TTC Bluish White vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Bluish White and the TTC Neptune stand out for their unique characteristics. The Bluish White is a tactile switch that offers a satisfyingly poppy typing experience, accompanied by a snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Neptune is a linear switch that boasts an innovative internal structure, providing a smooth and almost frictionless typing experience with a springy resistance that feels like chewy delights such as mochi or tapioca pearls. While the Bluish White is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', and 'Low-pitched', the Neptune is labeled as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Subdued', and 'Thocky'. If you prefer a tactile typing experience with a snappier sound, the Bluish White might be the right choice for you. However, if you enjoy a smooth and almost frictionless typing experience with a unique springy resistance and muted sound signature, the Neptune could be the perfect fit. 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
41g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the TTC Neptune, it is clear that they offer different sound profiles due to their unique characteristics. The Bluish White's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, while the Neptune's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles could appeal to different preferences, with the Bluish White offering a more vibrant and clear sound, while the Neptune provides a more subdued and full-bodied sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Bluish White's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Neptune's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a sharper and clearer sound due to its stiffer plastic nature. This difference in sound quality could influence the overall typing experience for users, with the Bluish White offering a softer and rounder sound and the Neptune delivering a more resonant and clear sound.
It is important to note that the choice of housing materials for a switch can greatly impact the overall sound and feel of the typing experience. While the TTC Bluish White and Neptune may have different top and bottom housings, they both aim to provide a unique sound profile for users. Whether you prefer the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two housing materials will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch both have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, with the Bluish White having an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, and the Neptune having an actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that both switches offer a smooth typing experience with little resistance. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, either switch would be a good choice. However, some may find the difference in actuation force between the two switches to be negligible in terms of feel, as they are very close in weight. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of tactile feedback rather than actuation force.
Travel distance
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Neptune linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Neptune has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Bluish White. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Bluish White with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Neptune with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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, both the TTC Bluish White and Neptune switches share a low-pitched characteristic, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, the Neptune switch offers additional qualities such as being muted, neutral, subdued, and thocky, creating a softer and quieter sound profile ideal for refined and unobtrusive auditory ambiance. The Bluish White, on the other hand, provides a snappy sound profile that adds a poppy element to the typing experience.
In terms of feel, both switches are described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and effortless. The Neptune switch goes further by offering a gummy feel, mimicking the sensation of bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear, along with being frictionless, mild, and polished for a refined typing experience. The Bluish White, while also offering a mild typing experience, adds descriptors such as mild, stepped, and subtle to its feel, giving users a range of tactile sensations to enjoy.
Overall, the TTC Bluish White and Neptune switches each have their unique qualities in sound and feel, catering to different preferences in typing experiences. Whether you prefer a poppy and snappy sound with a buttery and subtle feel, or a muted and thocky sound with a gummy and frictionless feel, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences and typing style, you can expect similar results in terms of overall satisfaction and performance from either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile, opt for the Bluish White. On the other hand, if you value an innovative internal structure that provides a smooth, frictionless glide with a springy resistance like mochi or tapioca pearls, along with a "matte" textured pleasure in every keystroke, then the Neptune is the switch for you. The Bluish White offers a low-pitched sound, while the Neptune provides a low-pitched, muted, neutral, subdued, and thocky sound profile. In terms of feel, the Bluish White offers a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished typing experience, while the Neptune provides a buttery, gummy, frictionless, mild, and polished feel. Ultimately, your choice should be based on whether you prefer a tactile switch with a poppy sound or a linear switch with a smooth glide and unique resistance.
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