TTC Bluish White vs. TTC Gold Silver
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the TTC Gold Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Bluish White and TTC Gold Silver stand out as popular options with distinct characteristics. The Bluish White is a tactile switch that offers a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile. In comparison, the Gold Silver is a linear switch known for its rapid responsiveness and shortened travel that culminates in a solid bottom-out sensation. While the Bluish White is described as 'buttery' and 'subtle', the Gold Silver is characterized by its 'thocky' and 'silky' feel. Both switches have low-pitched sound profiles, but the Gold Silver is praised for its smooth and fluid keystrokes. When deciding between the two, consider if you prefer a tactile and slightly more pronounced typing experience with the Bluish White or a swift and precise keystroke with the Gold Silver. 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The TTC Bluish White and TTC Gold Silver both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The nature of polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic contributes to the clear and resonant sound produced by both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to accommodate RGB lighting. This similarity in top housing material ensures that both the Bluish White and Gold Silver switches deliver a similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal.
Both switches also utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound that enhances the typing experience. Despite having different top housings, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both the TTC Bluish White and TTC Gold Silver offer a consistent typing experience with a focus on sound depth and richness.
In terms of functionality, the differing materials used for the top and bottom housings of the TTC Bluish White and TTC Gold Silver allow for a balanced typing experience. The bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel complements the top housing's influence on the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings contributes to a well-rounded typing experience that combines the crispness of polycarbonate with the depth of nylon, resulting in switches that provide both tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction.
Weight
In comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Bluish White switch is lighter in terms of both forces. The Bluish White has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Gold Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams and an unknown bottom out force. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Bluish White make it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less force to press the keys. On the other hand, the Gold Silver switch, with its slightly higher actuation force, may provide a firmer push feel for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch are both 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This can result in a similar typing experience in terms of keypress depth and feel for both switches. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches, so users can expect consistent results regardless of which one they choose to use.
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 TTC Gold Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
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
In terms of sound, the Bluish White tactile switch offers a low-pitched and satisfyingly poppy typing experience, while the Gold Silver linear switch produces a thocky and resonant sound that complements its rapid responsiveness. Both switches have a low-pitched sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone to enhance the typing experience. However, the Gold Silver switch's sound signature is described as neutral, offering a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various settings.
When it comes to feel, the Bluish White switch is buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished, offering a smooth, gentle, and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Silver switch is polished, silky, mild, and subtle, providing a smooth and minimally resistant feel during keystrokes. Both switches feature polished finishes, enhancing key travel smoothness and reducing friction for an improved overall typing experience.
Overall, the Bluish White and Gold Silver switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences in typing experiences. While the Bluish White switch focuses on a smooth and uniform typing sensation with a snappy sound profile, the Gold Silver switch prioritizes rapid responsiveness and a decisive bottom-out accompanied by a thocky and harmonious sound signature. Depending on personal preferences for sound pitch and typing feel, users can choose between these switches to achieve their desired tactile and auditory experience during typing sessions.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, consider the typing experience you desire. If you prefer a poppy tactile feel with a light bottom-out force and a low-pitched sound profile, the Bluish White switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you value rapid responsiveness, a smooth keystroke with no bottom-out force, and a thocky sound profile, the Gold Silver switch is the ideal choice. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately depends on what typing experience you prioritize when making your decision.
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