TTC Silent Brown vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Brown and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Silent Brown and TTC Speed Silver are two popular options when it comes to mechanical keyboard switches. The Silent Brown is known for its comfortable typing experience, offering a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. Furthermore, these switches have a muted sound profile, making them a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Speed Silver is ideal for those who prioritize speed and precision in their typing. With a reduced travel distance and a light-medium level of resistance, these linear switches allow for quick and effortless actuation. Additionally, they boast a pristine sound profile, ensuring a satisfying typing sound. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics of these switches to help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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 TTC Silent Brown and TTC Speed Silver both feature polycarbonate top housings, which means that they will have similar sound profiles. The polycarbonate material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing on the switches. It is relatively stiffer, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through.
Where the Silent Brown and Speed Silver differ is in their bottom housings. The Silent Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a dulled and rounded sound when typing. On the other hand, the Speed Silver also features a nylon bottom housing, meaning it will have a similar effect on the sound profile as the Silent Brown. Both switches will offer a deeper and fuller sound due to the absorption properties of nylon.
When it comes to the overall experience of typing on these switches, the qualities of the top and bottom housings will be experienced differently. The bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in bottom housings, both the Silent Brown and Speed Silver will provide satisfying typing experiences, with the unique sound profile being a result of the combination of polycarbonate and nylon materials in their respective housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, there are notable similarities and differences. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both. This ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of the initial pressure needed to register a key press. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the switches differ. The Silent Brown has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier and providing a more substantial typing feel. On the other hand, the Speed Silver has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is lighter in comparison and may be preferred by those who desire a smoother and lighter typing experience. Taking weight into consideration, individuals who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Speed Silver switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, those seeking a more significant push may find the Silent Brown switch more suitable.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the TTC Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Speed Silver a popular choice in gaming. If you value responsiveness and a quick key press, the Speed Silver's shorter travel distance would be ideal. However, some individuals find short travel distances to feel abrupt and prefer a switch with more depth. In this case, the Silent Brown's longer travel distance would be a better fit. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on whether you prioritize a quicker response or prefer a more substantial key press.
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 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.
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 Silent Brown tactile switch is known for its muted sound profile, which produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical keyboard switches. This switch offers a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. Additionally, the Silent Brown switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It offers a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, making it approachable to most users. The switch is also polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Speed Silver linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, meaning it has a moderate sound level. It is a good choice for both beginners and advanced users, suitable for use at home or work. Similar to the Silent Brown, the Speed Silver offers a light-medium level of resistance and a mild typing experience. It also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Silent Brown and Speed Silver switches share some similarities in terms of feel. Both switches offer a light-medium level of resistance and a mild typing experience, making them approachable to most users. They also have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, they differ in terms of sound, with the Silent Brown offering a quieter and more muted sound profile, while the Speed Silver has a neutral sound profile. Overall, both switches provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, and the choice between them would depend on the user's preference for sound.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a comfortable and quieter typing experience with a rounded tactile bump, then the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is the ideal choice for you. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it offers a light-medium level of resistance that allows for a satisfying typing sensation. Furthermore, its muted sound profile minimizes the noise commonly associated with mechanical keyboards, making it perfect for those who prefer a quieter environment.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a fast and precise typing experience, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light, these switches provide a light-medium level of resistance that enables quick and effortless actuation. The reduced travel distance of the Speed Silver allows for faster typing speeds and increased accuracy.
In terms of sound, the Silent Brown offers a muted sound profile, producing softer and quieter keystrokes. Conversely, the Speed Silver has a neutral sound profile, with a moderate sound level suitable for most environments.
When it comes to feel, both switches have a mild typing experience, making them approachable for most users. They also share the characteristic of a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Silent Brown and TTC Speed Silver switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize comfort, a rounded tactile bump, and a quieter typing experience, go for the Silent Brown. However, if speed, precision, and quick actuation are more important to you, the Speed Silver is the better option. Consider your specific needs and preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.
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