Outemu Silver vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silver and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the linear Outemu Silver and the tactile TTC Silent Brown mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find that both offer unique advantages to enhance your typing experience. The Outemu Silver is best known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, making it a popular choice for gamers and fast typists who value speed and precision. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switches are favored for their comfortable typing experience, light-medium resistance, and satisfying tactile bump, all while maintaining a muted sound profile. While the Silver switch excels in providing a seamless keystroke feel, the Silent Brown switch offers a more tactile and satisfying typing experience. 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
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 Silver and the TTC Silent Brown switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of the material. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on either of these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, as it allows for the light to shine through the housing for a visually appealing effect.
On the other hand, the Silver and Silent Brown switches differ in their bottom housings, with the Silver boasting a nylon bottom housing while the Silent Brown also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon for the bottom housing, enhancing the overall typing experience.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing material, the difference in their bottom housings will impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing material plays a crucial role in determining the typing experience, as it absorbs sound and affects the overall sound profile. The top housing, on the other hand, influences the sound when releasing a key, highlighting the importance of each housing material in contributing to the overall typing experience of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silver linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light when it comes to triggering a keystroke. However, the Outemu Silver has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the TTC Silent Brown's bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making the Silent Brown slightly lighter in terms of the force needed to press all the way down. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of force required. Some users may prefer the Outemu Silver for its slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience, while others may lean towards the TTC Silent Brown for its slightly lighter bottom out force, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Silver linear switch is 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Silver switch provides a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Brown switch. This difference, although minimal, can affect the typing experience for some users. Those who prefer a deeper key press may lean towards the Outemu Silver switch, while individuals who prioritize a quicker response time might opt for the TTC Silent Brown switch. Both options offer a balance between traditional and shallow travel distances, catering to a variety of preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
The Outemu Silver 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 Silver switch does not have a specific reputation, meaning it is likely to produce a standard mechanical keyboard sound. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch is known for its muted sound profile, which minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. If you are looking for a quieter typing experience, the Silent Brown switch would be the better choice.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silver switch does not have a specific reputation, so it is likely to offer a standard linear typing experience. The TTC Silent Brown switch, on the other hand, is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, it is considered mild, offering a gentle typing sensation that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone. The polish on these switches contributes to a sleek typing experience due to reduced friction and smooth key travel. If you prefer a smoother and more refined typing feel, the Silent Brown switch would be the preferred option.
In conclusion, the Outemu Silver and TTC Silent Brown switches offer different subjective qualities. The Silver switch is more of a standard linear option in terms of sound and feel, while the Silent Brown switch provides a quieter typing experience with a smooth and gentle feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound and tactile feedback or prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that you will get satisfying results based on your individual needs.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump for a comfortable typing experience, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch would be a great choice. The muted sound profile of these switches also adds to a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Silver switch would be a solid option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile. Consider your typing style and environment to choose the switch that best suits your needs.
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