TTC Bluish White vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are pleased to offer two excellent options for mechanical keyboard switches: the TTC Bluish White and the KTT Orange. The Bluish White is a tactile switch that provides a satisfyingly poppy typing experience. It offers a snappy sound profile and is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', and 'Low-pitched'. On the other hand, the KTT Orange is a linear switch known for its bouncy type feel. It features a polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and a vivid orange nylon bottom housing, providing a slick, frictionless typing experience. This switch has a low-pitched sound profile and is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Frictionless', and 'Low-pitched'. If you're looking for a tactile switch with a satisfying poppy feel, the TTC Bluish White may be the perfect choice for you. However, if you prefer a smooth and bouncy typing experience with minimal friction, the KTT Orange switch might be your top pick. Now, 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
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the KTT Orange, it's clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting, making it an excellent choice in terms of aesthetics for those looking to enhance their keyboard's visual appeal.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Bluish White incorporates nylon while the Orange opts for polycarbonate. Nylon brings forth a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. This is due to the fact that nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a slightly duller and rounder sound. Meanwhile, the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiffer nature.
When using a switch with different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material will be distributed between the top and bottom parts of the switch. The bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down, while the top housing will influence the sound when the key is released. This distinction allows for a more dynamic and nuanced typing experience, with the different materials working together to create unique auditory feedback depending on the Switch being used.
In conclusion, although the TTC Bluish White and the KTT Orange share a polycarbonate top housing that enhances their sound profile and allows for RGB lighting, they diverge in terms of their bottom housing material. The Bluish White utilizes nylon for a deeper and fuller sound, while the Orange employs polycarbonate for a crisper and resonant sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preference for the specific sound characteristics each material offers.
Weight
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch have noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bluish White switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Orange switch's 46 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Bluish White is 50 grams, while the Orange switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 53 grams.
The difference in actuation force means that the Bluish White switch requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Orange switch's slightly higher actuation force provides a more substantial push feel, catering to users who prefer a firmer and more tactile typing experience.
In terms of bottom out force, the Bluish White switch requires less force to fully depress the key compared to the Orange switch. This means that the Bluish White switch might provide a softer landing when pressing the keys all the way down, potentially resulting in less audible noise during typing.
Overall, if weight is a factor to consider, the Bluish White switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Orange switch. However, both switches offer a tactile response and would yield similar results, in terms of overall typing experience, to users who desire a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the switch travel a distance of 3.5 mm from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a satisfying amount of feedback and tactile response. Therefore, regardless of whether you choose the TTC Bluish White or the KTT Orange, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance and key press 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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange 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
In terms of sound, both the Bluish White and Orange switches are described as having a low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches typically produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Given that both switches have a low-pitched profile, you can expect similar results in terms of sound.
When it comes to feel, the Bluish White switch offers a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished typing experience. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The mild characteristic means it offers a gentle typing experience that many find approachable. The stepped feature gives the switch a slight two-stage tactile feedback, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The subtle resistance of the switch maintains a light typing feel, and the polished finish ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Orange switch is described as bouncy and frictionless. The bouncy characteristic gives the keys a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, providing a lively feel and rebound when pressed. The frictionless feature offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The switch provides a fluid travel without any noticeable hindrance.
In conclusion, both the Bluish White and Orange switches offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While they share a low-pitched sound profile, the Bluish White switch provides a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished typing experience, while the Orange switch offers a bouncy and frictionless feel. If you prefer a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction, the Bluish White switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lively and bouncy typing sensation with minimal resistance, the Orange switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch will depend on your personal preferences. If you desire a satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a light and buttery feel, the Bluish White switches are a great choice. These switches provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation, with a sound profile that is low-pitched and mellow. Additionally, the Bluish Whites offer a polished finish and reduced friction, resulting in a smooth key travel experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and frictionless typing experience, the KTT Orange switches are worth considering. With a 22mm long spring, these switches provide a lively and elastic feedback sensation, giving you rebound when pressed. The Orange switches also offer a low-pitched sound profile and a slick, frictionless typing experience, thanks to excellent factory-lubing.
In summary, if you prioritize a snappy and buttery typing experience with reduced friction, the TTC Bluish White tactile switches are the way to go. However, if you prefer a bouncy and frictionless typing experience with a lively feel, the KTT Orange linear switches are a better fit. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
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