Outemu Crystal Brown vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown 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 Crystal Brown and TTC Silent Red both bring unique qualities to the table. The Crystal Brown is a tactile switch known for its responsiveness. On the other hand, the Silent Red is a linear switch renowned for providing a smooth and quiet typing experience, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces. The Crystal Brown falls under the category of tactile switches, while the Silent Red is categorized as a silent switch. Each switch has its own appeal, with the Crystal Brown offering tactile feedback and the Silent Red providing a silent and comfortable typing experience. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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 key difference between the Outemu Crystal Brown and the TTC Silent Red lies in their bottom housing material. The Crystal Brown features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Silent Red also has a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a deeper and rounder sound profile. This similarity in bottom housing material means that users can expect comparable sound feedback when typing on both switches.
However, where the two switches differ is in their top housing material. Both the Crystal Brown and the Silent Red utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that use RGB lighting, as it allows for better light diffusion. Therefore, while the bottom housing of the switches may provide a similar typing experience, the difference in top housing material will impact the overall sound and feel of the switches.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal Brown and the TTC Silent Red share similar bottom housing materials in nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the top housing material sets them apart, with both switches utilizing polycarbonate for a sharper and crisper sound. While the nylon bottom housing provides a consistent typing experience between the two switches, the polycarbonate top housing offers distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, users can expect a comparable typing experience with slight variations in sound profile and feedback when using these two switches.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of initiating a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Crystal Brown requires 55 grams of force, while the Silent Red demands 63.5 grams. This means that the Silent Red is heavier when it comes to fully pressing the key down. For some users, the lighter actuation force of both switches might be preferred for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it allows for quicker and easier keystrokes. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the Silent Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Crystal Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Red. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Crystal Brown offering a bit more depth when pressing down on a key. Gamers may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Silent Red for quicker response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing may opt for the Crystal Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience desired.
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 Crystal 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 Crystal Brown tactile switch is known for providing a standard mechanical keyboard sound, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch is specifically designed to produce a muted sound profile. The Silent Red switch is ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience, making it suitable for environments where noise may be a concern, such as in an office or shared living space. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch does not have a specific descriptor mentioned, while the TTC Silent Red switch is often described as buttery, mild, and polished. The buttery feel implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The mild characteristic indicates a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel. Additionally, the polished attribute suggests a refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch offers a standard sound experience with an unspecified feel, while the TTC Silent Red switch is praised for its muted sound profile and smooth, consistent feel. If you prefer a more traditional mechanical keyboard sound and don't mind a standard feel, the Crystal Brown may be the choice for you. However, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a buttery and polished feel, the Silent Red switch would be the better option. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and are looking for a tactile typing experience, the Crystal Brown might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and quiet typing experience with a muted sound profile and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Silent Red switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel, sound level, and bottom out force. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
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