TTC Bluish White vs. HMX FJ400
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the HMX FJ400 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular options worth exploring are the TTC Bluish White and the HMX FJ400. The Bluish White switch is celebrated for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfyingly poppy typing experience along with a snappy sound profile, making it ideal for those who appreciate a bit of auditory and tactile response while typing. On the other hand, the HMX FJ400 stands out as a linear switch, offering a smoother and quieter experience that appeals to users who prefer unimpeded keystrokes without the tactile bump. While the Bluish White excels in delivering a more pronounced feedback that's great for typing enthusiasts, the FJ400 strikes a balance with its refined sound profile, catering to gamers and minimalists alike. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the HMX FJ400 present a striking contrast in terms of their sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Bluish White features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for delivering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This characteristic arises from polycarbonate’s stiffer nature, which enhances clarity and resonance, making it an excellent choice for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the FJ400 utilizes POM for its top housing, which produces a uniquely pleasing but deeper and more muted sound. This fundamental difference in the materials used for the top housing leads to distinct auditory experiences when interacting with these switches, with the Bluish White offering a more vibrant and pronounced tone versus the FJ400's subdued auditory presence.
When delving into the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, a classic choice that contributes to a fuller and more rounded sound profile. As the nylon material is softer, it excels at absorbing sound, resulting in a, characterized by a deeper, more mellow acoustic emission. In this respect, both the TTC Bluish White and the HMX FJ400 share a common characteristic, as both deliver the same type of sound quality from the bottom housing. The influence of nylon ensures that users experience a satisfying auditory feedback, regardless of the differences in top housing materials. Thus, when it comes to the overall sound experience while typing, the nylon bottom housing plays a crucial role in creating a rich and inviting acoustic environment.
The interplay between the different housing materials results in an interesting combination of sound qualities across the two switches. The polycarbonate top of the Bluish White provides a vivid upper end, while the nylon bottom enriches the overall experience with its deeper resonance. Conversely, the POM top housing of the FJ400, while delivering a more muted sound, is enchanted by the same nylon bottom, producing a satisfyingly deep response. In essence, although the two switches vary drastically in their top housing compositions, the commonality of the nylon bottom binds their sound profiles with a comforting consistency. Therefore, both switches will produce appealing yet distinct auditory results, demonstrating how housing materials can influence sound while also allowing for synergy between different components.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge, influencing the overall typing experience. The TTC Bluish White has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, coupled with a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter weight makes it more suitable for users who prefer prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the HMX FJ400 has a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, offering a more substantial feel that some typists might favor for a tactile feedback experience. While both switches require different amounts of force to actuate and bottom out, the TTC Bluish White stands out as the lighter option, making it ideal for those prioritizing comfort and ease during extended usage. Meanwhile, the FJ400 caters to users who enjoy a firmer push feel, enhancing their typing experience with each keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch, the TTC Bluish White offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the FJ400 boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Bluish White the shorter option, appealing to those who favor quicker response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the FJ400’s greater travel distance provides a more pronounced tactile feedback that some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Overall, if you seek a responsive feel in your key presses, the TTC Bluish White would be the right choice; however, if you enjoy a deeper and more substantial switch, the HMX FJ400 stands out with its longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
The HMX FJ400 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the FJ400 for $3.29.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch, the distinctions are notable. The Bluish White is characterized by a snappy, low-pitched sound, providing a satisfyingly poppy typing experience that can be quite appealing to those who enjoy more pronounced auditory feedback. This low-pitched sound tends to have more bass, lending a mellow tone to the overall experience. In contrast, the FJ400 offers a balanced sound profile, making it less intrusive and more subdued. While the FJ400’s sound may not have the same level of auditory excitement as the Bluish White, it caters to users who prefer a more neutral typing environment. However, it's essential to remember that sound perception can vary significantly based on factors like keyboard construction and keycap choice.
In terms of feel, the TTC Bluish White presents a rich set of characteristics. It is often described to have a buttery smoothness, allowing for fluid keystrokes that contribute to an effortless typing experience. Additionally, it combines a mild sensation with a stepped tactile profile, giving users a gentle yet noticeable feedback during keypresses without an overwhelming bump. These features, alongside its polished finish, create a seamless typing environment suitable for prolonged use. The subtleties in the Bluish White's tactile feedback cater to those who appreciate a refined touch. Conversely, little is detailed about the feel of the HMX FJ400, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison in this aspect. While the FJ400 may provide a different tactile sensation, its precise attributes remain unspecified.
In conclusion, both switches serve their purposes effectively but cater to different user preferences. The TTC Bluish White heroically captures the tactile and auditory experience with its low-pitched sound and luxurious feel, making it ideal for enthusiasts who revel in feedback and auditory satisfaction. On the other hand, the HMX FJ400 provides a balanced sound experience, appealing to those who prefer a less pronounced atmosphere while typing. Ultimately, each switch offers its unique traits and can deliver satisfactory results based on individual requirements; choosing between them will depend on whether one values sound and tactile feedback or a more muted, seamless experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch should be guided by your typing preferences and the environment where you'll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a snappy, tactile feedback with a low-pitched sound that is both satisfying and poppy, the Bluish White is an excellent choice, especially if you favor a light 50-gram bottom-out force for a more effortless typing experience. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a buttery and polished feel, and it can be perfect in shared spaces due to its subtle sound profile. Conversely, if you seek a balanced, medium sound and prefer the smoothness of a linear switch, the HMX FJ400, with its 58-gram bottom-out force, is the way to go. This switch offers a more uniform keystroke and a broader range of tactile options, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value tactile feedback and sound in your typing experience or prefer a smoother and more straightforward keystroke.
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