TTC Bluish White vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the right mechanical keyboard switches for your typing experience, the choice often comes down to personal preference between tactile and linear options. The TTC Bluish White switches provide a tactile feedback that many users find satisfying, characterized by a distinctive pop and a snappy sound profile, making them perfect for those who enjoy a more engaging and responsive typing feel. Their categorization as ‘Buttery,’ ‘Mild,’ and ‘Polished’ highlights their refined nature, appealing to users who appreciate a nuanced tactile experience. In contrast, the Keygeek Keylin switches offer a linear typing experience that is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and rich acoustics, providing a quieter and uninterrupted stroke that is ideal for users seeking a sleek and fluid typing motion without any tactile bumps. While both switches cater to different preferences and styles, the choice often hinges on whether you prioritize tactile feedback or buttery smoothness in your keystrokes. 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
38g
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
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the TTC Bluish White and the Keygeek Keylin switches present a compelling study in contrasts, particularly regarding their respective top housings. The Bluish White features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer composition. This characteristic makes polycarbonate an excellent choice for those desiring enhanced clarity, especially when RGB lighting is involved, as its translucency allows for vibrant light dispersion. Conversely, the Keylin utilizes a nylon top housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile; the softer nature of nylon helps absorb sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference in material not only affects the sound produced while typing but also influences the overall aesthetic and functional characteristics of each switch.
In contrast, both switches share the same material for their bottom housings: nylon. This commonality means that both the TTC Bluish White and the Keygeek Keylin provide a similar sound profile that is deeper and fuller when keys are bottomed out. The nylon in the bottom housing absorbs sound more efficiently, which helps create a harmonious balance in the overall feel of the switch. This is significant because, although the top housing materials differ and create unique auditory impressions, the shared nylon bottom creates a foundational consistency that enhances the typing experience. As a result, the auditory contrast between the two switches can create a varied performance depending on which housing material is in play.
Ultimately, the combined effect of these housing materials reveals how sound profiles in mechanical switches are intricately tied to their construction. While the Bluish White’s polycarbonate top encourages a brighter response optimized for RGB lighting, the Keylin’s nylon top brings a warmer, more rounded sound atmosphere. However, due to their mutual use of nylon in the bottom housing, key press dynamics remain similar at the base level, allowing both switches to elicit fuller sounds upon bottoming out. This blend of materials demonstrates the nuanced interplay between structure and sound in mechanical switches, allowing users to gravitate toward either choice based on their specific auditory preferences and aesthetic needs.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, both switches exhibit a relatively light touch that caters to users who prefer a softer typing experience. The actuation force for the Bluish White switch is 42 grams, while the Keylin switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 38 grams. Regarding bottom out forces, the Bluish White switch requires 50 grams to register a bottom out, compared to the Keylin's 48 grams. As a result, the Bluish White switch is marginally heavier both in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, making it a better choice for users who appreciate a bit more push in their keystrokes for a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the lighter Keylin switch may be more suitable for those looking to type for extended periods without experiencing strain. Overall, while both switches provide a light feel, the Keylin offers a gentler touch, making it optimal for long gaming sessions or work tasks.
Travel distance
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Keygeek Keylin linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. When comparing these two options, the Keylin switch provides a more pronounced feel due to its longer travel distance, which some users might prefer for a fuller keystroke experience. In contrast, the Bluish White switch, being shorter by just 0.1 mm, offers a slightly more responsive feel, appealing particularly to gamers looking for quicker actuation. Ultimately, if you're aiming for speed and responsiveness, you might lean towards the Bluish White, but if you value that deeper, more tactile feedback, the Keylin would be the better choice.
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 Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin 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 considering the sound profiles of the TTC Bluish White and Keygeek Keylin switches, they diverge significantly. The Bluish White tactile switch is known for its low-pitched, snappy sound, which creates a satisfyingly poppy typing experience. This low-pitch tone tends to deliver a more mellow and bass-heavy quality than higher-pitched switches, making it suitable for environments where a less piercing sound is favorable. On the other hand, the Keylin linear switch is recognized for its rich acoustics, although specific details of its sound profile remain undefined. Therefore, while the Bluish White's sound is characterized clearly as low-pitched, the Keylin’s auditory qualities are less defined, leaving some uncertainty regarding its exact acoustic signature.
In terms of feel, the TTC Bluish White offers a combination of tactile and smooth characteristics. Users experience a buttery keystroke that provides a seamless and fluid typing sensation, along with a mild tactile bump that gives feedback without being overly pronounced. The stepped nature of the switch introduces a nuanced experience, allowing for a gentle transition through its keystroke travel. Furthermore, the subtle resistance and polished finish enhance the overall feel, presenting a refined typing experience suitable for various user preferences. In contrast, the Keylin linear switch is aimed at delivering a premium experience characterized by exceptional smoothness, but no further details are provided regarding how it compares to the tactile nature or other qualities of the Bluish White.
Ultimately, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch cater to different typing preferences. The Bluish White stands out with its specific low-pitched sound and a richly textured tactile feel characterized by smoothness and mildness. Conversely, while the Keylin emphasizes smooth typing with a promise of rich acoustics, its sound profile is not as clearly defined. For newcomers, if you’re looking for a tactile experience with both satisfying sound and feel, the Bluish White offers a well-rounded option; if you prefer a linear approach, the Keylin may provide a similar smoothness that can enhance the typing experience, even if its sound remains an unknown variable.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a snappy and satisfying tactile feedback that offers a poppy typing experience, the Bluish White is an excellent option. Its low-pitched sound adds a bass-heavy yet mellow tone that is both pleasing and distinctive, making it a great choice if you want to enjoy a more engaging typing experience. Moreover, the Bluish White's subtle and polished feel allows for a smooth keystroke that is approachable and suitable for a variety of environments, including shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer an exceptionally smooth and linear keystroke without tactile bumps, the Keylin switch is the way to go. With its premium acoustics and effortless key travel, you’ll benefit from a fluid typing sensation that makes rapid typing tasks more enjoyable. The Keylin is ideal for gamers or typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness without the distraction of tactile feedback. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prioritize a tactile feel and sound, or a smooth linear experience during your typing sessions.
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