Kailh Sage vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Kailh Sage and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
One of the main choices to consider when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch is the type of switch it utilizes. Two popular options to compare and contrast are the Kailh Sage, a clicky switch, and the TTC Speed Silver, a linear switch. The Kailh Sage is renowned for its distinct clicky typing experience, offering an invigorating and sharp feel. It has a heavy weight, providing a refreshing level of clickiness. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver is known for its fast and precise typing experience. With a light-medium level of resistance, it offers a pristine sound profile. These tactile switches have a reduced travel distance, allowing for quick and effortless actuation. 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
The Kailh Sage and TTC Speed Silver both share the same polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it aesthetically pleasing for those who want to incorporate lighting effects in their keyboards. In terms of sound, both switches will provide similar results due to their common polycarbonate top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a distinction between the two switches. The Sage features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Speed Silver also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering the same deeper and fuller sound characteristics as the Sage. Therefore, in terms of the sound produced during the bottom-out action, both switches will deliver a similar experience.
It's also important to note that the top and bottom housings have different impacts on the overall sound experience. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the overall tactile response when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key, creating a distinct auditory feedback. Therefore, the housing materials for both switches, despite some differences in the bottom housing, contribute to the overall sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Kailh Sage has an actuation force that is currently unknown, while the TTC Speed Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Sage requires 70 grams, making it medium-heavy, whereas the Speed Silver requires 55 grams, which is considered medium-light.
Weight is an important factor to take into account for different preferences and needs. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may opt for the TTC Speed Silver, as its 45-gram actuation force allows for a more effortless keystroke. This lighter weight can be beneficial for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, providing increased comfort and reduced fatigue.
On the other hand, some individuals may prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. In this case, the Kailh Sage may be a better choice, with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams. This heavier force can provide a satisfying tactile feedback and make typing feel more deliberate and deliberate.
Although the actuation force of the Sage is currently unknown, if it happens to be similar to the TTC Speed Silver's 45 grams, individuals seeking a lighter actuation force would likely achieve similar results with either switch. Similarly, if the Sage's actuation force is higher, it may provide a stronger push feel compared to the Speed Silver.
In summary, the Kailh Sage clicky switch and TTC Speed Silver linear switch have varying actuation and bottom out forces. The Sage offers a potentially heavier actuation force with an unknown value and a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Speed Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preferences, with some opting for a lighter feel and others preferring a heavier, more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Sage has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Speed Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. Gamers, who prioritize quicker response times, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Speed Silver. Its 3.4 mm travel distance allows for a faster press and release, enhancing gaming performance. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Sage, with its longer 3.6 mm travel distance. This extra depth provides a sense of solidity and may be preferred by those who value the tactile feedback of a clicky switch. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the shorter travel distance of the Speed Silver offering swifter responses and the longer travel distance of the Sage providing a more pronounced keystroke experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
The Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 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
The Kailh Sage clicky switch is known for its distinct clicky typing experience, with a heavy weight and a refreshingly sharp clickiness. It offers a crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. The feel of the Sage switch is described as invigorating, with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. Its sharp tactile bump provides a high feedback intensity.
On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch is praised for its fast and precise typing experience. It has a light-medium level of resistance and a pristine sound profile described as neutral. This makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. The feel of the Speed Silver is mild, offering a more gentle typing experience, and it falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. It is considered polished, providing a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Sage has a distinct clicky experience with a heavy weight and sharp clickiness, giving it an invigorating and sharp feel. Its sound profile is crunchy. On the other hand, the Speed Silver offers a fast and precise typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a neutral sound profile. Its feel is mild and polished. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, both switches can provide satisfying results, although with different characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and typing needs. If you value a heavy clicky typing experience with a pronounced tactile feedback, the Sage switch would be a great choice for you. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams provides a distinct and invigorating typing sensation, accompanied by a sharp and crunchy sound profile reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a fast and precise typing experience with a lighter touch, the Speed Silver switch would be more suitable. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, these linear switches offer a light-medium level of resistance and a pristine sound profile described as neutral. They are known for their reduced travel distance, allowing for quick and effortless actuation, making them perfect for those seeking speed and efficiency in their typing.
Consider the sound and feel characteristics as well. The Sage switch has a prominent and crisp tactile bump, creating a sharp feedback intensity, while the Speed Silver provides a more mild and approachable typing experience. The Sage switch is crunchy, while the Speed Silver switch is polished, offering smooth key travel with reduced friction.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch boils down to whether you prefer a heavy clicky typing experience with pronounced feedback (Sage) or a fast and precise typing experience with a lighter touch (Speed Silver). Weigh your preferences and needs carefully to make an informed decision on which switch would enhance your typing experience.
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