TTC Bluish White vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Bluish White and the Outemu Silent Grey mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they both offer tactile feedback for a satisfying typing experience. The Bluish White switch is known for its poppy tactile feedback and snappy sound profile, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a subtle but satisfying typing feel. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch provides a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. While the Bluish White switch is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Stepped', 'Subtle', 'Polished', 'Low-pitched', the Silent Grey switch falls under a different categorization. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that may appeal to different preferences. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the TTC Bluish White and the Outemu Silent Grey switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The clear nature of polycarbonate is ideal for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they may differ in their bottom housing material. The Bluish White utilizes a nylon bottom housing to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer composition that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Silent Grey also features a nylon bottom housing for similar sound qualities, highlighting the classic switch housing material's impact on typing experience.
The choice of housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of a mechanical switch. In the case of the TTC Bluish White, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a unique typing experience with a crisp sound upon key release and a fuller sound when bottoming out. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey offers a similar experience with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, providing a sharp sound profile in conjunction with a deeper, more damped typing sound. Despite the differences in housing materials between the two switches, their overall performance may be more alike than different due to the shared qualities of polycarbonate and nylon in enhancing sound and typing feel.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Bluish White and the Outemu Silent Grey switches may come down to personal preference in sound and typing experience. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and crisp sound profile, their nylon bottom housing materials provide distinct sound qualities that enhance the overall typing feel. Whether you prefer a sharper, more resonant sound with the Bluish White or a deeper, more damped sound with the Silent Grey, both switches offer a combination of housing materials that contribute to a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may boil down to individual preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Bluish White make it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Silent Grey's heavier forces provide a more substantial typing feel, ideal for users who prefer a stronger push when typing. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience, but the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bluish White TTC tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, while the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In this case, the Silent Grey has a longer travel distance compared to the Bluish White. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Silent Grey is more traditional, providing a deeper key press feel, while the 3.5mm travel distance of the Bluish White is slightly shorter and may appeal to those looking for a faster response time. Gamers in particular may prefer the Bluish White for its shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial key press may opt for the Silent Grey. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance.
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 Outemu Silent Grey comes in at $3.10 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
When comparing the sound of the TTC Bluish White and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switches, the Bluish White provides a low-pitched sound profile, which typically offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switches are known for being quiet, making them perfect for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Bluish White being more poppy and the Silent Grey being more silent.
In terms of feel, the TTC Bluish White switches are described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. They are also noted to be mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, they are stepped switches, meaning they feel like they have two stages with some pre-travel and post-travel. The switches are subtle, with a gentle resistance that is suitable for shared spaces, and polished for a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switches' feel is not described in the provided information.
Overall, the TTC Bluish White and Outemu Silent Grey tactile switches offer different sound and feel experiences to cater to varying preferences. While the Bluish White provides a poppy sound and a buttery, smooth typing experience, the Outemu Silent Grey offers a quiet and tactile typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. It is important to consider factors such as keycaps and keyboard build when choosing between the two switches to achieve your desired typing sensation.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Bluish White and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switches, you should choose the Bluish White if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a low-pitched sound profile, a buttery feel with mild characteristics, and a stepped and polished typing experience. On the other hand, you should opt for the Outemu Silent Grey if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a quiet typing experience, a highly tactile feel, and subtle characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing sound, feel, and overall experience.
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