TTC Bluish White vs. HMX Hibiscus
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the HMX Hibiscus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Bluish White and HMX Hibiscus offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Bluish White is a tactile switch celebrated for its satisfying, snappy feedback and a poppy sound profile, making it an excellent option for those who enjoy a more interactive and pronounced typing experience. Its characteristics such as "buttery," "mild," and "low-pitched" contribute to a comfortable yet engaging feel, perfect for typists who value responsiveness. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus switches stand out as a linear switch, providing unparalleled smoothness and a light touch that can make long typing sessions feel effortless. With an actuation force that is lighter than 80% of competing switches, the Hibiscus delivers a clacky and crispy sound signature that caters to gamers and typists looking for fluidity without any tactile interruptions. Both switches feature unique sound profiles and typing experiences tailored to different preferences; 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
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
T3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the HMX Hibiscus switches present both similarities and contrasts that significantly influence their acoustic profiles and tactile characteristics. The top housing of the Bluish White, made of polycarbonate, is designed to yield a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which contributes to a more resonant sound quality and is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups, given its translucency. In comparison, the HMX Hibiscus features a nylon top housing, a more traditional choice that produces a deeper and fuller sound. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound vibrations, resulting in a sound profile that is duller and rounder. Thus, while both switches utilize plastic materials, their distinct properties yield different auditory experiences, significantly influenced by the choice of top housing material.
The bottom housings of both the Bluish White and HMX Hibiscus switches are made from nylon, which creates a uniformity in their sound profiles. As both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, they share the qualities of deeper sound absorption and a rounder tactile feedback. This similarity means that when typing on either switch, the bottom-out sound and feel will exhibit this characteristic depth associated with nylon. Despite the differences in the top housing materials, the presence of nylon at the bottom ensures both switches offer a robust, full-bodied experience when the key is pressed down, allowing for consistency in user experience in this regard.
Overall, while the TTC Bluish White and HMX Hibiscus switches are differentiated by their top housing materials—polycarbonate for the former and nylon for the latter—their nylon bottom housing leads to comparable results in terms of bottom-out feedback. The contrasting top housing materials provide unique auditory signatures that aficionados may appreciate for their distinct sound profiles, making the choice between them largely subjective. In scenarios where layering features like RGB lighting is a priority, the Bluish White might be preferable, whereas users seeking a more traditional and warm sound may gravitate towards the Hibiscus. Nonetheless, the shared nylon bottoms promise a satisfying and consistent typing experience across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, both exhibit similar actuation forces, with the Bluish White at 42 grams and the Hibiscus also at 42 grams. This parity means users can expect a similar ease of triggering a keystroke with either switch, which is advantageous for those who type for extended periods or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Bluish White has a slight edge at 50 grams compared to the Hibiscus's 48 grams. This difference indicates that while both switches are relatively lightweight, the Bluish White offers a slightly heavier pressing experience upon bottoming out, which may appeal to users looking for a more substantial feel when striking the keys. Overall, both switches cater to users preferring lighter actuation forces, but those who desire a firmer bottom out experience may lean towards the TTC Bluish White.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch are both 3.5 mm, making them equal in this respect. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable feel when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch, resulting in a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch is used. Since both switches share the same travel distance, they will produce similar results in terms of key responsiveness and feedback during 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 HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
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 Bluish White tactile switch offers a low-pitched auditory experience that leans towards a bass-heavy and mellow tone, contributing to a satisfying typing atmosphere. This switch is notable for its snappy sound profile, lending itself to a crisp and poppy character that can enhance the overall typing experience. In comparison, while the HMX Hibiscus linear switch also promises a clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, there is no specific pitch description available. However, it’s essential to note that the sound produced by either switch can be influenced by the type of keyboard it’s used on and the choice of keycaps, which may result in a somewhat similar auditory experience depending on the setup.
In terms of feel, the characteristics of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch are diverse and appealing. The buttery action allows for a smooth keystroke, while the mild design ensures a gentle typing experience that is approachable for most users. The stepped tactile feedback provides well-defined stages during keypress, promoting a tactile journey that many typists enjoy. Additionally, its subtle resistance offers an easy yet deliberate typing feel, complemented by a polished finish that minimizes friction. Conversely, details regarding the feel of the HMX Hibiscus switch are not specified, leaving a gap in understanding how it might compare in terms of tactile feedback or overall typing sensation.
In conclusion, while both the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch share elements like a poppy sound signature, they diverge in sound profile and tactile characteristics. The Bluish White’s low-pitched sound and varied tactile feedback provide a satisfying typing experience that caters to diverse preferences. The Hibiscus, while noted for its smoother performance, lacks detailed descriptors in terms of feel. Ultimately, those seeking a tactile, engaging typing experience might gravitate more towards the Bluish White, whereas the Hibiscus presents an appealing alternative for users who prioritize linear smoothness. Depending on your specific preferences, you might find offerings from both switches suitable for creating a delightful typing atmosphere, though their unique qualities will shine through depending on individual choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek. If you enjoy a tactile response that is both satisfying and snappy, the Bluish White is an excellent choice, especially if you appreciate a low-pitched sound profile that is not too resonant. The buttery feel combined with a subtle and polished typing experience makes it ideal for those who want a gentler yet engaging touch, making it well-suited for both casual typing and longer sessions. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and an ultra-light actuation with a clacky sound signature, the HMX Hibiscus is likely your best bet. This switch delivers an exceptionally smooth typing experience that can make both gaming and typing feel effortless, perfect for those who want a swift and uninterrupted keystroke. Ultimately, consider your typing style, sound preferences, and the environments in which you’ll be using the keyboard to make the choice that best aligns with your needs.
Mentioned in this article
