TTC Silent Red vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, two options worth considering are the TTC Silent Red and the SP-Star Yanyu. Each switch offers its own unique features and advantages, making it important to understand their respective qualities before making a decision. The Silent Red switch is renowned for its ability to provide a smooth and seamless typing experience without the distraction of excessive noise. With a muted sound profile, it is the perfect choice for those working in an office or shared living space. Additionally, this switch offers a consistently smooth feel from top to bottom, along with a padded bottom-out sensation for maximum comfort. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch is ideal for individuals seeking a delicate typing experience or for those who spend long hours typing. Thanks to its material blend, the Yanyu switch produces a crisp sound profile. It is categorized as neutral, mild, thocky, feathery, subtle, and polished, offering a different typing experience compared to the Silent Red. However, let's dive into the details beyond these generalities so you can confidently choose the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The TTC Silent Red and the SP-Star Yanyu have different materials for their top and bottom housing, which results in distinct sound profiles. The Silent Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, making the sound more clear and resonant. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the effective use of RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Yanyu features a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing. This unique blend offers a pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Silent Red relies on nylon, a classic switch housing material. Nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch. In contrast, the Yanyu incorporates the same Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend material for its bottom housing. This blend contributes to the unique sound profile of the switch, offering a pleasant tone that is not overly sharp but possesses a slightly brighter characteristic.
While the materials in the top and bottom housing of these switches differ, their impact on the overall typing experience is distinct. The bottom housing influences the sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound. In comparison, the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. However, despite these disparities, both the Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing and the Yanyu's unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing deliver pleasing sound profiles. Thus, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality, although with different tonal characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there are several differences to consider. The TTC Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium-heavy push feel for typing. In contrast, the actuation force of the SP-Star Yanyu is unknown, making it difficult to compare directly. However, the Yanyu has a bottom out force of 43 grams, which is lighter than the 63.5 grams of the Silent Red. This suggests that the Yanyu switch may offer a lighter typing experience overall.
In terms of weight, both switches have their advantages. The lighter weight of the Yanyu may be preferred by individuals who enjoy typing for extended periods, such as professionals or gamers who require endurance. The lighter actuation force could help reduce fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Silent Red's medium-heavy actuation force may appeal to those seeking a more robust and substantial typing experience. The additional force required to trigger each keystroke can provide a satisfying push feel.
Overall, while the actuation force of the TTC Silent Red and SP-Star Yanyu switches differs, the lighter bottom out force of the Yanyu suggests a softer typing experience. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference, with the Silent Red offering a medium-heavy push feel and the Yanyu providing a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become popular in recent times. Gamers especially prefer shorter travel distances as they allow for faster response times. If you prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the TTC Silent Red switch with its slightly shorter travel distance would be the better choice. However, for individuals who prefer a deeper key press feel, the SP-Star Yanyu switch with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable. Overall, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, providing users with options that cater to their individual preferences.
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 Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu 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
When it comes to sound, the Silent Red switch is best known for its muted sound profile. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical keyboard switches. The Silent Red switch is perfect for those who want a smooth and seamless typing experience without the noise, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Yanyu switch is described as neutral with a touch of thocky. A neutral sound means that it has a moderate sound profile, suitable for most purposes. The addition of a thocky sound gives it a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
Moving on to feel, both the Silent Red and Yanyu switches offer a mild typing experience. A mild switch provides a gentle typing sensation, making it approachable to most users. The Silent Red switch is described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It offers a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, it has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Yanyu switch also has a mild feel with a polished finish, offering a sleek typing experience. It has a subtle resistance that is not too feather-light but still maintains a light typing feel. This makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions and suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the Silent Red and Yanyu switches have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Red switch is known for its muted sound profile, perfect for those seeking a quieter typing experience. It offers a smooth and consistent feel with a padded bottom-out for maximum comfort. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch has a neutral sound profile with a touch of thocky, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. It also provides a gentle typing experience with a polished finish for reduced friction. While they have their unique characteristics, both switches offer a mild feel, making them approachable to most users. So, if you're looking for a switch that delivers similar results, either the Silent Red or Yanyu switch would be a good choice depending on your specific preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, 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, making it medium-heavy. It provides a smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom, with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more delicate typing experience or if you type for long periods of time, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch would be the better option for you. These switches are known for their crisp sound profile and have a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams. The Yanyu switches are perfect for users who want a switch with a gentle typing feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Yanyu switches also have a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and a smooth typing experience.
To wrap up, the Silent Red switch is best suited for those who prioritize a muted sound and medium-heavy typing feel, while the Yanyu switch is ideal for those seeking a delicate and light typing experience. Consider your sound preference, desired typing feel, and usage scenario when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique benefits to enhance your mechanical keyboard typing experience.
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