Outemu Silent Yellow vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Silent Yellow and the TTC Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately boils down to personal preference and specific use cases. The silent yellow, a linear switch, is known for its smoothness. On the other hand, the silent red is also a linear switch and is praised for its smooth and quiet typing experience, making it a great option for office environments or shared living spaces. The silent red offers a buttery, mild, muted, and polished feel that ensures comfort and consistency while typing. However, let's delve 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
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Silent Yellow and TTC Silent Red switches both utilize polycarbonate material for their top housings, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting. Despite using the same material for their top housings, the differences in other components, such as the bottom housings, may lead to variations in sound and feel between the two switches.
Both the Silent Yellow and Silent Red switches feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. With the bottom housing playing a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, the nylon material adds a unique element to the overall typing experience of both switches.
In instances where the top and bottom housings are different, the qualities of each housing material will be distributed between the two components. While the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, the top housing is more influential on the sound when a key is released. Despite any differences in the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow and TTC Silent Red switches, both switches provide a combination of sharp and clear sound profiles from their polycarbonate top housings, while offering rich and full sound profiles from their nylon bottom housings.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Yellow is heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. The Silent Yellow requires 65 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 80 grams to bottom out, while the Silent Red only requires 45 grams to actuate and 63.5 grams to bottom out. This makes the Silent Red the lighter option between the two. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Silent Red would be more suitable as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. However, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Silent Yellow with its heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Yellow has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Silent Red, which has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Silent Yellow offers a slightly deeper keypress, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Silent Red provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Silent Yellow providing a bit more depth and the Silent Red offering a slightly quicker actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing feel.
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 Yellow 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 Yellow switch is not as well-known for its specific sound profile, but it is likely to produce a quieter typing experience compared to regular non-silent switches. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is praised for its muted sound profile, which means it produces a softer and quieter noise, making it an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces where noise is a concern. The sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch's specific characteristics are not widely documented, but it is generally expected to provide a smooth and consistent typing experience. Conversely, the TTC Silent Red switch is often described as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke with a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the switch offers a mild typing experience, making it approachable to most users, and boasts a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. These qualities of the TTC Silent Red switch contribute to an overall comfortable and satisfying typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Silent Yellow and TTC Silent Red switches offer a quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. While the Outemu Silent Yellow's sound profile and specific feel characteristics may not be as well-documented, it is likely to provide a quieter and consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is praised for its muted sound profile and buttery feel, offering a smooth and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience, but both switches are viable options for those seeking a quieter mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In summarizing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch or the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is important to take into account the differences in bottom out force, sound profile, and typing experience. If you prefer a heavier switch with no specific standout features, the Silent Yellow may be your choice. However, if you prioritize a smoother and quieter typing experience suitable for office or shared spaces, the Silent Red would be the more ideal option for you. Ultimately, your decision will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound level, and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in your mechanical keyboard switch selection.
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