TTC Bluish White vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch can make all the difference, and two popular options are the TTC Bluish White and the Cherry MX Purple RGB, both of which are tactile switches. The TTC Bluish White is celebrated for its satisfyingly poppy typing experience, characterized by a snappy sound profile and a mild, buttery feel that appeals to typists who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB delivers a refined tactile experience with a short, medium-strength bump, meticulously developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiasts, making it an excellent choice for those who value precision in their keystrokes. While the Bluish White offers a more vibrant auditory experience, the Cherry MX Purple focuses on a balanced tactile sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Yes
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
When examining the housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches, notable distinctions emerge, particularly in the composition of their top housings. The Bluish White switch employs a polycarbonate material for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper acoustic profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate leads to enhanced resonance and clarity, especially beneficial when RGB lighting is utilized, as its translucency allows for effective light diffusion. Contrasting this, the Cherry MX Purple RGB utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material known for its softer qualities that absorb sound more effectively. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, creating a more muted auditory experience compared to the brightness of polycarbonate.
When focusing on the bottom housings, however, both switches share a similarity, as they both incorporate nylon. This material is recognized as a classic for switch bottom housings due to its ability to create a rich, rounded sound profile. In this instance, both the TTC Bluish White and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches will generate deeper tones during key presses due to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. Thus, while the top housings differ significantly—with polycarbonate promoting clarity and nylon enhancing depth and warmth—the bottom housings unify them in producing a fuller sound.
The combined effects of these housing materials reveal how each switch reflects its design philosophy through auditory and tactile feedback. The contrasting top housings of the Bluish White and MX Purple RGB influence the sound characteristics experienced when engaging the switches, with one leaning towards brightness and the other towards rounded fullness. Nevertheless, both switches equilibrate in their bottom housing to enhance the overall typing experience, blending the sharpness of polycarbonate with the warmth of nylon. Ultimately, users can expect distinctive sound profiles that may cater to different preferences, but also appreciate that similar results can be achieved due to the consistent properties of nylon in their bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, we can see some key differences. The TTC Bluish White switch boasts an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which categorizes it as a lighter option. On the contrary, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, but its bottom out force is unspecified, making it challenging to draw a complete comparison regarding its bottoming out characteristics. For users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming, the TTC Bluish White is the better choice. However, those who favor a more substantial typing feel might gravitate towards the Cherry MX Purple RGB, despite its unclear bottom out force. Overall, the TTC Bluish White is the lighter option, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB, with its greater actuation force, can be considered heavier.
Travel distance
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Bluish White switch offers a shorter actuation distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quick response times and rapid key presses. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB, with its longer travel distance, provides a more pronounced tactile feedback, which some users might prefer for a heartier typing experience. Overall, if you prioritize responsiveness in your keystrokes, the TTC Bluish White would be the better choice, while those who appreciate a more substantial depth might opt for the Cherry MX Purple RGB.
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 Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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
The sound profile of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is noted for its low-pitched, bass-heavy quality, giving it a satisfying and snappy audio feedback during typing. This low-pitched sound creates a mellow yet pronounced auditory experience, which many users appreciate, as it adds to the tactile enjoyment of using the switch. In contrast, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches do not have a specific sound descriptor provided, they generally offer a refined auditory experience as part of their overall design. It's important to note that the sound produced by any switch can vary based on factors such as the keyboard it’s used with and the type of keycaps, making it possible to achieve a similar sound depending on these variables.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Bluish White switch shines with a combination of characteristics. It offers a buttery sensation, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that enhances typing comfort. The switch's mild tactile feedback presents an approachable typing experience that accommodates a range of preferences, while the stepped nature adds a subtle two-stage feel, allowing typists to recognize pre-travel and post-travel stages. Furthermore, the subtle resistance and polished finish ensure that each keystroke is not only gentle but also refined, resulting in reduced friction and a seamless typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is recognized for its short, medium-strength bump, which is developed to provide a solid tactile response. However, without additional descriptors, it is difficult to make specific comparisons regarding its nuanced feel.
In conclusion, both the TTC Bluish White and Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switches offer distinct yet appealing qualities in sound and feel for typists. The Bluish White excels with its low-pitched, snappy sound and a rich tactile experience characterized by smoothness and gradual feedback, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB provides a more straightforward tactile bump and a refined auditory experience. Depending on your typing style and preferences, you may find both switches to deliver satisfying performance, especially when considering that sound can be influenced by other components in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Bluish White and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switches ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you are in search of a light and playful typing experience, the Bluish White is an ideal choice—it boasts a lower bottom-out force of 50 grams, making it easier on the fingers for extended typing sessions. Its satisfying poppy sound profile also adds to the overall enjoyment, making it perfect for casual use or at home where acoustics can enhance your experience. Conversely, if you prefer a more refined tactile feedback, with a slightly more substantial feel—though the exact force is unspecified—the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches might be your go-to. Developed with keyboard enthusiasts in mind, these switches deliver a medium-strength bump that many typists find satisfying without being overbearing. Therefore, if you're in a shared workspace and require something that feels sturdy yet approachable, the Cherry MX Purple RGB can offer that subtle balance. In summary, consider your typing style, the sound environment you'll be in, and your tactile preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard choice.
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