TTC Silent Brown vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Brown and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Silent Brown and KTT Wine Red are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences for users. The TTC Silent Brown is best known for its comfortable typing experience, thanks to its light-medium level of resistance and satisfying rounded tactile bump. It provides a buttery and mild feel, making it a popular choice among those seeking a more polished typing experience. Additionally, its muted sound profile allows for a quieter and more discreet typing session. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switches offer a different typing experience, characterized by a pillowy light feel and a deep and rich sound profile. With a bassy and low-pitched sound, these switches provide a unique sensation that can transport users into an intoxicating typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Silent Brown and KTT Wine Red switches share several similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, creating a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics and aesthetic benefits when using both the Silent Brown and Wine Red switches.
However, the Silent Brown and Wine Red switches differ in their bottom housing materials. The Silent Brown features a nylon bottom housing, while the Wine Red uses polycarbonate. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Wine Red complements its top housing, enhancing the overall sharpness and clarity of the sound produced.
When it comes to the typing experience, the qualities of the bottom and top housing materials are distributed differently in both switches. Pressing down on the switch will predominantly convey the characteristics of the bottom housing material. Therefore, users can expect the Silent Brown's nylon bottom housing to contribute to a deeper and rounder sound and feel during the keystroke. Conversely, the sound produced when releasing a key will be influenced by the properties of the top housing material, highlighting the crispness and clarity of the polycarbonate used in both switches.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the TTC Silent Brown and KTT Wine Red switches exhibit similarities in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. This results in a shared sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as well as the benefit of utilizing RGB lighting. However, the switches differ in their bottom housing materials, with the Silent Brown utilizing nylon for a deeper and fuller sound, and the Wine Red incorporating polycarbonate for enhanced clarity. Understanding the distribution of these housing materials can help users anticipate the overall sound and feel of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it is clear that there are differences in both the actuation force and the bottom out force. The Silent Brown has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Wine Red's 44 grams, making the Silent Brown slightly heavier in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Silent Brown is noticeably heavier with a force of 63.5 grams compared to the Wine Red's 55 grams. This means that the Silent Brown provides a more substantial typing experience due to the stronger push feel required for bottoming out.
Weight is an important consideration for keyboard users, as it can affect typing comfort and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter weight switch may find the Wine Red more suitable, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This makes it ideal for use in work environments or during extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and heavier typing experience may opt for the Silent Brown. Despite its slightly higher actuation force, it provides a more tactile and responsive feel due to its heavier bottom out force.
In terms of achieving similar results, it is worth noting that both switches fall within a similar range of actuation forces and bottom out forces. Therefore, while the Silent Brown may be slightly heavier overall, the differences between the two switches are relatively minor. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there is a slight difference between the two. The Silent Brown has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Wine Red has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both of these distances fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers who value faster response times. However, the Silent Brown offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal more to those seeking a highly responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Wine Red's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for individuals who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is best known for its muted sound profile. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. This makes it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is described as having a deep and rich sound profile. It offers a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It is also characterized as low-pitched, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. The sound produced by both switches is influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is often described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, making it very comfortable to type on. Additionally, it is considered mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Its qualities stand in a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most typists. Furthermore, the Silent Brown switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This gives it a sleek typing experience and reduces friction, resulting in smooth key travel. Unfortunately, no specific information is available about the feel of the KTT Wine Red linear switch.
In conclusion, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. It has a muted sound profile that minimizes noise, making it ideal for those seeking a quieter keyboard. Its feel is described as buttery, mild, and polished, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, information regarding the subjective qualities of the KTT Wine Red linear switch is unknown. However, based on the available information, we can anticipate a pillowy light type feel and a deep and rich sound profile when typing on the Wine Red switch. While they may differ in specific qualities, both switches offer enjoyable typing experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you're looking for 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 TTC Silent Brown tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a pillowy light type feel, along with a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, then the KTT Wine Red linear switch would be a perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preferences for typing experience and sound profile. Whether you prioritize a comfortable and muted typing experience or a pillowy and deep sound profile, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience.