TTC Silent Brown vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Brown and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Silent Brown and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° offer unique benefits catered to different preferences. The Silent Brown is favored for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying rounded bump during typing while maintaining a muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° stands out for its innovative linear design, offering an exceptionally smooth and stable typing experience with reduced noise. While the Silent Brown excels in comfort and tactile response, the Zero Degree 0° focuses on silent typing and smoothness. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Silent Brown and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiff nature, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through. This similarity in top housing material ensures that both switches provide a consistent sound experience, particularly when it comes to key releases.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Silent Brown and the Zero Degree 0° feature nylon, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches enhances the typing experience, providing a more satisfying sound and feel when typing. This shared characteristic highlights the importance of bottom housing material in contributing to the overall sound profile of mechanical switches.
While the TTC Silent Brown and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° have similar housing materials in terms of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the differences in material characteristics between the two switches can still impact the typing experience. The split in housing materials between the top and bottom housings allows for a unique sound profile when pressing and releasing keys. The qualities of the bottom housing are more noticeable during bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound upon key release. Despite the similarities in housing materials, these subtle differences can result in variations in sound and tactile feedback for users of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, we can see that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Silent Brown has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Zero Degree 0° does not have a specified bottom out force. The Silent Brown is considered medium-heavy in terms of bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience, while the Zero Degree 0° offers a lighter feel due to the lack of specified bottom out force. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier switch depends on personal preference and the intended use of the keyboard. Lighter switches are ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, while heavier switches provide a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. The Silent Brown has a slightly longer travel distance than the Zero Degree, which could make it feel slightly more substantial when typing. However, the difference of 0.2 mm may not be noticeable to all users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of how much travel distance feels comfortable for typing or gaming.
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 Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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
Overall, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a quieter and more muted typing experience with a comfortable level of resistance and a rounded tactile bump. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch provides a unique self-padding design and dual-rail structure that delivers an exceptionally smooth and stable keystroke with reduced noise. While the Silent Brown is praised for its buttery feel and mild typing experience, the Zero Degree 0° is known for its innovative design that focuses on minimizing sound and maximizing smoothness. Depending on personal preference, one may prefer the softer and quieter typing of the Silent Brown, or the ultra-smooth and silent typing of the Zero Degree 0°. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance in their respective categories, providing a satisfying typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium resistance and a satisfying tactile bump, along with a muted sound profile, the Silent Brown may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise, the Zero Degree 0° linear switch with its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure may be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference for feel and sound in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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