TTC Silent Red vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Silent Red and the TTC Yunhai present two compelling options, each with its unique strengths tailored to different typing preferences. The TTC Silent Red is renowned for its smooth, muted operation, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a quiet typing experience—ideal for shared environments like offices or homes. With its ‘mild’ and ‘polished’ feel, the Silent Red offers consistent performance and a padded bottom-out sensation that enhances comfort during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switch caters to users who enjoy a soft, feathery touch with a deep, rounded sound profile. Its incredibly light actuation force allows for effortless keystrokes, making it suitable for typists who prefer a gentle typing experience. While the Silent Red emphasizes tranquility and comfort, the Yunhai focuses on a more delicate touch and auditory feedback. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the TTC Silent Red and the TTC Yunhai switches, a notable difference lies in their top housing materials. The Silent Red features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its characteristics of stiffness and translucency. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it particularly appealing for users who enjoy a bright auditory experience and RGB lighting effects, due to the clear nature of polycarbonate. Conversely, the Yunhai switch utilizes a nylon top housing, a material that offers a softer composition. This contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a warmer and rounder auditory experience when typing. Hence, while both switches can provide a satisfying experience, the choice of top housing significantly influences the clarity and brightness of the sound produced.
On the bottom housing front, both the Silent Red and Yunhai switches are equipped with nylon, which is a favored choice among many keyboard enthusiasts. This consistent use of nylon leads to a similar deeper and fuller sound profile during keystrokes, as nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This means that, regardless of the differences in their top housing materials, users can expect comparable characteristics from the bottom housing regarding sound absorption and feel. Consequently, the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback will share certain synergies across both switches, allowing enthusiasts to experience that classic nylon feel, which is synonymous with a rich typing experience.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials paints a clear picture of how the Silent Red and Yunhai switches differentiate themselves. The polycarbonate top of the Silent Red introduces clarity and brightness, while the nylon bottom ensures a plush feel and sound. The Yunhai, rooted in the warmth of nylon for both top and bottom, delivers a consistent auditory experience that leans more towards subtleness. Thus, choosing between the two will depend largely on personal auditory preferences; if users favor a crisper sound, the Silent Red is the choice, but for a more rounded and muted typing experience, the Yunhai stands out. Overall, despite their differences, both switches offer capable performances owing to their reliable nylon bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, a clear distinction can be seen in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Red features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Yunhai switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a lower bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for users who type for extended periods and prefer a gentler touch. Overall, the Silent Red is the heavier option, favoring a firmer keystroke feel, while the Yunhai is the lighter choice, allowing for easier, less strenuous typing. This difference in force characteristics means that users may experience differing levels of fatigue and keystroke feedback depending on their preference for either a firmer or lighter switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the Silent Red measures 3.7 mm, while the Yunhai features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Silent Red the longer option in terms of travel distance. As shorter travel distances are becoming increasingly favored, particularly among gamers who prioritize quick response times, the Yunhai aligns well with this trend due to its reduced travel distance. However, some users may prefer the slightly greater depth of the Silent Red for a more tactile experience, finding it less abrupt. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, but they cater to different preferences regarding responsiveness and feel.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 TTC Silent Red switches shine for their muted acoustics, making them an excellent choice for those who seek a quieter typing experience. They create a softer sound profile that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, ideal for office settings or environments where noise is a concern. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches are characterized by a unique deep, rounded sound. While the precise sonic qualities of the Yunhai aren't elaborated upon, their sound is expected to be more pronounced than that of the Silent Reds, potentially providing a more satisfying auditory feedback during typing, depending on the keyboard build and keycap selection.
In terms of feel, the Silent Red switches boast a smooth, polished finish, offering a gentle and consistent keystroke experience. Their mild nature makes them approachable for most typists, resulting in a balanced typing experience that caters to a wide user base. On the other hand, the Yunhai switches feature an exceptionally light actuation force, categorized as feathery, making them incredibly easy to press and thus reducing finger fatigue. However, this lighter actuation may produce a different typing dynamic, which can be perceived as less substantial compared to the Silent Reds, possibly appealing more to those who favor a breezy typing style.
In conclusion, both the TTC Silent Red and TTC Yunhai switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Silent Reds offer a more muted and polished typing experience suited for quieter environments, the Yunhai switches provide a lighter and potentially more pronounced feedback that could enhance typists' comfort. Choosing between them will ultimately depend on your specific needs for sound and feel, but both switches promise to deliver enjoyable typing experiences in their unique ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between TTC Silent Red and TTC Yunhai linear switches should be guided by your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a smooth and muted typing experience, particularly in shared or quieter spaces, the Silent Red switch is an excellent option. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams not only provides a comfortable bottom-out feel but also ensures a more substantial tactile feedback that many typists enjoy. This switch thrives in environments where noise is a concern, allowing you to type with ease and confidence without disturbing others. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and effortless keystroke, the Yunhai switch, with its light actuation force of just 50 grams, is your best bet. Ideal for those long typing sessions, whether for gaming, school, or work, the Yunhai's feathery feel helps minimize finger fatigue, allowing for speed and comfort. Ultimately, consider the context in which you'll be using your keyboard: go for Silent Red in noise-sensitive situations and Yunhai when ease of use and speed is your top priority.
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