TTC Bluish White vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are pleased to offer the TTC Bluish White tactile switches for those who desire a satisfyingly poppy typing experience. When typing on them, we detect a snappy sound profile. These switches are categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', and 'Low-pitched'. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switches are incredibly unique in that they are lightweight, feature an approachable tactility, and are silenced. As such, these switches are perfect for tactile fans who want a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility. The Lime switches are categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. Both switches offer different advantages based on the typing experience you are seeking. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the Outemu Lime switches differ significantly. The Bluish White features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Lime utilizes a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffness of the polycarbonate plastic allows for a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Lime produces a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Therefore, users can expect a difference in sound and feel when typing on these switches.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Bluish White and the Lime switches employ nylon as the material. The nylon bottom housing of each switch contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. As a result, the typing experience on these switches will yield similar sound characteristics, providing users with that satisfying hearable feedback. However, it is important to note that the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down.
Considering the overall sound experience, the difference in the top housing between the Bluish White and the Lime plays a significant role. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing qualities, such as the deeper sound, will be more noticeable. On the other hand, the top housing material impacts the sound when releasing a key. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Bluish White will create a sharper and crisper sound upon key release, while the softer nylon top housing of the Lime will produce a more rounded sound. Users can choose between these switches depending on their preference for the sound profile during key release.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, one can observe similarities in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have relatively light actuation forces, with the Bluish White requiring 42 grams and the Lime necessitating 35 grams. Similarly, both switches exhibit light bottom out forces, with the Bluish White having a force of 50 grams and the Lime measuring 45 grams. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke and the pressure needed to fully press down on the keys. However, it is worth noting that the Lime switch is slightly lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Bluish White switch. This lighter weight can be advantageous for individuals who prefer a swift typing experience or engage in prolonged typing sessions, making it suitable for work or gaming purposes. Conversely, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Bluish White switch, which offers a slightly heavier force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent times. Gamers, in particular, tend to favor shorter travel distances as they allow for faster response times. Therefore, if you are looking for a highly responsive switch, you may prefer the Outemu Lime with its slightly shorter travel distance. However, for those who enjoy a deeper and more substantial feel, the TTC Bluish White with its slightly longer travel distance may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision depends on personal preference and the level of responsiveness desired.
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 Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 low-pitched. Low-pitched switches tend to have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is described as neutral and muted. A neutral switch has a moderate sound profile, suitable for various purposes and users, while a muted switch produces a softer and quieter sound, minimizing noise associated with mechanical keyboards. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, both switches offer different sound profiles, with the Bluish White being low-pitched and the Lime being neutral and muted.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch has multiple descriptors. It is described as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These switches provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation. They also have a mild feel, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, the Bluish White switch is described as stepped, meaning it feels like it has two stages with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. It is also subtle, providing gentle resistance without being overly feather-light. Lastly, the Bluish White switch is described as polished, which suggests a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime tactile switch shares some similarities in feel with the Bluish White. It is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience suitable for most users. It is also subtle and polished, providing a light typing feel without excessive resistance and a smooth key travel experience. Furthermore, the Lime switch is described as feathery, suggesting an exceptionally light actuation force and reduced strain on fingers, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Overall, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience with various subtle differences in feel.
In conclusion, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities. The Bluish White offers a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, a buttery and mild feel, and a polished finish. On the other hand, the Lime switch provides a feathery light typing experience with a neutral and muted sound profile, a mild and subtle feel, and a polished finish as well. Both switches cater to tactile fans who enjoy a tactile typing experience but differ in terms of sound and some aspects of feel. Depending on personal preferences and requirements, either switch can provide a delightful typing experience. However, it is important to consider additional factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used to fully determine the resulting sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a slightly mellow and low-pitched sound, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. These switches have a light bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a buttery, mild, and polished typing feel. The Bluish Whites are known for their smooth and uniform keystroke experience, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users.
On the other hand, if you prefer a feathery light typing experience with a touch of tactility and a quieter sound, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is perfect for you. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches are incredibly lightweight and silenced, ideal for tactile fans who want a gentle typing feel. The Lime switches offer a mild and subtle typing experience, with a polished finish that reduces friction and provides smooth key travel.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs. Consider the sound profile, feel, and bottom out force of both switches to determine which one aligns better with your desired typing experience. Whether you prioritize a lively and poppy feel like the Bluish Whites or a feather-light and silenct experience like the Limes, both switches offer their own unique qualities for an enjoyable typing session.
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