TTC Silent Red vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a smooth and quiet typing experience, then the TTC Silent Red and SP-Star Duck switches are excellent options to consider. The Silent Red switch is renowned for its ability to deliver seamless typing without the annoyance of loud clicking noises, making it ideal for office or shared living space use. With a consistent and smooth feel from top to bottom, this switch also provides a padded bottom-out feel for ultimate comfort. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience, the Duck switch may be the better choice for you. It offers a gentle tactility when typing, accompanied by a clean and crispy sound profile. Both switches are categorized as 'Buttery' and 'Polished', emphasizing their smooth and sleek characteristics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision about the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The TTC Silent Red and SP-Star Duck switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, making it an ideal option for those seeking a distinct auditory experience. Additionally, the transparent nature of polycarbonate allows for the vibrant display of RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to both switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Silent Red and Duck switches diverge in their material selection. The Silent Red opts for a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's relatively softer composition absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Duck switch. This discrepancy highlights the importance of the bottom housing in influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing users with a tactile experience unique to each switch.
Despite the differing bottom housings, the top housing materials of the Silent Red and Duck switches ultimately play a significant role in determining the sound when releasing a key. Both switches benefit from the crisp and resonant sound produced by polycarbonate. Thus, while the Silent Red may possess a nylon bottom housing and the Duck a polycarbonate bottom housing, the top housings of both switches contribute to a similar sound experience upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Duck's actuation force is unavailable. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Silent Red requiring 63.5 grams and the Duck requiring 58 grams.
Considering weight, some users may prefer lighter switches like the Silent Red, as this allows for typing over longer periods without causing fatigue. This lighter weight is also ideal for those who use their keyboard extensively for work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for a switch with a heavier force. In this case, the Duck would provide a slightly heavier push due to its higher bottom out force compared to the Silent Red.
It is worth noting that the actuation force for the Duck is unavailable, so we cannot make a direct comparison in that aspect. However, if the actuation force of the Duck is similar to that of the Silent Red, users can expect similar results in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, it is evident that the Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Duck has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both options are relatively similar in terms of travel distance, with the Silent Red being slightly shorter. 4.0mm is considered the most traditional travel distance, while 3.0mm is the most shallow. However, it is worth noting that shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. So, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Silent Red may be the preferable option. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, and if you prefer a deeper key press, the Duck with its longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck 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
The TTC Silent Red linear switch is best known for its muted sound profile, making it a perfect choice for office or shared living space use. The switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. In terms of feel, the Silent Red switch offers a buttery and smooth keystroke experience. The typing sensation is seamless, effortless, and uniform, thanks to the switch's smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch provides a more subtle tactile typing experience. It offers a gentle tactility when typing, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. The sound profile of the Duck switch is clean and crispy, providing a neutral sound that is suitable for most intents and purposes. It has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for beginners and advanced users alike, whether used at home or work.
Overall, both the Silent Red and Duck switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound and feel. They both provide a gentle and approachable typing experience, with qualities that stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. The switches are both described as buttery and polished, ensuring a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. While the Silent Red switch has a muted sound profile, the Duck switch offers a clean and crispy sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on the specific preferences of the user, as they both deliver high-quality typing experiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you're looking for a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is the perfect choice for you. With its muted sound profile, it is ideal for office or shared living spaces where noise may be a concern. The Silent Red switch offers a smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom, providing maximum comfort with its padded bottom-out feel. Additionally, it has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which gives it a satisfying response without being too heavy.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is an excellent option. These switches offer a gentle tactility while typing and have a clean and crispy sound profile. With a bottom out force of 58 grams, the Duck switch provides a comfortable medium feel that is suitable for most users, whether beginner or advanced.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch depends on your preferences for sound and feel. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience and a medium-heavy switch, opt for the Silent Red. If you prefer a more subtle tactile feedback and a medium switch, the Duck would be the ideal choice. Consider your environment and typing preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.
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