TTC Bluish White vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are pleased to offer the TTC Bluish White, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Ink Yellow, a linear switch. The Bluish White is best known for providing a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile. Its buttery and mild tactile feedback offers a subtle and polished typing experience, accompanied by a low-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow is characterized by a shorter travel, making it a great choice for those who desire a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. This switch showcases a pleasant smoothness and clackiness, with a neutral and polished feel. Both switches have their unique advantages, and choosing the best one ultimately depends on your preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make the best decision for your own needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches have distinct differences. The Bluish White features a polycarbonate top housing while the Ink Yellow has a proprietary INK blend top housing. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, which is ideal for those who enjoy a more resonant sound. On the other hand, the INK blend top housing of the Ink Yellow produces a relatively high-pitched but not overly sharp sound, often described as being clacky. Both these materials are designed to enhance the sound experience of the switches, giving users different options based on their preferences.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Bluish White utilizes a nylon material, while the Ink Yellow has a proprietary INK blend bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Yellow maintains a thin and higher-pitched sound profile, complementing the characteristics of the top housing. These differences in bottom housing materials give each switch a distinct typing experience, catering to individuals who prefer different sound profiles.
When considering the overall impact of the housing materials, it's important to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles in the sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. This means that despite the differences in housing materials between the Bluish White and the Ink Yellow, the typing experience of both switches can still deliver satisfying results. Whether you prefer the crispness of polycarbonate or the clacky sound of the INK blend, both switches provide unique sound profiles that can enhance your typing or gaming experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch to the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Bluish White has a lighter touch, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, the Ink Yellow requires a stronger push, with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. These differences in force can greatly impact the typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch and the ability to type for longer periods may find the Bluish White switch to be more suitable. This lighter actuation force allows for swift and effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow provides a more substantial and satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a heavier push feel. The increased actuation force and bottom out force of the Ink Yellow switch adds a greater level of resistance, offering a tactile feedback that some users find desirable. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience. It is worth noting that both switches deliver reliable and precise keystrokes, ensuring a satisfying performance regardless of the force requirements.
Travel distance
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent tactile feedback and smooth keystrokes. Regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance and overall typing experience.
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 Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 is best described as having a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is characterized as having a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes. Additionally, the Ink Yellow switch is also described as clacky, producing a sharp, snappy, and percussive sound when pressed. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. Overall, if you're looking for a low-pitched and mellow sound, the Bluish White switch is the one to go for. If you prefer a moderate sound with some clackiness, the Ink Yellow switch would be a good choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, it is important to consider your personal preferences and typing preferences. If you desire a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a light bottom out force, the Bluish White is a great choice. It offers a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The low-pitched sound profile adds a bass-heavy and mellow tone to your typing.
On the other hand, if you prefer a typing experience that falls between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, the Ink Yellow is the way to go. With a medium-heavy bottom out force, it offers a mild and polished feel, ensuring a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The neutral sound profile makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and can be used in both home and work environments. Additionally, the clacky nature of the switch produces a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on your personal preference for tactile feedback, typing force, sound profile, and overall feel. Consider your typing needs and select the switch that aligns with your preferences to enhance your typing experience.
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