Outemu Dustproof Purple vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Purple and the TTC Silent Red stand out as popular choices with their unique characteristics. The Dustproof Purple is categorized as a clicky switch, offering a tactile feedback with audible click sounds upon actuation. On the other hand, the Silent Red is a linear switch known for its smooth and quiet typing experience, making it ideal for office environments or shared spaces where noise is a concern. While the Dustproof Purple may appeal to those who enjoy the satisfying clicky feedback, the Silent Red is preferred by users seeking a quieter and more 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

Outemu Dustproof Purple Clicky

TTC Silent Red Linear

$3.10 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

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Housing materials

In comparing the Outemu Dustproof Purple and the TTC Silent Red, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a clear and resonant sound output. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the overall design of the keyboard. The similarities in the top housing material of both switches suggest that users can expect similar sound profiles and visual effects when using either switch.

However, the key point of differentiation lies in the bottom housing material of the two switches. The Dustproof Purple utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Silent Red's nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for its softer properties, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound output. This difference in bottom housing material may result in a slightly varied typing experience for users, with the Dustproof Purple offering a potentially more impactful bottom-out sound and feel compared to the Silent Red.

Overall, the combination of the polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both switches showcases a balance of properties. While the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall bottom-out sound and feel. Users can expect a mix of sharp, clear tones from the polycarbonate top housing, combined with the deeper, fuller sound produced by the nylon bottom housing. The distinct qualities of each housing material contribute to the unique typing experience offered by the Outemu Dustproof Purple and TTC Silent Red switches.

Weight

The comparison between the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch reveals differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Dustproof Purple has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Silent Red's 45 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Dustproof Purple at 65 grams and the Silent Red at 63.5 grams. This difference in actuation force means that the Dustproof Purple will provide a slightly heavier typing experience, while the Silent Red offers a lighter touch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of use, the Silent Red may be the better choice. However, for users who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the Dustproof Purple may be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the TTC Silent Red linear switch with a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Dustproof Purple offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Silent Red is slightly shallower. Gamers looking for faster response times may lean towards the Silent Red with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming may opt for the Dustproof Purple. Both switches offer a different feel in terms of travel distance, so choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch is known for providing a unique typing experience, but the sound profile is not well-documented. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is praised for its muted sound profile, making it ideal for quieter environments such as offices or shared living spaces. The Silent Red switch offers a smooth and seamless typing experience with a padded bottom-out feel for added comfort.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Dustproof Purple is not well-known for its tactile characteristics. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red switch is often described as "buttery" due to its smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, the Silent Red switch is considered mild and polished, providing a gentle and refined typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Overall, while the subjective qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch are not as extensively documented compared to the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it can be inferred that the Dustproof Purple switch may offer a unique typing experience in terms of sound and feel, although specifics are unknown. If a quieter and smoother typing experience is desired, the Silent Red switch is a reliable choice with its muted sound profile and buttery feel. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths, and the choice between them would depend on the user's preference for sound and feel.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, consider your environment and typing preferences. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience for an office or shared space, the Silent Reds are the way to go with their muted sound profile and comfortable feel. On the other hand, if you enjoy the clicky feedback and don't mind a bit of noise, the Dustproof Purple switches may be more your style. Ultimately, your choice should align with your desired typing experience and the setting in which you'll be using your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Dustproof Purple Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more