TTC Bluish White vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Bluish White and Cherry MX Silent Red stand out as popular choices for different reasons. The Bluish White offers a tactile typing experience with a satisfyingly poppy feel and a snappy sound profile, categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', and 'Low-pitched'. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red provides a similarly satisfying typing experience as the MX Red but with the added benefit of silent operation, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Categorized as 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', the MX Silent Red offers a quieter sound profile. Both switches have their own unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences, but diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you make the best decision for your typing needs.
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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the Cherry MX Silent Red, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. This makes typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produce a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. Therefore, in terms of bottom housing materials, the TTC Bluish White and the Cherry MX Silent Red offer similar sound profiles.
However, when it comes to the top housing materials, the TTC Bluish White stands out with its polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the TTC Bluish White switch. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound compared to the sharper sound profile of polycarbonate. This contrast in top housing materials highlights the difference in sound characteristics between the two switches.
Overall, while both the TTC Bluish White and the Cherry MX Silent Red share similarities in their use of nylon for the bottom housing, they differ in their choice of top housing material. The TTC Bluish White's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for RGB lighting effects, while the Cherry MX Silent Red's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. These differences in housing materials contribute to the unique sound profiles of each switch, offering distinct typing experiences for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that they have slight differences in their force requirements. The Bluish White switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a relatively light typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. This means that while the MX Silent Red may require a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke, the force needed to bottom out the key remains uncertain. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to preference, with the lighter actuation force of the Bluish White switch being ideal for extended typing sessions, and the potentially heavier feel of the MX Silent Red switch providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer it.
Travel distance
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch with a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Despite the small difference in distance, it can impact the overall feel of the switch when typing or gaming. The Bluish White switch will provide a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red switch offers a bit more depth in its travel distance, which can feel more satisfying for those who prefer a more substantial keypress. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are commonly found in modern keyboards, offering users a similar experience in terms of key feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the individual user.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 known for its low-pitched and snappy sound profile, providing a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offers a muted and thocky sound, creating a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for noise-sensitive environments. While both switches offer a pleasing typing experience, the Bluish White will provide a more pronounced and snappier sound compared to the significantly quieter operation of the MX Silent Red.
In terms of feel, the Bluish White switch is often described as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with gentle resistance. These qualities provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation suitable for most users. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red switch is noted for its textured feel, providing noticeable friction when pressed that some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. While the Bluish White offers a more polished and refined typing experience, the MX Silent Red provides a unique textured feel that may appeal to users looking for a different tactile sensation.
In conclusion, the choice between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a snappier and more pronounced sound profile with a buttery and polished typing feel, the Bluish White switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a quieter and thocky sound profile with a textured typing feel, the MX Silent Red switch could be the perfect fit. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, and regardless of which one you choose, you can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard switch that meets your typing needs.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile, then the TTC Bluish White would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that provides the same satisfying typing experience but with a significantly quieter sound profile, ideal for noise-sensitive environments, then the Cherry MX Silent Red would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the tactile feel and sound of the switch or the quietness of your typing experience.
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