Outemu Black vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Black and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Black and TTC Silent Red are two popular options to consider. The Outemu Black is a linear switch that is best known for its smooth actuation and consistent feel throughout. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red, also a linear switch, is renowned for its quiet operation, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a noise-free typing experience in shared environments. The Outemu Black is categorized as linear, while the TTC Silent Red falls under categories like 'buttery', 'mild', 'muted', and 'polished'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, so making a decision between them may require a closer examination. 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
65g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Black and TTC Silent Red switches both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent quality of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics, both switches offer a sleek and modern look with their polycarbonate top housings.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Outemu Black and TTC Silent Red switches provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed, offering a different tactile experience compared to the top housing.
Although the housing materials for the Outemu Black and TTC Silent Red switches differ between the top and bottom, the overall sound profile and tactile experience are influenced by both components. The qualities of the bottom housing material affect the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing material has a more significant impact on the sound when the key is released. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique combination of materials that contribute to their distinctive sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Black linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is clear that the Black switch is heavier in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force. The Outemu Black requires 65 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 82 grams to bottom out, making it a heavier option. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Black due to its heavier forces, while those looking for a lighter touch may prefer the TTC Silent Red for longer typing or gaming sessions. Both switches have their own benefits, with the Outemu Black providing a more forceful typing experience and the TTC Silent Red offering a lighter touch for extended periods of use. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Outemu Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Silent Red has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Black switch. The Black switch offers a traditional travel distance of 4 mm, providing a balance between response time and key depth. However, the Silent Red switch's shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm may appeal to gamers looking for a quicker response time. Both switches offer smooth linear actuation, but the Black switch provides a slightly longer travel distance for those who prefer a more substantial keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding key depth and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
The Outemu Black 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 Outemu Black linear switch is known for its quiet operation, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more stealthy typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is specifically designed to provide a muted sound profile, ensuring that noise is kept to a minimum, ideal for use in shared environments or quiet spaces.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Black linear switch offers a standard linear typing experience without any specific descriptors for its feel. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is often described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, the Silent Red switch boasts a mild feel, making it approachable to most users, and its polished finish contributes to a sleek typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, while the Outemu Black linear switch is known for its quiet operation, the TTC Silent Red linear switch offers a specifically designed muted sound profile for noise-sensitive environments. When it comes to feel, the Silent Red switch stands out for its buttery and polished typing experience, ensuring a comfortable and refined keystroke sensation. If you're aiming for a quiet and smooth typing experience, both switches can provide similar results, but the Silent Red may offer a more refined feel overall.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a heavier bottom out force and a more traditional typing experience, the Outemu Black linear switch would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a quieter typing experience, and a smoother keystroke, the TTC Silent Red linear switch would be a better fit. The Silent Reds are perfect for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum, such as offices or shared living spaces. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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