Outemu Dustproof Black vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Black and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Black and TTC Silent Red both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Dustproof Black, a linear switch, is best known for its dustproof design. On the other hand, the Silent Red, also a linear switch, is recognized for its smooth and quiet typing experience, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces. While the Dustproof Black offers reliability and durability, the Silent Red provides a buttery and polished typing experience. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Black and the TTC Silent Red, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches due to polycarbonate's stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it an ideal choice for switches intended for use with lighting effects. However, the difference lies in the bottom housing material, with the Dustproof Black utilizing nylon and the Silent Red also opting for nylon. This choice of nylon for the bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While the top housings of the Outemu Dustproof Black and the TTC Silent Red are identical in material and therefore provide similar sound profiles, the distinction between the bottom housings sets them apart. The Dustproof Black's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, whereas the Silent Red's nylon bottom housing delivers a similar effect due to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. This emphasizes the importance of the bottom housing material in determining the overall sound and feel of a switch. Both switches offer unique characteristics in their bottom housing material that impact the typing experience and sound produced, showcasing the different approaches to achieving a desired sound profile through housing material selection.
In conclusion, while the top housings of the Outemu Dustproof Black and the TTC Silent Red are both made of polycarbonate, providing a similar sharp and crisp sound profile, the distinct choice of nylon for the bottom housings offers a variance in sound characteristics. The Dustproof Black's nylon bottom housing creates a deep and full sound, while the Silent Red's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a similar effect. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials determines the overall typing experience and sound profile of a switch, highlighting the importance of selecting the right materials to achieve the desired outcome in a mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the TTC Silent Red linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Dustproof Black requires 80 grams, which is heavier than the 63.5 grams required by the Silent Red. This means that the Dustproof Black provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, while the Silent Red offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a gentler push feel. Both switches have different weight specifications, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference for typing comfort and performance.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the Dustproof Black has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Silent Red's 3.7 mm. While both switches fall within the realm of traditional travel distances, with the Dustproof Black being on the longer side and the Silent Red on the shorter side, the slight variation may impact the typing experience. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Silent Red, while others who appreciate a more substantial keypress may opt for the longer travel distance of the Dustproof Black. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and responsiveness.
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 Dustproof 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 Dustproof Black linear switch does not have a specific descriptor available, whereas the TTC Silent Red linear switch is known for its muted sound profile. The Silent Red switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular mechanical switch, making it ideal for environments where minimizing noise is important. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch does not have a specific descriptor provided. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is described as offering a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience. This means that the Silent Red switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke, a gentle typing sensation, and a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. These qualities make the Silent Red switch comfortable and approachable for most users, as it falls within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of feel.
Overall, while the subjective qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch differ in terms of sound and feel, both switches can offer a satisfactory typing experience. If you prefer a quieter sound profile and a smooth, polished feel, the Silent Red switch may be the better choice for you. However, if you are looking for a linear switch without specific sound and feel preferences, both switches may provide similar results in terms of performance and typing comfort. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, consider the typing experience you desire. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and are not concerned about noise levels, the Dustproof Black may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and quiet typing experience, especially for office or shared spaces, the Silent Red is the way to go. With a lighter bottom out force and a muted sound profile, the Silent Red offers a comfortable and serene typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard.
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