TTC Silent Brown vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Brown and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, there are endless options available, each with its own unique characteristics and features. Two popular switches that stand out amongst the rest are the TTC Silent Brown and the SP-Star Yanyu. The Silent Brown tactile switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. Additionally, they are known for their muted sound profile, making them ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches are perfect for those looking for a more delicate typing experience or those who spend long periods of time typing. The Yanyu's material blend gives it a crisp sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Silent Brown and the SP-Star Yanyu, it is clear that they have distinct differences. The Silent Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting into the switch. On the other hand, the Yanyu features a unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend in its top housing, providing a pleasant, bright sound without being overly sharp. Although both switches offer different sound profiles, they both excel in their respective ways.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Silent Brown utilizes nylon as the material of choice. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Yanyu also features a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its bottom housing. This blend, similarly to its top housing, offers a unique sound profile that is described as pleasant and slightly brighter. While each switch has a distinct bottom housing material, they both contribute to the overall sound and feel of typing.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles in the overall performance of the switch. When pressing down on either the Silent Brown or the Yanyu, the qualities of the bottom housing become evident, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the material used in the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Thus, while the housing materials may differ between these switches, it is clear that they both offer impressive sound profiles and provide a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Silent Brown requires an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium-heavy push feel, while the Yanyu's actuation force remains unavailable, leaving it unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Brown has a weightier measure of 63.5 grams, indicating a more substantial typing experience when pressing all the way down. On the contrary, the Yanyu has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams.
Considering weight is crucial due to various preferences among users. Some individuals prefer a lighter actuation force as it allows them to type for longer periods without causing strain or fatigue, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more robust push feel and a greater sense of tactile feedback may lean towards switches with heavier forces.
Although the actuation force for the Yanyu is currently unknown, it can be expected that it leans towards a lighter force, similar to its bottom out force. Therefore, those who enjoy a lighter typing experience may find both the actuation and bottom out forces of the Yanyu to cater to their preferences. Ultimately, the Silent Brown offers a medium-heavy actuation force and a weightier bottom out force, while the Yanyu presents a lighter bottom out force with its actuation force remaining mysterious.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is clear that there is a slight difference in their respective distances. The Silent Brown has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Yanyu has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that have become increasingly popular in recent times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer switches with shorter travel distances as they offer faster response times. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial key press experience, the longer travel distance of the Yanyu switch may be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness and depth.
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 Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Silent Brown switch is best known for its muted sound profile. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. The muted switches minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making them ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switch is described as having a neutral sound profile with a touch of thockiness. A neutral switch has a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most purposes. Additionally, the Yanyu switch produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, giving it a thocky characteristic. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, both the Silent Brown and the Yanyu switches offer a gentle typing experience. The Silent Brown switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These switches offer a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Furthermore, the Silent Brown switch is mild, meaning it offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It falls into a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. The Yanyu switch, on the other hand, is also described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Yanyu switch is feathery, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and reduces finger fatigue. It requires little exertion from the fingers, providing a comfortable experience for gaming, school, or work. Like the Silent Brown switch, the Yanyu switch is also described as having a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel.
In conclusion, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Brown switch has a muted sound profile with a light-medium level of resistance and a rounded tactile bump. It provides a comfortable and quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch has a neutral sound profile with a touch of thockiness, producing a deep and satisfying sound. It offers a delicate typing experience and is particularly suitable for long typing sessions. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel. If you are looking for a quieter and comfortable typing experience, the Silent Brown switch is a great choice. If you prefer a bit more pronounced sound and a feathery feel, the Yanyu switch would be a suitable option. However, it's important to consider personal preferences and other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used in order to achieve the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. 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 is the switch for you. It offers a smooth and effortless keystroke, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, if you prefer a switch that requires a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, the Silent Brown provides a medium-heavy feel.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a more delicate typing experience or anticipate typing for extended periods of time, the Yanyu switch might be a better choice for you. With a light bottom out force of 43 grams, it reduces finger fatigue and provides a feathery feel. The Yanyu switch also offers a middle-ground sound profile, described as neutral and thocky, which is suitable for various environments and purposes. Furthermore, the Yanyu switch features a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience.
Consider your priorities in terms of typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force when making your decision. Whether you prefer the Butterry and Mild feel of the Silent Brown switch or the Mild and Feathery feel of the Yanyu switch, both options offer their own unique advantages. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preference in terms of typing experience and the sound level you desire. Happy typing!
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