Outemu Silent Grey vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Silent Grey and TTC Silent Brown mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that both offer unique features tailored to different preferences. The Outemu Silent Grey switch is renowned for providing a quiet yet highly tactile typing experience, characterized by its pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch offers a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. While the Silent Grey is perfect for those seeking a silent and satisfying typing experience, the Silent Brown appeals to users looking for a buttery, mild, and polished switch with a muted sound profile. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Both the Outemu Silent Grey and the TTC Silent Brown feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for light to shine through. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures a clear and resonant sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience.
In contrast, the Silent Grey and the Silent Brown both utilize a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This material is considered a classic choice for switch housing, as it contributes to a more muted typing experience compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing.
While the top and bottom housings of the Outemu Silent Grey and the TTC Silent Brown differ in material, the qualities each material brings to the switch are split between the top and bottom halves. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when the key is released. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience thanks to their combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Silent Grey and TTC Silent Brown tactile switches, we can see that the Silent Grey has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Brown's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Silent Grey requires 65 grams of force, while the Silent Brown needs 63.5 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of force required. The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches, with the Silent Grey feeling slightly heavier to press down initially. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the difference is minimal, so users can expect a similar overall feel in that regard. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the initial actuation force, with the Silent Brown being slightly lighter in that aspect.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches offer a tactile feel while typing, but the Silent Grey provides a slightly longer distance for those who prefer a more substantial keypress. On the other hand, the Silent Brown offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 Silent Grey 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 Silent Grey and TTC Silent Brown switches offer different experiences. The Outemu Silent Grey switch is known for its quiet profile, perfect for those looking for a silent typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch is described as having a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes the Silent Brown switch a great choice for those looking for a quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Grey switch provides a highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. It offers a satisfying tactile feedback that is perfect for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch is described as providing a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. Additionally, the buttery, mild, and polished characteristics of the Silent Brown switch ensure a smooth and refined typing experience.
Overall, both the Outemu Silent Grey and TTC Silent Brown switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump, the Outemu Silent Grey switch would be the way to go. However, if you are looking for a switch with a muted sound profile and a smooth typing experience, the TTC Silent Brown switch would be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are seeking.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Grey and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switches, you should consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you are looking for a highly tactile switch with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke that is also quiet, then the Outemu Silent Grey would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a rounded tactile bump, along with a muted sound profile, then the TTC Silent Brown switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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