Outemu Silent Grey vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Grey and TTC Silent Red offer distinct features catering to different preferences. The Outemu Silent Grey is a tactile switch known for its quiet yet highly tactile typing experience, featuring a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke that is satisfying and silent. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is a linear switch that provides a smooth and seamless typing experience with a muted sound profile, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces. The Silent Grey is best suited for those who enjoy a tactile feedback, while the Silent Red is perfect for those who prefer a quiet and consistent keystroke. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and the TTC Silent Red, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting. The aesthetic appeal of a clear housing also stems from the translucency of polycarbonate, adding to the overall design of the switches.
However, the key difference lies in the bottom housing material used for these switches. While the Silent Grey features a nylon bottom housing, the Silent Red also employs nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings, enhancing the overall typing experience for users.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall feel and sound of the switches, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing the key. Therefore, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and the TTC Silent Red offers a balanced typing experience with a variety of sound profiles for users to enjoy.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, we can see that both switches fall into the medium-heavy category. The Silent Grey requires 50 grams of force to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out, while the Silent Red needs 45 grams to actuate and 63.5 grams to bottom out. In terms of weight, the Silent Red is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Silent Grey. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Silent Red may be the better option. However, for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, the Silent Grey may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, we find that the Silent Grey has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Silent Red linear switch will have a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Grey tactile switch. Generally, a shorter travel distance is favored by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for some users. Both switches offer unique benefits, with the shorter travel distance of the Silent Red offering quicker response times, while the Silent Grey provides a slightly longer distance for those who prefer a more significant key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference and typing style.
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 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 comparing the sound of the two switches, the Outemu Silent Grey is known for offering a quiet typing experience, while the TTC Silent Red is described as having a muted sound profile, making it suitable for office environments or shared living spaces. Both switches provide a quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Silent Grey is known for its highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is described as having a buttery feel with a smooth and consistent keystroke from top to bottom. The Silent Red switch also provides a padded bottom-out feel for added comfort. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the Silent Grey being more tactile and the Silent Red offering a smoother and more uniform feel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Grey and TTC Silent Red switches both offer a quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. The Silent Grey is more tactile with a pronounced bump, while the Silent Red provides a buttery and consistent feel. Depending on personal preference for tactile feedback and typing feel, either switch can provide a satisfying and silent typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a highly tactile and satisfying typing experience with a pronounced bump, then the Outemu Silent Grey switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you want a smooth and seamless typing experience with a muted sound profile, the TTC Silent Red switch is a better choice. Additionally, if you prioritize comfort and a padded bottom-out feel, the Silent Red linear switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the specific characteristics you value in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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