Outemu Silent White vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent White 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 White and the TTC Silent Red offer distinct qualities to cater to different preferences and needs. The Outemu Silent White switch is known for its specific characteristics, while the TTC Silent Red stands out for its smooth and quiet typing experience, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces. The Silent White switch falls into a category of its own, while the Silent Red is often described as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their unique selling points, 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Silent White and the TTC Silent Red switches share many similarities in terms of their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that resonates well, making it ideal for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows light to shine through the housing. However, despite these similarities, the Silent White and Silent Red switches differ in their use of nylon for the bottom housing.
While both switches have a nylon bottom housing, the Silent White and Silent Red switches exhibit distinct sound profiles due to the differences in their bottom housings. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic compared to polycarbonate. This results in a more muted and rounded sound when typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing. The utilization of different materials for the top and bottom housings allows for a balanced typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent White and TTC Silent Red switches offer unique typing experiences due to their housing materials. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing leads to differences in the overall sound and feel of the switches. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with the Outemu Silent White or a deeper sound with the TTC Silent Red, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience with their combination of materials in the housing design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is clear that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Outemu Silent White has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the TTC Silent Red has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making the TTC Silent Red the heavier switch of the two. The difference in bottom out force means that the TTC Silent Red provides a slightly more substantial typing experience compared to the Outemu Silent White. Overall, both switches fall into the medium range in terms of weight, making them suitable for a variety of users. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Silent White, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance in their keystrokes may prefer the slightly heavier TTC Silent Red.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Outemu Silent White has a shorter travel distance compared to the TTC Silent Red. The shorter travel distance of the Outemu switch may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while those who prefer a deeper keypress experience may opt for the TTC Silent Red with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 White 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 Outemu Silent White switch doesn't have a clear reputation for a specific sound profile. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is known for its muted sound, which is softer and quieter than traditional mechanical keyboard switches. This makes the Silent Red a great choice for environments where noise level is a concern, such as in an office or shared living space. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent White switch doesn't have a defined characteristic. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red switch is described as offering a buttery feel with a seamless and uniform typing sensation. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is comfortable and easy on the fingers. Additionally, the Silent Red switch provides a mild typing experience that falls in the middle ground between too heavy and too light, making it approachable for most users. The polished finish of the Silent Red switch also contributes to a sleek and refined typing feel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silent White and the TTC Silent Red switches offer distinct qualities when it comes to sound and feel. While the Silent White switch lacks specific descriptors, the Silent Red switch is known for its muted sound and buttery, polished feel. If you're looking for a quiet switch with a smooth and comfortable typing experience, the Silent Red may be the better option. However, keep in mind that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches are designed to provide a quiet and pleasant typing experience, so you can expect similar results in terms of reduced noise and smooth keystrokes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, consider the following guidelines: You may want to choose the Outemu Silent White if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force of 60 grams. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a smoother typing experience and a more muted sound profile, the TTC Silent Red with its 63.5 grams of bottom out force may be the better option for you. Ultimately, the Outemu Silent White may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the TTC Silent Red is ideal for those who prioritize a quiet and comfortable typing experience in shared or office spaces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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