TTC Silent Red vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the Outemu Yellow Silver 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, the TTC Silent Red and the Outemu Yellow Silver are two excellent options to consider. The Silent Red switch is well-regarded for its buttery and mild feel, providing a consistent typing experience from top to bottom. Its muted sound profile makes it an ideal choice for use in an office or shared living space. Additionally, the Silent Red switch offers a padded bottom-out feel, ensuring maximum comfort during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch by Outemu is known for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile. This switch is particularly favored by gamers and typists who prioritize speediness and responsiveness. While these general pointers may help you in making an initial decision, it's important to dive deeper into the specific features and characteristics of each switch to determine the best fit for your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Silent Red and the Outemu Yellow Silver both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This choice results in a similar outcome for both switches, as polycarbonate contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to its translucency, polycarbonate is also beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Aesthetically speaking, the clear housing of these switches is a clear indicator of their polycarbonate composition. Therefore, whether choosing the TTC Silent Red or the Outemu Yellow Silver, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and appearance when it comes to the top housing material.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both the TTC Silent Red and the Outemu Yellow Silver employ nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to its relatively softer texture, which allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. Consequently, users can anticipate a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housing. Therefore, whether opting for the TTC Silent Red or the Outemu Yellow Silver, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a similar auditory experience in terms of sound profile.
Despite these similarities, it is important to note that the qualities associated with each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switches. When pressing down on either the TTC Silent Red or the Outemu Yellow Silver, users will primarily feel the impact of the bottom housing, as it significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when letting go of a key, the sound produced will mostly be influenced by the top housing. Therefore, while the two switches share similarities in terms of housing materials, the distribution of the qualities imparted by these materials differs depending on the direction of key movement.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, we can start by looking at their actuation forces. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both. This ensures that users will experience a similar level of responsiveness when typing on either switch. However, when considering the bottom out force, we see a key difference. The TTC Silent Red has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light, making it lighter in comparison. This lighter bottom out force may be preferred by individuals who want to type for longer periods of time without experiencing fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Red has a shorter travel distance of 3.7mm, while the Yellow Silver has a longer travel distance of 4mm. The Silent Red falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which are increasingly popular among gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver offers a slightly deeper feel due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference - opting for the Silent Red if a more responsive typing experience is desired, or choosing the Yellow Silver for those who prefer a more substantial keypress depth.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 switch is best described as muted. A muted switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, making it perfect for office or shared living spaces where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means it has a moderate sound level that would be suitable for most purposes. It's worth noting that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Silent Red switch offers a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. It also has a mild typing experience, meaning it offers a gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, the polished finish of the Silent Red switch results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience. Unfortunately, there is no information available about the specific feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver switch.
Considering all the available information, the TTC Silent Red and Outemu Yellow Silver switches differ in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Red switch is praised for its muted sound profile, making it suitable for quiet environments. It also provides a smooth and consistent typing experience, with a padded bottom-out feel for added comfort. On the other hand, not much information is available about the sound or feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver switch. However, judging by its light actuation force and desirable for gamers and typists who prefer speed and responsiveness, it can be assumed that it offers a different experience compared to the Silent Red switch. Therefore, if you're looking for a similar sound and feel to the Silent Red switch, it would be best to stick with that option.
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 would be the perfect choice for you. With its muted sound profile and medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it is suitable for use in an office or shared living space where noise may be a concern. It offers a smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom, providing maximum comfort with its padded bottom-out feel.
On the other hand, if you prioritize speediness and responsiveness in your typing or gaming experience, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch would be the better option. With its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, it provides a moderate typing experience suitable for both beginners and advanced users. The Yellow Silver switch, however, does not have specific descriptors for its feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Silent Red and Outemu Yellow Silver switches depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you value a quieter typing experience and maximum comfort, go for the Silent Red. If speed and responsiveness are your top priorities, the Yellow Silver would be the better option. Consider these factors and make your decision based on what type of experience you desire from your mechanical keyboard.
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