TTC Silent Brown vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Brown and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Silent Brown and the TTC Yunhai offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Silent Brown switches are a great choice for those who enjoy a tactile feel while typing, providing a comfortable experience with a light to medium resistance and a satisfying tactile bump. Coupled with their muted sound profile, these switches are ideal for quiet environments or shared workspaces, making them attractive for professionals and gamers alike. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches cater to users who prioritize a linear, smooth typing experience. With an incredibly light actuation force and a unique deep, rounded sound profile, the Yunhai switches are perfect for typists seeking an effortless feel as they glide across the keys. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing style and environment; 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
42g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Silent Brown and the TTC Yunhai switches, while both featuring nylon bottom housings that share the same acoustic properties, diverge significantly in their top housing materials, which foreseeably impacts their overall sound profiles. The Silent Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer structure that contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile when the keys are released. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the Yunhai's nylon top housing, being softer and more absorbent, creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. Therefore, while the nylon bottom housing of both switches may dampen sound equally, the distinct top materials lead to differing acoustic outcomes when the keys are pressed.
When it comes to tactile feel, both switches exhibit how their designs complement their material differences. The Silent Brown, thanks to its polycarbonate top, offers a more vibrant sound when the key is released, closely aligning with its sharper audio signature. This creates an engaging typing experience for users who appreciate a tactile and crisp auditory response. On the other hand, the Yunhai, with its nylon top housing, focuses on a more subdued and rich sound upon release, catering to users who prefer a smooth and less jarring experience. Here, the interaction between the user’s fingers and the key switches will feel different as the polycarbonate's rigidity contrasts with the softness of nylon.
Ultimately, while both switch models utilize nylon for their bottom housings—ensuring a consistent and fuller sound profile—their top housing materials delineate their overall character. Thus, users can anticipate similar acoustic results from the bottom housing across both models, but the distinct products' experiences stem primarily from their upper housings. Essentially, the Silent Brown emphasizes a sharper sound ideal for articulation, while the Yunhai leans towards an immersive, rounded audio experience. The combination of these materials with an understanding of their contributing factors enables users to have tailored preferences in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Brown features a medium-heavy actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a heavier option that many typists may prefer for a more substantial feel during use. In contrast, the Yunhai switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter feel can be advantageous for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to press the keys. Therefore, if you're looking for a lighter switch that promotes comfort over extended use, the Yunhai would be a better fit, while the Silent Brown caters to those who appreciate a firmer keystroke experience. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight how these two switches cater to varying preferences in typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Silent Brown has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it the longer option, whereas the Yunhai is slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This difference means that for users who prefer a more tactile and pronounced feedback, the Silent Brown may be the better choice due to its greater depth. On the other hand, the Yunhai's shorter travel distance could appeal to gamers or those who favor quicker response times, as the reduced distance allows for faster actuation. Ultimately, the preference for one over the other will depend on individual taste in keyboard feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 switches are renowned for their muted auditory profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to traditional mechanical switches. This characteristic helps minimize the typical mechanical keyboard noise, making it an excellent choice for those who value a quieter work or gaming environment. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai linear switches have a unique deep, rounded sound profile. This deeper tone can provide a more resonant typing experience, although it is essential to note that sound production is also influenced by variables like the keyboard frame and keycap materials, which may affect the overall auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the TTC Silent Brown switches are celebrated for their "buttery," mild, and polished characteristics. They offer a comfortable typing experience with a light to medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, making them approachable for various typing styles. This smooth and refined touch emphasizes an effortless keypress and an engaging tactile response. Conversely, the feel of the TTC Yunhai linear switches remains less specified, but they are noted for their incredibly light actuation force, allowing for a gentle and fluid experience that is likely very approachable for typists who prefer a lighter touch.
In conclusion, both the TTC Silent Brown and the TTC Yunhai switches cater to distinct preferences, with Silent Brown's tactile feedback and muted sound appealing to those who value a quieter, more controlled typing experience, while Yunhai's deeper sound and light actuation are suited for users looking for a nimble, responsive feel. Whether one prefers the tactile confirmation of the Silent Brown or the effortless glide of the Yunhai, both switches offer unique attributes that can enhance the typing experience, ensuring typists can find options that align with their preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between TTC Silent Brown tactile switches and TTC Yunhai linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you find pleasure in a satisfying tactile bump and prefer a moderately heavier typing experience, the Silent Brown is an excellent choice. Its muted sound profile makes it suitable for office environments or shared spaces where noise reduction is important, while its buttery and polished feel enhances your overall typing comfort. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter, effortless actuation with a deeper sound profile, the Yunhai switches will likely suit you better. Their light force of 50 grams allows for rapid typing with minimal fatigue, making them ideal for speed typists or gamers who need quick key presses. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize tactile feedback and noise reduction or a smooth, lightweight action with an engaging sound. Consider your typing habits, the environments in which you'll be using your keyboard, and how you define your ideal typing experience to make the best choice for yourself.
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