Outemu Purple vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Purple and TTC Speed Silver are popular choices among enthusiasts. The Outemu Purple is a tactile switch, known for its satisfying bump feedback and audible click, making it ideal for typists who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver is a linear switch that is praised for its fast and precise typing experience. With a reduced travel distance and light-medium resistance, the Speed Silver switches are perfect for those who value speed and efficiency in their typing. While the Purple switch offers a tactile feel and audible feedback, the Speed Silver switch provides a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Purple and the TTC Speed Silver both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Purple has a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Speed Silver's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
Despite the difference in bottom housing material, the qualities of the top housing will have a significant impact on the sound when typing on both the Outemu Purple and TTC Speed Silver switches. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing will contribute to a sharper and clearer sound profile, while the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting. However, the impact of the bottom housing material cannot be overlooked, as it influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The softer nylon bottom housing of the Purple creates a deeper sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Speed Silver may produce a slightly different sound profile.
In conclusion, while both the Outemu Purple and TTC Speed Silver switches feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharp and crisp sound profile, the difference in bottom housing material sets them apart. The Purple's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper sound, while the Speed Silver's polycarbonate bottom housing absorbs less sound, resulting in a slightly different sound profile. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in each switch contributes to the overall typing experience and sound output, with each material offering unique attributes to consider.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Purple has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Speed Silver's 45 grams. This means that the Purple switch requires a slightly firmer push to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Purple's force is unknown, while the Speed Silver has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light. This means that the Speed Silver requires a lighter force to fully press down compared to the Purple switch.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the TTC Speed Silver may be the better choice, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming where fatigue can become an issue. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple may be preferred by users who prefer a more substantial push feel, as it has a higher actuation force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Purple tactile switch is 4 mm, while the TTC Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Speed Silver has a shorter travel distance compared to the Purple. The Purple's 4 mm travel distance falls into the traditional range, providing a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Speed Silver's 3.4 mm travel distance is slightly shallower, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel. If you value a shorter travel distance for quicker keystrokes, the TTC Speed Silver would be the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a bit more depth in your keystrokes, the Outemu Purple tactile switch may be a better option for you.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
The Outemu 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Purple tactile switch is known for its silent operation, providing a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of uses. When considering sound, it is important to note that the overall audio experience is influenced by various factors including the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Purple tactile switch offers a smooth and satisfying typing experience with its tactile feedback. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch is characterized by a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches fall into a comfortable middle ground in terms of feel, catering to a wide range of preferences.
Overall, when comparing the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, it is evident that they each offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Purple switch provides a silent typing experience with tactile feedback, the Speed Silver switch offers a neutral sound profile and a polished feel for a fast and precise typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, both switches can provide a satisfactory typing experience with their unique characteristics. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing speed.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, consider your priorities for typing experience. If you prioritize a tactile feedback and don't mind the lack of bottom out force specification, the Outemu Purple switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you highly value speed, precision, and a smooth typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the TTC Speed Silver switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to optimize your mechanical keyboard experience.
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