Kailh Sage vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, there are a wide variety of options available to suit individual preferences. Two popular choices, the Kailh Sage and the TTC Silent Red, offer distinct experiences for users. The Kailh Sage is a clicky switch known for its invigorating and sharp typing experience. With a weight that leans towards the heavy side and a refreshingly crunchy clickiness, this switch is perfect for those who enjoy tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is a linear switch that prioritizes a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise. Categorized as buttery, mild, muted, and polished, these switches are ideal for office or shared living space use. With a smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom and a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort, the Silent Reds are a great choice for those who appreciate a quieter typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual preferences.

By the numbers

Kailh Sage Clicky

TTC Silent Red Linear

$6.25 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials used in the Kailh Sage and TTC Silent Red switches exhibit many similarities. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent property of polycarbonate is useful for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through and enhance the visual appeal. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles and visual effects from the polycarbonate top housing in both the Sage and Silent Red switches.

The differences between the two switches lie in their bottom housing materials. The Sage incorporates a nylon bottom housing, while the Silent Red also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's relatively softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. Consequently, the bottom housing of both switches plays a significant role in the resulting sound when pressing down on the keys, creating a duller and rounder sound.

To summarize, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both the Kailh Sage and TTC Silent Red switches provides similar sound characteristics and advantages for RGB lighting. However, their differences lie in the bottom housing materials, with both switches featuring nylon bottom housings that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite these distinctions, users can expect a satisfying mechanical typing experience from both switches, with variations in sound and feel primarily influenced by the bottom and top housings, respectively.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that there are some notable differences. The actuation force of the Kailh Sage switch is unavailable in grams, while the TTC Silent Red switch has an actuation force of 45 grams. This indicates that the Silent Red switch requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Kailh Sage measuring at 70 grams and the Silent Red at 63.5 grams, both falling into the medium-heavy range. Thus, if one prefers a lighter actuation force, the Silent Red switch would be the preferable choice. However, if a more substantial typing experience is desired with a heavier push feel, the Kailh Sage switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Travel distance

The Kailh Sage clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Silent Red is slightly longer than the Sage. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. The shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm in the Sage switch would be ideal for those seeking a more responsive typing or gaming experience. On the other hand, the slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm in the Silent Red switch might be preferred by individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the shorter distance of the Sage providing a quicker response and the longer distance of the Silent Red offering a more pronounced keystroke sensation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Sage clicky switch offers a distinctive and satisfying typing experience. The switch produces a crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is designed to provide a quiet typing experience. It has a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also vary depending on other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. Overall, if you are looking for a clicky and crunchy sound, the Sage switch is the way to go, while the Silent Red switch is ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience.

When it comes to feel, the Kailh Sage clicky switch offers an invigorating typing sensation. It has a sharp tactile bump that provides pronounced feedback and a reactive feel with each keypress. The actuation force is moderate to firm, creating an immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch offers a smooth and effortless typing experience. It is often described as buttery, implying a fluid and seamless keystroke. The switch has a mild feel, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. It also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, if you prefer a switch with high feedback intensity and a more immersive typing sensation, the Sage switch is a great choice. However, if you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Silent Red switch is the perfect option.

In conclusion, the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Sage switch provides a unique clicky sound, with a crunchy and pronounced feedback. It offers a heavy and sharp clickiness, creating an invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch provides a muted sound profile, offering a quieter typing experience suitable for office or shared living spaces. It has a smooth and consistent feel, with a padded bottom-out for maximum comfort. Both switches have their own merits depending on individual preferences. If you prefer a clicky and crunchy sound with high feedback intensity, the Sage switch is recommended. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a smooth and effortless feel, the Silent Red switch is a great choice.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a clicky switch with a heavy and satisfying feel, the Kailh Sage is the way to go. These switches offer a distinct clicky typing experience with a refreshingly sharp clickiness. They provide an invigorating and sharp tactile feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. The sound they produce is often described as crunchy, similar to stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience, especially for office or shared living spaces, the TTC Silent Red is the perfect choice. These switches have a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. They offer a buttery and mild feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the Silent Red switches are often polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch depends on your preference for sound and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Sage Clicky

$6.25 per 10

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TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more