TTC Silent Red vs. TTC Speed Silver

Overview

If you're looking for a switch that delivers a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, the TTC Silent Red is the perfect choice. With a muted sound profile, these linear switches are ideal for use in an office or shared living space where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. The Silent Red switch offers a consistent and buttery feel throughout, providing a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, with its padded bottom-out feel, it maximizes comfort during prolonged use. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and precision in your typing, the TTC Speed Silver is the way to go. These linear switches offer a light-medium level of resistance and a pristine sound profile, allowing for quick and effortless actuation. With a reduced travel distance, the Speed Silver switches enable fast and accurate typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific needs.

By the numbers

TTC Silent Red Linear

TTC Speed Silver Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

$6.00

$4.58 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Silent Red and the TTC Speed Silver switches are quite similar. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for the translucency needed for RGB lighting. This means that both switches will produce similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a difference between the two switches. The Silent Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Speed Silver also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that adds depth and fullness to the sound profile. Due to its softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches will offer a deeper and fuller sound experience, albeit with slightly different characteristics.

It's important to note that the qualities brought by the different housing materials are distributed differently between the top and bottom of the switches. While the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. So, while the Silent Red and the Speed Silver may have some differences in sound due to their bottom housings, the overall result will still be quite similar.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences to consider. First, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both switches. This ensures that users will achieve similar results in terms of responsiveness when typing or gaming.

However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a distinction between the two switches. The TTC Silent Red has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which falls on the medium-heavy side. This means that users will experience a more substantial typing experience, as there is a slightly heavier push required when fully pressing down the keys. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver has a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This indicates that users will have a lighter feel when bottoming out, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without as much fatigue.

Considering the weight of the switches, those who prefer a lighter switch may find the TTC Speed Silver more suitable for their needs. The lighter actuation and bottom out force can provide a more effortless typing experience, making it ideal for situations where extended use is expected, such as in a work environment or during long gaming sessions.

Contrarily, individuals who appreciate a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may prefer the TTC Silent Red. The slightly heavier bottom out force can provide a satisfying tactile feedback, making it a preferred choice for users who desire a more robust keystroke sensation.

In summary, while both switches share the same actuation force, the TTC Silent Red and TTC Speed Silver diverge in their bottom out force, offering distinct typing experiences. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference, with the Silent Red providing a medium-heavy feel and the Speed Silver offering a medium-light touch.

Travel distance

The TTC Silent Red linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch have different travel distances. The Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Speed Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In terms of the traditional travel distance scale, the Silent Red falls closer to the shallow end with its 3.7 mm distance, while the Speed Silver is even shorter at 3.4 mm. Gamers who prioritize faster response times tend to prefer shorter travel distances, so they might opt for the Speed Silver switch. On the other hand, some people find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a more substantial key press, in which case they may prefer the Silent Red switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Silent Red switch is a standout choice for those seeking a quiet typing experience. Described as "muted," this switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical keyboard switches. It minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switch is described as having a "neutral" sound profile. This means it falls into a moderate range, suitable for most intents and purposes. The sound produced by the Speed Silver switch is not overly loud or clacky, making it a versatile option. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

In terms of feel, both the TTC Silent Red and TTC Speed Silver switches offer a mild typing experience. This means they provide a gentle and approachable feel to most users. The Silent Red switch is described as "buttery," implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Typing on these switches feels seamless, effortless, and uniform. Additionally, the Silent Red switch is also described as "polished," indicating a smooth and refined finish that contributes to a sleek typing experience. The Speed Silver switch shares these characteristics of being mild and polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the TTC Silent Red and TTC Speed Silver switches offer distinct advantages depending on your preferences. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience, the Silent Red switch is the superior choice with its muted sound profile. Conversely, if speed and precision are more important to you, the Speed Silver switch excels in providing a fast and precise typing experience. Both switches offer a mild and polished feel, resulting in a smooth and comfortable typing sensation. With either switch, you can expect a pleasant and satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is the perfect choice. With a muted sound profile, these switches are ideal for office or shared living space use. The Silent Red switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which provides a medium-heavy feel. It offers a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience, ensuring a smooth and uniform sensation with reduced friction.

On the other hand, if you value speed and precision in your typing experience, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch is the way to go. These switches have a bottom out force of 55 grams, offering a medium-light feel. They provide a pristine sound profile and a reduced travel distance, allowing for quick and effortless actuation. The Speed Silver switch also offers a mild and polished typing experience, ensuring a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Silent Red and the TTC Speed Silver comes down to your preferences and requirements. If you prioritize a noiseless typing experience with medium-heavy feel, go for the Silent Red. If speed and precision are your priorities, opt for the Speed Silver. Both switches offer a mild and polished feel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for most users. Consider your environment, typing style, and personal preferences to make the best decision for yourself.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more

TTC Speed Silver Linear

$6.00

$4.58 per 10

Learn more