TTC Gold Brown vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown, a tactile switch, to the Outemu Silent Yellow, a linear switch, it becomes apparent that they offer different experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The Gold Brown is celebrated for its balanced nature, featuring a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness. Additionally, it produces a rounded sound profile that is softer compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow is known for its silent operation, providing a smooth and quiet typing experience. While the Gold Brown leans towards a more tactile and accented typing feel, the Silent Yellow offers a linear and subtle typing experience. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Outemu Silent Yellow, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate allows for the translucency needed for RGB lighting. However, while the top housing material is the same for both switches, the bottom housing material differs. The Gold Brown features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Silent Yellow also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar sound profile.
When it comes to the specific qualities brought by the housing materials, the differences between the top and bottom housing of a switch become apparent. The nylon bottom housing of the Gold Brown elicits a rounder and duller sound, while the top polycarbonate housing adds to the sharpness and clarity of the sound when the key is released. Similarly, the Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing enhances the crispness and resonance of the sound upon key release. It is interesting to note how the combination of different housing materials affects the overall sound and feel of each switch.
Overall, despite the differences in the bottom housing material between the TTC Gold Brown and the Outemu Silent Yellow, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing ensures a similar level of sharpness, clarity, and resonance in the sound profiles of both switches. The contrast between the softer nylon bottom housing and the stiffer polycarbonate top housing highlights how different materials can impact the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound profile from the nylon bottom housing or a sharper, crisper sound from the polycarbonate top housing, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Brown is lighter in both aspects. The Gold Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Silent Yellow is heavier, with an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. This makes the Silent Yellow more suited for those who prefer a stronger push feel while typing. Those who enjoy a lighter typing experience may find the Gold Brown more comfortable for longer typing sessions. Despite the difference in weight, both switches offer distinct tactile feedback and can deliver a satisfying typing experience based on individual preferences.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users will experience a consistent and similar travel distance. This allows for a uniform typing experience across different keyboards that utilize these switches. As such, whether using the Gold Brown or Silent Yellow switch, users can expect to receive similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Overall, the travel distance between these two switches is equal, providing users with a familiar and comfortable typing experience regardless of which switch they choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
The Outemu Silent Yellow comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch offers a balanced and neutral profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch lacks a specific description for sound, so it's difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. Both switches will produce different sound profiles based on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gold Brown provides a mild and buttery typing experience with a moderate amount of tactility that is not overwhelming. This results in a smooth and satisfying keystroke that is approachable to most users. In contrast, there is no description available for the feel of the Silent Yellow switch. Without this information, it's challenging to directly compare the tactile feel of the two switches.
In conclusion, based on the available information, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch offers a balanced sound profile and a gentle typing experience with a moderate amount of tactility. On the other hand, the specific qualities of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch remain unknown, making it hard to make a direct comparison. If you're seeking a switch with a softer sound profile and a moderate level of tactility, the Gold Brown may be a suitable choice. However, without more information on the Silent Yellow switch, it's important to consider trying out both switches to determine which better suits your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, consider the level of actuation force that feels comfortable to you. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a balanced, satisfying bump with a softer sound profile, the Gold Brown switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a smooth, silent keystroke experience, the Silent Yellow switch could be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you prefer. Choose the switch that aligns best with your needs and typing style.
Mentioned in this article
