Kailh Sage vs. TTC Silent Brown

Overview

If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, two options worth considering are the Kailh Sage and the TTC Silent Brown. The Kailh Sage is a clicky switch and is best known for its distinct clicky typing experience. With a heavy weight and refreshingly sharp clickiness, it offers an invigorating and crunchy feel while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown is a tactile switch that provides a comfortable typing experience. It features a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. Additionally, these switches have a muted sound profile, giving them a more polished and buttery feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Sage Clicky

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$6.25 per 10

$6.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Sage and the TTC Silent Brown switches share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. So, whether using the Sage or the Silent Brown, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics.

However, where these switches differ is in their bottom housing. The Sage employs a nylon bottom housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Silent Brown also features a nylon bottom housing, offering the same characteristics of a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon, enhancing the overall typing experience.

Although the top and bottom housings contribute different qualities to the switch, they interact to create a comprehensive experience. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. So, whether you are using the Sage or the Silent Brown, both housings work in conjunction to provide a satisfying and versatile typing experience.

In conclusion, while the top housings of the Kailh Sage and TTC Silent Brown switches share the same polycarbonate material, their bottom housings differ in terms of material and resulting sound profile. The Sage's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound. Similarly, the Silent Brown's nylon bottom housing produces a similar deeper and fuller sound. However, regardless of the bottom housing, both switches incorporate the qualities of polycarbonate in the top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound, perfect for those who enjoy a distinct typing experience. Thus, both switches offer unique features while maintaining a level of similarity in their overall performance.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The actuation force of the Sage switch is unavailable, while the Silent Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Silent Brown requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Sage. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Sage switch is heavier with a force of 70 grams, whereas the Silent Brown has a force of 63.5 grams.

This contrast in forces indicates that the Sage switch offers a more substantial typing experience as it requires a stronger push to bottom out, while the Silent Brown provides a lighter actuation force for a more gentle typing sensation. However, it is worth mentioning that both switches fall under the category of medium-heavy when it comes to bottom out force.

Considering weight is important as it directly impacts the typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch and the ability to type for extended periods, the Silent Brown switch may be a suitable choice. This lighter actuation force is beneficial for those who use their keyboard for work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more solid and substantial typing feel would likely lean towards the Kailh Sage switch's heavier bottom out force.

Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. However, both options offer their own advantages and can provide satisfactory results for users, whether one prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force.

Travel distance

In comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, we find that the Sage has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Brown offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent times. Gamers, in particular, favor shorter travel distances for quicker response times. So, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Sage would be the better choice. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt and prefer a deeper key press. In such cases, the Silent Brown, with its slightly longer travel distance, may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Sage clicky switch offers a distinctive clicky typing experience with a crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch provides a muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. The muted sound of the Silent Brown switch helps minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. Overall, if you prefer a crunchier and more pronounced clicky sound, the Sage switch would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a more muted and quieter typing experience, the Silent Brown switch would be a better option.

When it comes to feel, the Kailh Sage switch offers an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. It has a moderate to firm actuation force and a sharp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch provides a buttery and mild typing experience. The switch offers a smooth and fluid keystroke, creating a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Silent Brown switch also features a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek typing experience. These qualities position the Silent Brown switch in a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. If you prefer a more engaging and sharp tactile feedback, the Sage switch would be a good choice. However, if you are looking for a smoother and more uniform typing experience, the Silent Brown switch would be more suitable.

In conclusion, the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Sage switch provides a distinctive crunchier sound with pronounced feedback and a sharp tactile bump, creating an invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch offers a muted sound profile, a buttery and mild typing sensation, and a polished finish for smooth key travel. Both switches have their unique characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their preferences. However, it is important to mention that the ultimate typing experience can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are looking for a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavy feel and a refreshing sharp clickiness, the Kailh Sage switch is an excellent choice for you. The Sage switch offers an invigorating and sharp tactile feel, creating an immersive typing sensation with pronounced feedback. Additionally, if you enjoy the satisfying sound of crisp autumn leaves, the crunchy sound of the Sage switch will be a perfect fit for you.

On the other hand, if you prefer a comfortable typing experience with a lighter level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, the TTC Silent Brown switch is the way to go. These switches provide a buttery and mild typing experience, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke with a gentle feel. Moreover, if you value a quieter sound profile, the muted sound of the Silent Brown switch will be much appreciated.

Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a heavy and sharp tactile feel with a distinct clicky sound, the Sage switch is the better option. However, if you prefer a lighter and smoother tactile feel with a muted sound profile, the Silent Brown switch will be more suitable for you. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so make sure to choose the one that aligns with your desired typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Sage Clicky

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$6.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more