TTC Bluish White vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are pleased to offer two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches for those seeking different typing experiences. The TTC Bluish White is a tactile switch that provides a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile. It is characterized by a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, polished, and low-pitched feel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black, a linear switch, has been further perfected by Cherry with their new Hyperglide tooling, offering a classic textured smoothness. When typing on these switches, users will notice a familiar deep sound profile. The MX Black is categorized as low-pitched, textured, and stiff. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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 Cherry MX Black switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Bluish White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which lends itself to a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the MX Black features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of their bottom housings, both switches employ nylon as the material. This choice of material in the bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon has the ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. Therefore, both the Bluish White and MX Black switches provide a similar acoustic experience when it comes to their bottom-out sound.
However, it should be noted that the qualities brought by the top housing material are more evident when releasing a key. In the case of the Bluish White's polycarbonate top housing, the sound produced upon releasing a key will be influenced by its stiffness, resulting in a distinct sound profile. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the MX Black will have a different impact on the sound when releasing a key, providing its own unique acoustic characteristic.
Overall, while both switches share the use of nylon in their bottom housings, their differing top housing materials, polycarbonate for the Bluish White and nylon for the MX Black, contribute to distinctive sound profiles. The polycarbonate housing of the Bluish White offers a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon housing of the MX Black creates a deeper and fuller sound.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bluish White switch has a relatively lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the MX Black switch requires a stronger force of 60 grams to actuate, offering a more substantial typing experience. The bottom out force of the Bluish White switch is 50 grams, while the MX Black switch has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams. This means that the MX Black switch requires a firmer push to fully press the key down. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Bluish White switch make it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it allows for greater endurance. On the other hand, the MX Black switch's heavier forces provide a more pronounced tactile feedback and may be preferred by users who desire a more solid and impactful typing feel. Both switches, however, offer distinct advantages depending on individual preferences, ensuring that users can achieve satisfying results with either option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Bluish White has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the MX Black has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the MX Black aligns more closely with the standard 4.0 mm, while the Bluish White falls on the shallower end with its 3.5 mm travel distance. Gamers, who prioritize faster response times, often prefer shorter travel distances, making the Bluish White an attractive option for them. However, for those who enjoy a sense of depth and solidity in their keystrokes, the MX Black's longer travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness. Regardless of choice, both switches offer a satisfying tactile experience for users.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
In terms of sound, both the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch have a low-pitched profile. This means that they both feature a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Bluish White switch has qualities such as a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel. A buttery switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, while a mild switch offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable for most users. Stepped switches have a two-stage feel, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Subtle switches have a gentle resistance and a light typing feel, making them suitable for shared spaces. Polished switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction.
On the other hand, the MX Black switch is described as textured and stiff. Textured switches have noticeable friction when pressed, which can be preferred by some users. Stiff switches require a higher amount of force to actuate and/or bottom-out, meaning that more force needs to be applied when pressing the keys.
In conclusion, the Bluish White tactile switch and the MX Black linear switch have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bluish White offers a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile and a range of feel qualities like buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished. On the other hand, the MX Black provides a classic textured smoothness with a deep sound profile and has a textured feel that some users prefer, along with a stiffer typing experience. Overall, the Bluish White switch is known for its smoothness and uniform typing sensation, while the MX Black switch offers a different typing experience with its textured feel and stiffer nature.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is the better choice for you. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, it offers a lighter touch, making it easier to type for extended periods of time without causing fatigue. The Bluish White also provides a buttery, mild, and polished feel, resulting in a smooth and effortless typing sensation. These switches are ideal for those who prefer a gentler typing experience and a low-pitched sound profile.
On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch that requires more force to actuate and bottom out, the Cherry MX Black linear switch would be your best option. With a bottom out force of 80 grams, these switches offer a more robust and decisive keystroke. The MX Black switch also provides a familiar deep sound profile and a textured feel, which some users may prefer for its added feedback and resistance.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch depends on your personal preferences for typing experience, force requirements, and sound profile. Consider your typing style, desired level of feedback, and the amount of force you're comfortable with when making your decision. Both switches have their own unique qualities, so choose the one that best suits your needs and enhances your overall typing experience.
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