Kailh Plum vs. TTC Silent Brown

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Plum and the TTC Silent Brown. The Plum switch is unique in that it offers a hefty feel without a pronounced tactile bump, which sets it apart from other tactile switches. The sound profile of the Plum is neutral and enjoyable, making it appealing to those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch provides a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. What sets the Silent Brown apart is its muted sound profile, which is ideal for those who prefer a quieter keyboard. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.

By the numbers

Kailh Plum Tactile

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$6.25 per 10

$5.00

$3.68 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh Plum and the TTC Silent Brown both use polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches used with RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches offer similar sound characteristics and aesthetic benefits when it comes to their top housings.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Plum uses nylon while the Silent Brown also utilizes nylon. Nylon is known to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. Therefore, the bottom housing of both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the sound produced.

It's important to note that when pressing down on these switches, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will have a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. While the materials used for the top and bottom housings differ between the Kailh Plum and the TTC Silent Brown, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, albeit with slight variations in tone and resonance.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, we find some similarities and differences. The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider, as it affects the typing experience. The Plum switch, unfortunately, does not provide information on its actuation force, but its bottom out force is 70 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter than the Plum switch. However, its bottom out force is 63.5 grams, which is also medium-heavy.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Brown switch with its lower actuation force could be a suitable choice. It allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. However, if someone prefers a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force. This means that selecting either the Plum or Silent Brown switch would provide similar results in terms of the force needed to bottom out and achieve a full keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to personal preference and the desired weight for the typing experience.

Travel distance

The Kailh Plum tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch have different travel distances. The Plum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Brown has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of comparing the two, the Silent Brown has a slightly longer travel distance than the Plum. However, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that have become prevalent in the market. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Plum with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice. On the other hand, some individuals find short travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer switches with a deeper travel distance. In that case, the Silent Brown with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Plum switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force and a moderate level of sound. It is suitable for various uses, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch is known for its muted sound profile. This switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, which can help minimize the noise associated with mechanical keyboards. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Plum switch is described as having a mild and stepped feel. A mild switch offers a gentle typing experience, making it approachable for most users. The qualities of the Plum switch fall in a safe middle-ground zone, providing comfort without being overly pronounced. Additionally, the stepped feature of the Plum switch means that it has two stages of tactility. Unlike hypertactile switches that have a strong bump throughout the keystroke, the stepped switches feel milder, with some noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch is described as buttery, mild, and polished in feel. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, resulting in a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The mild characteristic of the Silent Brown switch provides a gentle typing experience, similar to the Plum switch. The polished feature of the Silent Brown switch adds to its smoothness and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the Plum switch offers a unique tactile experience with its hefty feel and minimal tactile bump. Its sound profile is neutral and enjoyable. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch provides a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. Its sound profile is muted and the feel is buttery and polished. While the two switches have different qualities, both can provide a pleasant typing experience. If you prefer a more unique tactile feel and a neutral sound profile, the Plum switch could be a great choice. If you prefer a rounded tactile bump, a muted sound, and a buttery and polished feel, the Silent Brown switch could be the one for you.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a unique tactile experience, the Kailh Plum tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With its 70-gram bottom out force, it provides a hefty feel without a huge tactile bump, making it stand out among other tactile switches. The Plum switch also has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various situations and preferences. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch would be the right fit. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it offers a comfortable typing experience. The Silent Brown switch is known for its muted sound profile, reducing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Additionally, it provides a buttery and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and refined keystroke experience. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics and cater to different preferences, so it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Plum Tactile

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$5.00

$3.68 per 10

Learn more