Kailh Plum vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Kailh Plum and the TTC Silent Red. The Plum is best known for its unique combination of weightiness and a subtle tactile bump. Unlike many other tactile switches, the Plum doesn't have a pronounced tactile bump, giving it a distinct feel. Additionally, the Plum has a neutral and enjoyable sound profile, making it a popular choice among typists. On the other hand, the Silent Red is favored for its smooth and seamless typing experience with minimal noise. Perfect for office or shared living spaces, the Silent Red has a muted sound profile that won't disrupt the tranquility of your surroundings. It also boasts a consistent feel from top to bottom and a padded bottom-out feature for maximum comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Kailh Plum Tactile

TTC Silent Red Linear

$6.25 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

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Housing materials

Both the Kailh Plum and the TTC Silent Red switches feature polycarbonate top housings. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness and resonance. Additionally, polycarbonate is translucent, making it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics from both of these switches' polycarbonate top housings.

In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Plum and Silent Red switches utilize nylon. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Whether it's typing or bottoming out, the nylon bottom housing of these switches contributes to a more enhanced acoustic experience.

Taking into account the qualities brought by the top and bottom housing materials, it is evident that they play different roles in the overall sound and feel of the switches. When pressing down on either the Plum or Silent Red switches, the bottom housing material has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material influences the sound that is produced when a key is released. This distinction highlights the importance of both the top and bottom housing materials in creating a satisfying typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Plum switch has an actuation force of unavailable grams, making it difficult to determine how it compares in this aspect. However, it has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch has a lower actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a lighter touch for triggering keystrokes. Its bottom out force is also slightly lighter at 63.5 grams. This means that the Silent Red switch provides a smoother and less resistant typing experience compared to the Plum switch. Therefore, those who prefer a lighter and more effortless keystroke would likely lean towards the Silent Red switch. However, if a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience are desired, the Plum switch, with its heavier actuation and bottom out force, would be a better choice. Ultimately, weight preference plays a crucial role, as some individuals favoring longer typing sessions may opt for a lighter switch, while others seeking a more robust feel may prefer a heavier switch.

Travel distance

The travel distances of the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch differ slightly, with the Plum having a travel distance of 3.6 mm and the Silent Red having a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent times. Gamers, in particular, tend to favor shorter travel distances due to their potential for faster response times. So, if you value quick and responsive keystrokes, the Plum switch with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. However, it's worth noting that some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, preferring a deeper keystroke sensation. In this case, the Silent Red switch with its slightly longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Plum tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile. It doesn't have a huge tactile bump like many other tactile switches, making it unique in this aspect. The sound produced by the Plum switch is described as enjoyable and neutral, suitable for various purposes, whether at home or work. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a muted sound profile. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. This makes the Silent Red switch perfect for environments such as offices or shared living spaces where minimizing noise is essential. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Kailh Plum tactile switch provides a mild and stepped typing experience. These switches offer a gentle typing sensation, making them approachable to most users. The Plum switch doesn't have a pronounced tactile bump but instead has a more subtle feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The Silent Red switch ensures a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the Silent Red switch is also described as mild and polished, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel due to either the materials used or factory lubing.

Overall, the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch have their own unique qualities. The Plum switch stands out with its hefty feel and unique lack of a pronounced tactile bump, while offering a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch is known for its smooth and seamless typing experience, with a muted sound profile suitable for quiet environments. Both switches provide a gentle typing experience, making them approachable to most users. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preference, considering factors such as desired sound profile, typing feel, and any specific environmental requirements. However, it is important to note that while the characteristics of these switches are described based on available information, individual experiences may vary.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch that feels hefty without a pronounced tactile bump and has a neutral sound profile, the Kailh Plum tactile switch is a unique choice. It has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams and provides a mild and stepped typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is perfect for you. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it offers a muted sound profile and a buttery, mild, and polished feel. This switch is ideal for office or shared living space use. Ultimately, when deciding between the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, consider your preference for tactility and weight, as well as the desired sound and typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Plum Tactile

$6.25 per 10

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TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more