Outemu Dustproof Purple vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Purple and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu dustproof purple clicky switch and the TTC silent brown tactile switch offer unique qualities to consider. The dustproof purple is known for its unique characteristics and falls under the category of clicky switches. On the other hand, the silent brown tactile switches are best known for providing a comfortable typing experience with a light to medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. Additionally, the silent browns have a muted sound profile, making them ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience. While both switches have their own strengths, such as the dustproof purple's distinct features and the silent brown's comfortable typing experience and quieter sound profile, it's important to delve deeper beyond these generalities to determine which switch is the best fit for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 Outemu Dustproof Purple and TTC Silent Brown switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches. However, the Nylon bottom housing of the Dustproof Purple offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, as Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Silent Brown also features a Nylon bottom housing, providing similar sound qualities to the Dustproof Purple.
Where the two switches differ is in the combination of housing materials - while both feature polycarbonate top housings, the Dustproof Purple has a Nylon bottom housing while the Silent Brown also utilizes Nylon for its bottom housing. This difference in bottom housing material can impact the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Dustproof Purple, with its combination of polycarbonate and Nylon, may offer a unique balance of sharpness and depth in sound. On the other hand, the Silent Brown's consistent use of Nylon for both top and bottom housings may result in a more uniform sound profile throughout typing.
Ultimately, the choice between the Dustproof Purple and Silent Brown will come down to personal preference in sound and feel. Both switches offer a combination of polycarbonate and Nylon for distinct sound profiles, with the Dustproof Purple leaning towards a sharper sound with deeper tones, while the Silent Brown may provide a more consistent and uniform sound experience. Whether prioritizing aesthetics or sound quality, both switches offer a unique blend of housing materials to cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch's 45 grams, making the Dustproof Purple slightly heavier in terms of actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dustproof Purple requires 65 grams, whereas the Silent Brown needs 63.5 grams, making them quite similar in terms of bottom out force. The Dustproof Purple offers a more substantial typing experience due to its slightly heavier actuation force, while the Silent Brown provides a lighter typing feel which may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, offering a balance between a satisfying keypress and comfort during extended use. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and desired weight of keypress.
Travel distance
The Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Dustproof Purple offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth when pressing the key compared to the Silent Brown. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Silent Brown, while those who like a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Dustproof Purple. Overall, both switches offer a relatively similar travel distance, so users can expect similar results in terms of key feel despite the slight difference in distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
The Outemu Dustproof Purple 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 Dustproof Purple switch doesn't have a specific reputation, but the TTC Silent Brown switch is known for its muted sound profile, making it a great option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. The Dustproof Purple switch may offer a different sound profile depending on the keyboard and keycaps used, so it's important to consider these factors when deciding on a switch.
In terms of feel, the Dustproof Purple switch doesn't have a specific description, while the TTC Silent Brown switch is known for its buttery feel. This means that the Silent Brown switch provides a smooth and fluid typing experience, with a mild level of resistance and a polished finish. This makes it a comfortable option for long typing sessions and ensures a pleasant typing sensation overall.
Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it's clear that they offer different experiences. The Dustproof Purple switch may vary in sound depending on external factors, while the Silent Brown switch provides a consistent muted sound profile. Additionally, the Silent Brown switch stands out for its buttery feel, offering a smooth and polished typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider factors like sound, feel, and personal typing preferences when choosing between them.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a loud and clicky typing experience, the Dustproof Purple may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience with a subtle tactile bump, the Silent Brown switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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