TTC Silent Brown vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Brown and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a comfortable typing experience with a satisfying tactile feedback, the TTC Silent Brown switch is a great option for you. With a light-medium level of resistance and a rounded tactile bump, these switches provide a buttery and polished feel. What sets them apart is their muted sound profile, ensuring a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that immerses you in a deep and thocky sound profile, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is worth considering. These linear switches offer a bouncy feel with each keystroke, thanks to their lengthened single-stage spring. With a standard spring weight, they strike a balance between being enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Silent Brown and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue have some similarities and differences. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic that enhances resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects, making it aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, users can expect similar sound qualities and visual effects from both the Silent Brown and Tourmaline Blue switches.
However, the bottom housings of these switches differ. The Silent Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound when typing. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue has a polycarbonate bottom housing, which, like the top housing, adds to the sharper and crisper sound profile of the switch. While the bottom housing may have a subtle impact on the overall sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, it is the top housing that primarily influences the sound when releasing a key.
In summary, the TTC Silent Brown and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches share similar qualities due to their polycarbonate top housing, which delivers a sharp, high-pitched, and clear sound profile. Their differences lie in the bottom housing materials, with the Silent Brown utilizing nylon for a deeper and fuller sound, while the Tourmaline Blue opts for polycarbonate to maintain consistency with the top housing's characteristics. However, the impact of the bottom housing on the overall typing experience is more noticeable during key release, while the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel. Regardless, both switches offer unique sound profiles and aesthetic benefits for users to enjoy.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, we find some similarities and differences. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Brown requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Tourmaline Blue's 59 grams. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Silent Brown is slightly heavier at 63.5 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue measures 67 grams.
Weight can play a significant role in deciding the switch that suits individual preferences. Those seeking a lighter typing experience may find the 45-gram actuation force of the Silent Brown more appealing, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Tourmaline Blue's 59-gram actuation force.
While the differences in actuation and bottom out forces exist between the Silent Brown and Tourmaline Blue, both switches fall within the same medium-heavy category. Thus, regardless of the choice made, users can expect similar outcomes in terms of force required for typing. Ultimately, the decision rests on an individual's personal preference for a lighter or heavier switch.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have different travel distances. The Silent Brown has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Tourmaline Blue has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Tourmaline Blue has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Silent Brown.
In general, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered traditional, while 3.0 mm is more shallow. However, the preference for shorter travel distances has become prevalent in recent times, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you are looking for a highly responsive switch, the Silent Brown with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice.
On the other hand, some individuals find short travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer switches with more depth. In this case, the Tourmaline Blue, with its slightly longer travel distance, would be a better option. It provides a more substantial feeling when pressed down, appealing to those who prefer a more hearty typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Silent Brown and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and the level of responsiveness you desire.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 TTC Silent Brown tactile switch stands out for its muted sound profile. The switch is designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, resulting in a softer and quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a neutral sound profile. This means it falls somewhere in the middle in terms of noise, with a moderate sound that is suitable for most scenarios. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the TTC Silent Brown and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer a buttery typing experience. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, both switches fall under the category of mild switches, delivering a gentle typing experience without any pronounced characteristics. This makes them approachable to most users, as their qualities lie in a safe and middle-ground zone. However, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches also have the added descriptor of being easy-to-press. This means they require minimal force to activate, offering a responsive and low-impact typing feel that can reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Taking all the available information into account, the TTC Silent Brown switches are known for their comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. They have a pleasing muted sound profile and offer a buttery, mild, and polished typing sensation. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches provide a deep and thocky sound profile, along with a bouncy feel due to the lengthened single-stage spring. They strike a balance with their standard spring weight, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. Overall, both switches offer favorable characteristics, providing users with a delightful typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a comfortable and quiet typing experience, with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, then the TTC Silent Brown switches are your best choice. They offer a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound profile that immerses you in a satisfying typing experience, along with a bouncy feel for each keystroke, then the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches are the way to go. Their standard spring weight strikes a balance, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. Both switches provide a buttery and smooth keystroke experience, but if you prefer an easy-to-press switch that requires minimal force to activate, the Tourmaline Blues are the better option. In the end, it all depends on your personal preference and the typing experience you desire. Ultimately, both switches deliver quality performance and can enhance your overall typing experience.
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