TTC Gold Red vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the TTC Gold Red, a linear switch, and the Outemu Silent White, also a linear switch. The Gold Red is favored for its buttery smooth typing experience and light-medium level of resistance, providing a satisfying feel with a subtle snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality without being too loud. On the other hand, the Silent White is known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. While both switches offer unique characteristics that may appeal to different preferences, it is important to delve deeper into their specific features to determine the best fit for individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Silent White utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that feature RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the keyboard. The similarity in top housing material between the two switches ensures that users can expect similar sound profiles and visual effects when using either switch.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Gold Red and the Silent White opt for nylon. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other plastics, as it is a softer material that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon for the bottom housing. Despite using different materials for their bottom housing, both switches provide users with a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, thanks to the qualities that nylon brings to the switches.
When it comes to the overall impact of housing materials on a switch, the qualities of both the top and bottom housings play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of the switch. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, the top housing has more of an impact on the sound produced when a key is released. This division of qualities between the two housing materials ensures that users can enjoy a well-rounded typing experience that is influenced by both the top and bottom housings of the switch.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it is clear that the Gold Red is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, while the Silent White is heavier in both aspects. The Gold Red has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. On the other hand, the Silent White requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Gold Red, which is ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, those who enjoy a stronger push feel may lean towards the Silent White for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
A comparison can be made between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch in terms of travel distance. The Gold Red switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent White switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Silent White switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gold Red switch. The Gold Red switch, with its longer travel distance of 4 mm, may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press, while the Silent White switch, with its shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, may be favored by individuals looking for a quicker response time. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their respective travel distances, catering to the preferences of different users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red for $3.28.
The Outemu Silent White 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 comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, the Gold Red offers a thocky and low-pitched sound, providing a satisfying typing experience without being too loud or distracting. The Silent White, on the other hand, lacks a specific sound description, indicating that it may not stand out in terms of sound characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the auditory feedback while typing.
In terms of feel, the Gold Red switch is noted for its mild, silky, subtle, and polished qualities, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a moderate level of resistance. These characteristics make it a versatile option suitable for various typing preferences. In contrast, the Silent White switch lacks specific feel descriptors, suggesting that it may not have the same level of smoothness and refinement as the Gold Red. This difference in feel may impact the overall typing experience for users looking for a more tactile feel.
Considering the available information, the TTC Gold Red linear switch appears to offer a more well-rounded and versatile typing experience compared to the Outemu Silent White linear switch. With its smooth and polished feel, as well as its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, the Gold Red switch is likely to appeal to a wide range of users seeking a quality typing experience. While the Silent White switch may still provide a satisfactory typing experience, its lack of specific descriptors for sound and feel may suggest that it does not have as distinctive characteristics as the Gold Red. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red and Outemu Silent White linear switches, you should consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a light-medium level of resistance and a buttery smooth typing experience with a snappy sound profile, the Gold Red switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium level of resistance and are looking for a silent typing experience, the Silent White switch could be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and whether you prioritize sound or feel in your mechanical keyboard switch selection.
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