Outemu Brown vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Brown, a tactile switch, to the TTC Silent Red, a linear switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Brown switch is known for providing a tactile bump during actuation, giving users feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch is revered for its smooth and quiet typing experience, making it perfect for shared spaces. The Brown switch falls into the category of tactile switches, while the Silent Red switch is categorized as linear. If you're looking for a switch that offers a satisfying click and feedback, the Brown switch might be for you. However, if you prioritize a silent and seamless typing experience, the Silent Red switch could be the better choice. 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
53g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.20 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 housing materials of the Outemu Brown and the TTC Silent Red switches are quite similar in terms of their top housing, both being made of polycarbonate. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, polycarbonate is known for being a relatively stiff plastic, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches if RGB lighting is a factor. Overall, the top housing material of both switches provides a similar sound and feel experience.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Outemu Brown and the TTC Silent Red switches differ slightly. The Brown features a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing. In contrast, the Silent Red also uses a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar effect of a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing.
In terms of performance, the bottom housing material of both switches will have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. The softer nylon material in the bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the top housing material plays a larger role in the sound when a key is released. Overall, the combination of polycarbonate in the top housing and nylon in the bottom housing for both the Outemu Brown and TTC Silent Red switches results in a balanced sound profile with a mix of sharper and deeper tones.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Red is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams, compared to the Brown's 53 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Brown at 65 grams and the Silent Red at 63.5 grams, both falling within the medium-heavy range. The actuation force of a switch is crucial for triggering keystrokes, while the bottom out force measures the pressure required to press the key all the way down. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Silent Red for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may opt for the slightly heavier actuation force of the Brown for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing feel and force sensitivity.
Travel distance
The Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Brown switch offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a balance between responsiveness and depth, making it suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch's shorter travel distance may appeal more to gamers seeking faster response times. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience, with the Brown switch requiring a slightly deeper press compared to the Silent Red switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Brown tactile switch is known for having a standard mechanical keyboard sound. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is praised for its muted sound profile. With a quieter typing experience, the Silent Red switch is ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum, such as shared living spaces or office settings. It's essential to consider that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard build and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Brown tactile switch offers a tactile bump during actuation, providing feedback to the user. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is described as buttery, giving it a smooth and fluid typing experience. Additionally, the Silent Red switch is noted for its mild and polished feel, offering a comfortable and refined typing sensation. The padded bottom-out feel of the Silent Red switch adds an extra layer of comfort to the typing experience, making it a popular choice for extended typing sessions.
Overall, if you prefer a traditional mechanical keyboard sound with tactile feedback, the Outemu Brown switch is an excellent option. However, if you're looking for a quieter typing experience with a smooth and comfortable feel, the TTC Silent Red switch would be the better choice. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, and selecting between the two would depend on personal preference and typing requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience, especially in a shared environment like an office or living space, you would want to choose the TTC Silent Red linear switch. With a padded bottom-out feel and a muted sound profile, these switches offer a comfortable and seamless typing sensation without the noise associated with traditional mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Brown switch would be the way to go. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound level.
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