Cherry MX Brown vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Brown, a tactile switch, and the TTC Silent Red, a linear switch. The MX Brown switches are known for their subtlety, offering a light typing experience with gentle tactile feedback and subdued audio. These switches are categorized as textured, bassy, and low-pitched. On the other hand, the Silent Reds provide a smooth and seamless typing experience without the noise. With a muted sound profile, these switches are perfect for office or shared living spaces. They have a consistent feel from top to bottom and offer a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. Categorized as buttery, mild, muted, and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and requirements.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and TTC Silent Red switches have distinctive characteristics that create different sound profiles. The MX Brown switch features a nylon top housing, which gives it a deeper and fuller sound. The relatively soft nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Silent Red switch has a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The relatively stiffer polycarbonate material enhances clarity and resonance in the sound produced. So, while both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, the nylon top housing of the MX Brown creates a softer sound, whereas the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Red delivers a more distinct and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the MX Brown and TTC Silent Red switches utilize nylon material. Nylon is known for eliciting a deep and full sound profile. Due to its softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This characteristic is consistent between the two switches, emphasizing the importance of the bottom housing in determining the overall sound produced. Whether typing on the MX Brown or the Silent Red, the nylon bottom housing contributes to the switch's deep and rich sound, enhancing the tactile experience for the user.
While the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Cherry MX Brown and TTC Silent Red switches, it is crucial to understand their individual influences on the overall sound profile. When activating a switch, the bottom housing's qualities are more prominent, shaping the bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deep and satisfying keypress experience. Conversely, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. The nylon top housing of the MX Brown creates a slightly softer sound upon key release, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Red delivers a clearer and crisper sound. Understanding this distinction allows users to choose the switch that aligns with their preferred sound profile and typing experience. Whether the top and bottom housings align or differ in a switch, both aspects contribute to the overall auditory and tactile satisfaction received while typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is clear that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke on these switches is identical, resulting in similar responsiveness during typing or gaming sessions. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a noticeable difference between the two switches. The MX Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which can be considered medium-light. On the other hand, the Silent Red has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. This means that while the actuation force remains the same, the Silent Red requires a slightly heavier force when fully pressing down the key compared to the MX Brown.
Considering weight is important when choosing a switch as some individuals prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of use, making it suitable for work or long gaming sessions. However, others might desire a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, and in this case, they may prefer options with heavier forces. Ultimately, the MX Brown can be seen as the lighter option with medium-light bottom out force, while the Silent Red offers a heavier typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force. Despite the differences in bottom out force, the identical actuation force ensures a comparable level of responsiveness when using either switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is clear that the MX Brown has a longer travel distance at 4.0mm compared to the Silent Red's 3.7mm. The MX Brown falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance, offering a deeper key press experience. On the other hand, the Silent Red provides a slightly shallower travel distance, making it popular among gamers who prioritize faster response times. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference, with the MX Brown offering a deeper and more substantial feel while the Silent Red provides a quicker and more responsive keystroke. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying tactile experience, albeit with slightly different travel distances.
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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 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 Cherry MX Brown switches are best described as having a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. The deeper and richer sound during key presses resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switches are known for their muted sound. They produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, which makes them ideal for office or shared living space use. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Brown switches offer a textured experience. These switches have noticeable friction when pressed, which may be preferred by some users. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red switches provide a buttery and mild typing sensation. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is effortless and uniform. These switches fall into a safe middle-ground zone, offering a gentle typing experience that most users find approachable. The Silent Red switches are also described as polished, meaning they have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Cherry MX Brown switches provide a subtle and light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. Their sound profile is bassy and low-pitched, while the feel is textured. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switches deliver a smooth and seamless typing experience with a muted sound profile. The Silent Reds have a buttery and mild feel with a polished finish for maximum comfort. Both switches offer pleasant typing experiences, but with different characteristics. If you're looking for a quieter switch with a more gentle feel, the Silent Red switches would be the better choice. However, if you prefer a slightly tactile and textured typing experience, the MX Brown switches would be a great option. Considering the available information, it's clear that these two switches can provide similar results in terms of overall typing experience, albeit with different sound and feel qualities.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a light typing experience with subtle tactility and a subdued sound profile, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is the way to go. With its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, the MX Brown offers a comfortable typing experience without the need for heavy pressure. Its low-pitched sound profile adds a touch of elegance to your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and seamless typing experience without the noise, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is the perfect choice. With a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, the Silent Red offers a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. Its muted sound profile makes it ideal for office or shared living space use. Additionally, the Silent Red provides a buttery and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preferences and specific use case.
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