Outemu Purple vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Outemu Purple and TTC Silent Red. The Outemu Purple is a tactile switch that is best known for its distinctive feedback upon actuation. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is a linear switch that stands out for its smooth and silent typing experience, making it ideal for quiet environments like offices or shared living spaces. The Purple switch offers a tactile sensation with each press, while the Silent Red switch provides a consistent and comfortable typing feel with a muted sound profile. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Outemu Purple and the TTC Silent Red, it is evident 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. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. Despite their similarities in the top housing material, the overall sound experience may differ based on other factors such as the bottom housing material.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Outemu Purple and TTC Silent Red switches feature nylon bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder materials. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. While both switches share this material for their bottom housing, the physical impact and sound profile of bottoming out keys may still vary depending on other design elements.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials are divided between these components. The bottom housing mainly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down a key, highlighting the importance of the material used in this part of the switch. Conversely, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key, showcasing how different materials can contribute to various aspects of the typing experience. Ultimately, while both the Outemu Purple and TTC Silent Red switches may share housing materials, the specific configuration and design choices can still result in distinct typing experiences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, we see that the Purple requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Red's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Red is noticeably heavier at 63.5 grams, while the Purple's bottom out force is unknown. The weight difference between these two switches may cater to different preferences. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Silent Red for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may enjoy the heavier bottom out force of the Purple for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Silent Red has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Purple. The Purple's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a deeper key press feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Red's 3.7 mm travel distance provides a slightly quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for faster keystrokes. Overall, the difference in travel distance between the two switches may be subtle, but it can impact the typing experience based on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Outemu Purple 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 Outemu Purple tactile switch does not have a specific descriptor available, so it's safe to assume it falls within the typical range of sound for mechanical switches. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is known for its muted sound profile. This means the Silent Red switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience, especially in noise-sensitive environments like offices or shared living spaces.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Purple tactile switch does not have a specific descriptor available. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red linear switch has been described with multiple descriptors including "buttery," "mild," and "polished." These descriptors suggest that the Silent Red switch offers a smooth, gentle, and refined typing experience. The switch provides a seamless and effortless keystroke, with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. The mild characteristics make it approachable to most users, fitting into a safe middle-ground zone of typing feedback.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch offer different sound and feel qualities, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience. The Silent Red switch stands out for its muted sound profile and buttery, mild, and polished feel, making it a great choice for those who prioritize a quiet and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the specific qualities of the Outemu Purple switch may appeal to users who prefer a more traditional mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch that offers a unique typing experience with a satisfying feedback, the Outemu Purple switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and quiet typing experience, especially for office or shared living space use, the TTC Silent Red linear switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound profile. Consider what matters most to you when choosing between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch.
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