Outemu Brown vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Brown and the TTC Silent Brown mechanical keyboard switches, both switches are tactile, providing users with tangible bump feedback when the key is actuated. The Outemu Brown is recognized for its unique characteristics, while the TTC Silent Brown is praised for its comfortable typing experience and muted sound profile. The Outemu Brown switch falls into the category of tactile switches, while the TTC Silent Brown is often described as smooth, mild, muted, and polished. Choosing the Outemu Brown may be ideal for those looking for a different tactile experience, whereas the TTC Silent Brown could be the preferred choice for individuals seeking a quieter typing environment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
53g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.20 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
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 main difference between the housing materials of the Outemu Brown and the TTC Silent Brown switches lies in the fact that the Outemu Brown features a polycarbonate top housing while the TTC Silent Brown utilizes a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches used with RGB lighting. On the other hand, nylon, as found in the Silent Brown, produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate top housing.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Outemu Brown and the TTC Silent Brown switches feature a nylon bottom housing. This material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches, as nylon is softer and absorbs sound effectively. The nylon bottom housing of both switches ensures that the bottom-out sound and feel are impacted by the characteristics of this material, creating a consistent typing experience between the two switches.
Overall, while the Outemu Brown and TTC Silent Brown switches differ in their top housing materials, both share the same nylon bottom housing. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel when using either switch. The use of different top housing materials, however, results in distinct sound profiles for each switch, with the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Brown producing a sharper and crisper sound compared to the duller and rounder sound of the nylon top housing in the TTC Silent Brown.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Brown and TTC Silent Brown tactile switches, we see that the actuation force of the Outemu Brown is 53 grams, while the TTC Silent Brown is slightly lighter at 45 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Outemu Brown at 65 grams and the TTC Silent Brown at 63.5 grams, both falling into the medium-heavy range. The actuation force of the switches determines the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the force required to press the key all the way down. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the TTC Silent Brown for longer typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier actuation force of the Outemu Brown for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Brown tactile switch is 4mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8mm. In terms of responsiveness, the Silent Brown may provide a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance compared to the Brown switch. Gamers or individuals looking for faster input may prefer the TTC Silent Brown switch. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch with its longer travel distance may be more suitable for those who prefer a deeper and more tactile typing experience. Both switches offer a tactile feedback, but the slight difference in travel distance can cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Brown switch and the TTC Silent Brown switch offer distinct experiences. The Outemu Brown switch does not have a specific sound descriptor, indicating that it may produce a standard mechanical keyboard noise. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch is praised for its muted sound profile, which minimizes the typical clackiness associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes the Silent Brown switch a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Brown switch and the TTC Silent Brown switch also differ. The Outemu Brown switch does not have a specific feel descriptor provided, suggesting it may offer a standard tactile typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown switch is described as buttery, mild, and polished. This means that the Silent Brown switch provides a smooth, gentle typing sensation with reduced friction and sleek key travel. The rounded tactile bump on the Silent Brown switch adds to the overall comfort of typing on this switch.
Overall, if a newcomer is looking for a tactile switch option, the Outemu Brown switch and the TTC Silent Brown switch both have their unique qualities to offer. While the Outemu Brown switch may provide a standard tactile typing experience with a potential for standard sound, the TTC Silent Brown switch stands out for its muted sound profile and buttery, polished feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, with the Silent Brown switch offering a quieter and smoother option compared to the traditional Brown switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, consider your priorities. If you prioritize a standard typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and do not mind some typing noise, the Outemu Brown may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience with a lighter bottom out force and a more comfortable, buttery feel, the TTC Silent Brown may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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