TTC Silent Brown vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Brown and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are numerous options to choose from, each offering a different typing experience. Two switches that stand out in the tactile category are the TTC Silent Brown and the SP-Star Duck. The Silent Brown switches are known for their comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. What sets them apart is their muted sound profile, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter keyboard. On the other hand, the Duck switches provide a more subtle tactile typing experience. With a gentle tactility and a clean and crispy sound profile, these switches offer a unique typing sensation. 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The TTC Silent Brown and the SP-Star Duck both utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which results in a similar sound profile. The use of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for better light diffusion. Therefore, both switches offer a visually appealing option for those looking to enhance their typing experience with vibrant lighting effects.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Silent Brown opts for nylon while the Duck continues with polycarbonate. This difference in material brings about contrasting sound profiles. The Silent Brown's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Duck contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound, due to the stiffness of the plastic. Thus, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for the sound produced during typing.
When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more prominent in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the material used for the bottom housing, whether nylon or polycarbonate, will have a direct impact on the tactile feedback experienced by the user. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing plays a more significant role in shaping the sound. As both switches feature polycarbonate top housing, the sound produced when letting go of a key will be similar, offering a satisfying audible response.
In conclusion, while both the TTC Silent Brown and the SP-Star Duck feature polycarbonate top housing, they differ in their bottom housing material. The Silent Brown utilizes nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Duck sticks with polycarbonate, producing a sharper and crisper sound. The choice between the two will depend on personal preference for the typing experience and the desired sound. However, the similarities in the top housing ensure a comparable sound when releasing keys. Both switches also provide an aesthetically pleasing option for those seeking to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Silent Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Duck's actuation force is unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Brown requires 63.5 grams, whereas the Duck requires 58 grams. Looking at these values, it can be seen that both switches fall within the medium range. However, it is worth noting that the Silent Brown is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force.
Considering weight is important because it affects the typing experience. Some individuals prefer a lighter actuation force as it allows for extended typing periods, making it ideal for work or prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for a switch with a heavier bottom out force.
In summary, while the actuation force and bottom out force of the Silent Brown and Duck switches both fall into the medium range, the Silent Brown is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force. This information provides users with the ability to choose between a lighter or heavier typing experience, depending on their preference and intended usage.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, it is evident that the Silent Brown has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Duck has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Duck being more on the standard side. Some individuals, particularly gamers, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Silent Brown for quicker response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel may opt for the Duck with its slightly longer travel distance. Whether you prioritize responsiveness or a deeper key press, both switches offer consistent and reliable performance.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a muted sound profile. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. The muted switches minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch has a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use the keyboard at home or work. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. Generally, both switches provide pleasant and non-distracting typing sounds, with the Silent Brown being slightly quieter than the Duck. Overall, if you are looking for a quieter typing experience, the Silent Brown is an excellent choice, while the Duck offers a more neutral sound.
In terms of feel, both the TTC Silent Brown and SP-Star Duck tactile switches offer a mild and buttery typing experience. A mild switch provides a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users, as its qualities stand in a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, a buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Both switches also feature a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The combination of mild, buttery, and polished qualities in these switches ensures a comfortable and satisfying typing experience for users. Therefore, whether you choose the Silent Brown or Duck switch, you can expect a similar level of comfort and smoothness while typing.
In conclusion, the TTC Silent Brown and SP-Star Duck tactile switches offer similar subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience with a mild tactility and a smooth keystroke. The Silent Brown switch has a muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter sound, while the Duck switch has a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various use cases. The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user. Whether you opt for the Silent Brown or Duck switch, you can be confident in obtaining a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prioritize a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, along with a muted sound profile, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is the perfect choice for you. These switches offer a buttery, mild, and polished feel, resulting in a smooth and effortless keystroke experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is the way to go. These switches provide a gentle tactility and a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most purposes. With a mild, buttery, and polished feel, the Duck switches offer a safe and approachable typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking.
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