provides a buttery and polished typing sensation, with a smooth and refined finish that minimizes friction and offers a sleek key travel.

On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and frictionless feel, the KTT Orange linear switch is the better choice. With a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, it offers a unique typing experience with its 22mm long spring that provides a bouncy feedback sensation. The Orange switch has a low-pitched sound profile, which gives it a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Its factory-lubing ensures a refined and fluid key travel, reducing friction and maximizing smoothness.

In conclusion, the choice between the KTT Orange and TTC Silent Red switches ultimately depends on your preferences and needs. If you prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Silent Red switch is perfect for you. However, if you enjoy a bouncy and frictionless feel with a low-pitched sound, the Orange switch is a great option. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, so it's important to consider your personal preferences when making a decision. Overall, you can't go wrong with either of these switches, as they both provide excellent typing experiences.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Orange Linear

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more