TTC Silent Brown vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Brown and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Silent Brown and the Gateron Smoothie Silver offer unique experiences for different preferences. The Silent Brown is a tactile switch that provides a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, all while keeping the sound profile muted. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver is a linear switch made of all-POM material, with a short travel distance for quick actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch. Each switch has its own benefits and characteristics that may appeal to different users, whether they prefer a tactile typing experience or a smoother, linear feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and typing habits; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Silent Brown and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches feature unique housing materials that significantly impact the sound profile and feel of the switch. The Silent Brown's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, whereas the POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver offers a pleasing and unique look.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Silent Brown features a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. Meanwhile, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deep and muted sound profile, similar to its top housing. Despite the differences in materials, both switches share a common goal of creating a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound profiles.
In conclusion, the TTC Silent Brown and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches showcase how different housing materials can impact the overall sound profile and feel of a mechanical switch. While the Silent Brown utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the Smoothie Silver opts for POM for both top and bottom housings. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile or a deeper and more muted one, both switches offer distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Silent Brown has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Smoothie Silver's bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Silent Brown the heavier option between the two. For some users, the Silent Brown may provide a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force, while the Smoothie Silver may be preferred for its lighter feel. Ultimately, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience and tactile feedback of a switch, catering to different preferences and needs of users.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Smoothie Silver has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Brown. The Silent Brown falls closer to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance, while the Smoothie Silver is on the shorter end at 3.4 mm. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Smoothie Silver, while those who enjoy a more deep and satisfying key press may opt for the longer travel distance of the Silent Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
The Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is known for its muted sound profile, creating a softer and quieter typing experience compared to clackier switches. The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, on the other hand, is noted for its thocky sound, delivering a unique auditory feedback. When it comes to feel, the Silent Brown is often described as buttery and mild, offering a smooth and gentle typing experience with a polished finish for reduced friction. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver is recognized for its unparalleled smoothness and feather-light touch, providing a lightning-fast actuation due to its POM material.
Overall, while the Silent Brown and Smoothie Silver switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities, both can provide a satisfying typing experience. If you prefer a quieter and softer typing sound with a comfortable tactile bump, the Silent Brown may be the way to go. However, if you prioritize lightning-fast actuation and a smooth, thocky typing experience, the Smoothie Silver could be the ideal choice for you. Remember, factors such as keyboard layout, keycaps, and personal preference also play a role in the overall typing experience, so it's essential to consider all factors before making a decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, along with a muted sound profile, then the Silent Brown switch would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer lightning-fast actuation with a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, then the Smoothie Silver switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize tactile feedback and quiet typing or fast actuation and smoothness in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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