TTC Silent Red vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Silent Red and Gateron Smoothie Silver both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Silent Red is a linear switch that is well-known for its smooth and seamless typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter keyboard. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver is also a linear switch but stands out for its short travel distance and lightning-fast actuation, perfect for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness. While the Silent Red is buttery and muted, the Smoothie Silver offers a thocky sound and unparalleled 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
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Silent Red and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, it is clear that they both offer unique qualities that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, high-pitched sound profile, while the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. Both materials have their own aesthetic appeal as well, with polycarbonate being translucent and ideal for RGB lighting, while POM has a pleasing and unique look.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Silent Red's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing also produces a deep and muted sound, contributing to the overall unique sound profile of the switch. It is interesting to note that despite using different materials for their bottom housings, both switches still create a similar sound profile that is deep and pleasing to the ear.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Silent Red and the Gateron Smoothie Silver will depend on the sound profile and aesthetic preferences of the user. The Silent Red's stiffer polycarbonate top housing creates a clearer and resonant sound, while the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound. Similarly, the nylon and POM bottom housings of each switch contribute to the overall sound profile, with both materials offering a deep and full-bodied sound. Ultimately, both switches provide a unique typing experience with their housing materials, allowing users to choose based on their specific preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Silent Red has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Smoothie Silver's bottom out force is not specified. In terms of weight, the Silent Red is slightly heavier with its medium-heavy bottom out force compared to the Smoothie Silver. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Smoothie Silver may be the better option, as the bottom out force is unknown. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Silent Red due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Silent Red being slightly longer than the Smoothie Silver. Gamers who value faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Smoothie Silver, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses may lean towards the Silent Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
The Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 Red and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches offer distinct experiences. The TTC Silent Red switch provides a muted sound profile, making it ideal for environments where noise needs to be minimized, such as in an office or shared living space. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is known for producing a thocky sound, which can be satisfying for those who enjoy a deeper and more resonant typing noise. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific environment in which the keyboard will be used.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Silent Red switch delivers a buttery and mild typing experience. These qualities result in a smooth and uniform keystroke, providing a comfortable and pleasant typing sensation. Additionally, the padded bottom-out feel enhances the overall typing experience, adding an extra layer of comfort. However, there is no information available regarding the specific feel of the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch.
Taking all the available information into consideration, it is clear that the TTC Silent Red and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Silent Red is praised for its muted sound profile and buttery typing experience, the Smoothie Silver stands out for its thocky sound and lightning-fast actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing speed. Ultimately, both switches are linear switches, so users can expect a similar smooth and consistent feel when actuating the keys, with the key differences being in sound profile and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, your choice will ultimately depend on your specific preferences and needs. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience and a softer key press, the TTC Silent Red switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you value lightning-fast actuation and a feather-light touch, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch could be the ideal choice. Consider factors such as sound profile, typing feel, and bottom out force to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and environment. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so take your time to evaluate which one will enhance your typing experience the most.
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