Outemu Dustproof Brown vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the TTC Silent Red. The dustproof brown switch is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump when pressed. On the other hand, the silent red switch is renowned for its smooth and silent operation, making it an ideal choice for environments where noise is a concern. The dustproof brown switch is categorized as tactile, while the silent red switch falls under categories such as buttery, mild, muted, and polished. If you prefer a tactile typing experience, the dustproof brown may be the better choice for you. However, if you prioritize a silent and smooth typing experience, the silent red switch could be more suitable. Let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Dustproof Brown Tactile

TTC Silent Red Linear

$3.10 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

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Housing materials

Comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the TTC Silent Red switches, both feature polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, both switches differ in their bottom housing material, with the Dustproof Brown featuring a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silent Red's nylon bottom housing that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.

On one hand, the Dustproof Brown's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of nylon, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a more muted and rounded sound when typing on the switch. On the other hand, the Silent Red's nylon bottom housing offers similar characteristics with its softer plastic material, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper sound profile. However, the differences in the top housing material of polycarbonate between the two switches may slightly impact the overall sound and feel when typing.

In terms of the impact on typing experience, the qualities of the bottom housing material will be felt more prominently when pressing down on a key, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the top housing material will have more of an impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite similar top housing materials, the differing bottom housing materials of the Dustproof Brown and Silent Red switches provide unique sound profiles that may appeal to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.

Weight

The Outemu Dustproof 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 initial keystroke activation. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dustproof Brown requires 65 grams of force, while the Silent Red requires 63.5 grams. This makes the Silent Red slightly lighter in terms of the force needed to fully press the key. The Dustproof Brown provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, while the Silent Red offers a lighter touch, which may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, but the slight difference in bottom out force may result in a noticeable variation in typing feel for users who are sensitive to such nuances.

Travel distance

The comparison between the travel distance of the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch reveals that the Dustproof Brown has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Silent Red's 3.7 mm. This means that the Dustproof Brown will provide a slightly deeper press when typing or gaming compared to the Silent Red. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Silent Red due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may prefer the Dustproof Brown. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the individual user.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch is known for a standard mechanical keyboard sound, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch is known for its muted sound profile. The Silent Red switch produces a softer and quieter sound, making it ideal for environments where noise may be a concern. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Dustproof Brown switch does not have specific descriptors available. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is described as buttery, mild, and polished. This indicates that the Silent Red switch offers a smooth, gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The consistent feel from top to bottom, along with the padded bottom-out feel, enhances the overall typing comfort.

Taking all the available information into consideration, it is evident that the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a standard mechanical keyboard sound, the Dustproof Brown switch may be more suitable. However, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a smooth and polished feel, the Silent Red switch is the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the environment in which the keyboard will be used.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, you should choose the Outemu Dustproof Brown if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and are open to exploring a tactile switch without any specific standout features. On the other hand, opt for the TTC Silent Red if you prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience, making them ideal for use in an office or shared living space. The Silent Red offers a buttery keystroke feel and a muted sound profile, ensuring a comfortable typing experience with minimal noise. Consider your preferences for bottom out force, typing experience, and environment when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the TTC Silent Red will depend on your personal preferences and priorities for your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Dustproof Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more