Outemu Tom vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Outemu Tom and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Tom and the TTC Silent Brown both offer unique features catered towards different preferences. The Tom is best known for its undefined characteristics, while the Silent Brown is praised for its comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and satisfying rounded tactile bump. Additionally, the Silent Brown boasts a muted sound profile, making it ideal for those looking for a quieter 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 Tom and the TTC Silent Brown, both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. This commonality in housing material suggests that both switches will likely exhibit similar sound profiles and responses when pressed and released.
However, a key point of differentiation lies in the bottom housing material of the switches. The Outemu Tom features a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound due to the properties of nylon. This shared material choice for the bottom housing suggests that both switches will offer a similar tactile feel and sound when typing.
Overall, the utilization of polycarbonate in the top housing of both the Outemu Tom and the TTC Silent Brown contributes to a sharper, crisper sound profile that is further enhanced by the switches' nylon bottom housings. While the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a pivotal role in determining the impact and overall sound profile during typing. Therefore, while the switches may have different branding and marketing, their housing materials ultimately lead to comparable sound experiences and tactile responses for users seeking a specific typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Silent Brown is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams, compared to the Tom's 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Brown requires a heavier force of 63.5 grams, while the Tom's bottom out force is unknown. The actuation force of a switch is crucial as it determines the force needed to register a keystroke, whereas the bottom out force is essential for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Those who prefer lighter switches may opt for the Silent Brown for longer typing sessions, while those who prefer a more solid feel may lean towards the Tom, despite the lack of information on its bottom out force. Ultimately, both switches offer different experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Tom switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Silent Brown switch may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Tom switch offering quicker actuation and the Silent Brown switch providing a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent 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 Silent Brown for $3.68.
The Outemu Tom 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
The Outemu Tom tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Tom switch's sound profile is not specified, while the Silent Brown switch is praised for its muted sound, which minimizes mechanical keyboard noise. When it comes to feel, the Tom switch's tactile sensation is not described, whereas the Silent Brown switch is commended for its buttery feel, mild resistance, and polished keystroke experience. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, but the Silent Brown switch stands out for its quieter sound and smooth keystroke feel. Ultimately, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a smooth and refined keystroke, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch may be the better choice for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, consider the specific qualities that are most important to you. If you prioritize a light typing experience with a smooth and fluid keystroke, the TTC Silent Brown switches may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a unique sound profile and bottom out force that fits your typing style, the Outemu Tom switches could be the way to go. Ultimately, both switches offer their own benefits, so it's important to weigh your preferences and priorities when making a decision.
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